this is a good explanation too, and from a local.
https://www.kalzumeus.com/2019/6/26/how-brokerages-make-mone...
The writing was on the wall for E-Trade. Banking is in an ebb of consolidation. E-Trade and TD Ameritrade had to sell once Interactive Brokers / Schwab started that game of dropping commission. They didnt add enough other value besides stock trading. They are a component to a larger banking suite.
I have to think Wealthfront and Betterment are targets now too. I have to think American Express is still a viable target as well.
The next thing empires SHOULD be looking at, is overall life management software. Personal Capital, YNAB.
I am somewhat surprised nobody offers an abstracted savings account, that handles 401k, IRA, HSA, paying rent and bills, and access to credit. Instead of showing you the balance of each account, it would show you how much you have, how much you need in the future, and how much you can spend today. And then automatically apply extra cash to the best spots, and automatically use credit and pay it off. Using credit AS part of the budget process. Not completely dissimilar from Singapore's Central Provident Fund.