We also compare online broker fees ... s comprehensive review process evaluates and rates the largest U.S. brokerage firms by assets under management, along with emerging industry players.

The retail brokerage business ... financial advisor or use the firm's robo advisor. Like many of its competitors, the firm also offers commission-free online trades on ETFs, stocks and options.

New competitors in real estate brokerage threaten to disrupt the current brokerage firm models. This is not to say these firms are no longer formidable; they remain significant forces in the industry.