LPL Financial Holdings Inc., formerly LPL Investment Holdings Inc., is a holding company. The Company provides an integrated platform of brokerage and investment advisory services to independent financial advisors and financial advisors at financial institutions (collectively advisors) in the United States of America. Through its custody and clearing platform, the Company provides access to diversified financial products and services enabling its advisors to offer independent financial advice and brokerage services to retail investors (clients). As of December 31, 2011, the Company provided services to approximately 12,800 advisors across the country. In addition, as of December 31, 2011, the Company supported approximately 4,000 financial advisors with customized clearing, advisory platforms and technology solutions. In April 2012, LPL Financial LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired Fortigent, LLC.