Pros
Since a large part of it is owned by private equity its almost a free for all. Almost because its the execs that abuse this the most. Great public relations announcements that creates so much noise that you don't see how bad it really is.
Cons
This place has actually fallen behind rather quickly. There is plenty of PR stating that this organization is disrupting the industry which couldn't be further from the truth (great PR). The vast majority of the tech team is behind the times and this is due to poor leadership from the CTO, the hiring practices are even worse. If you know the CTO you can get a job pretty easily whether or not you can do the job. However don't ever challenge 95% of the execs at HighTower, it gets escalated pretty quick. The whole technology and operations group could really use an upgrade of talented resources. Elliot is so far removed from reality that its pathetic. There are certain execs that can say or do anything and there are no consequences with HR. Its an absolute zoo. Do not buy into the hype about the IPO either. Do not go to work here with the hopes that your "stock" will be worth anything and that you will have a decent nest egg. Management has made sure they will be the ones to make out like bandits (IF there is a liquidity event) and the rest of the "common folk" will be left behind.