Following the Goldman Sachs model of independent research, Merrill Lynch has launched Merrill Open Minds, a service that connects clients with third-party research, according to Financial News Online. The research, in some cases, extends beyond standard stock reports, into areas of governance and policy, and surveys. It's unclear whether Merrill Lynch has taken equity stakes in these companies, the way Goldman Sachs has taken stakes in their third-party research providers. More banks will be forced to get their plans ironed out, as more clients opt for this kind of research.  

For more:
- here's the Financial News Online article

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