The world of investment and financial advice has never been more complicated. Understanding the web of available licenses and credentials can help you to more effectively position yourself for a move to an independent advisor model, whether as a Registered Investment Advisor, RIA, or as an independent broker-dealer, or as a hybrid of both, with [...]
Going independent as a financial advisor is complicated — after all, you’re standing up an entirely new business from scratch. Creating a new RIA involves resolving a lot of thorny compliance questions, ensuring you have a client service plan in place, and creating seamless technology solutions that allow you to compete with bigger firms. As [...]
A big part of being a Registered Investment Advisor, or RIA, is ensuring that your business practices, technology solutions, communications with clients, and investment strategies comply with the myriad regulations that govern the financial services industry. Of those rules and regulations, none is more important than the fiduciary duty rule. Your fiduciary obligations are likely [...]
One of the great benefits of a career as a financial advisor is that there’s no set career path you need to follow. Depending on the credentialing and certification path you choose, you have a lot of options. From working for a large, full-service wirehouse, to working at a regional firm, to becoming an independent [...]
After two years of uncertainty and upheaval, it’s no wonder that many financial advisors, like those in all walks of life, are considering more independent career paths. But making the decision to leave a wirehouse for a more independent financial advisory practice is a complicated one. Understand more about the pros and cons of going [...]
Starting out as an RIA or independent broker-dealer is complicated. New RIAs don’t just need to worry about attracting clients or managing their assets responsibly, they also need to keep up-to-date with requirements for state and federal compliance. Failing to adhere to these strict regulatory rules can be costly — fines, legal fees, and lost [...]
Financial Advisors have no shortage of options when it comes to finding a work environment that suits their personalities, work styles, and professional goals. From the support and institutional structure of a wirehouse firm to the independence of an RIA, Financial Advisors have the freedom and flexibility to choose a work structure that best fits [...]
A first meeting, whether it’s with a prospective employer, a potential new client, or even a new business associate, can always be a little anxiety-inducing. After all, you want to be sure to answer any questions, make a great first impression, and make sure you express your interest in the relationship. But too much follow-up [...]
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail” — Benjamin Franklin One of the first steps in going independent, whether captive, hybrid or turn-key with an IBD or RIA, is making sure you’ve got the right plan in place. Creating a business plan is a critical component in getting ready to move to [...]
As an independent advisor, you know that your investment skill is only part of the package you bring to the table to provide the best client service. You also serve as your own marketing, billing, and compliance department, a source of important news, and an expert resource. Maintaining excellent client relationships is at least as [...]
