Congratulations! You’ve decided to take the plunge and start a new journey as a breakaway advisor. This is an exciting time, but a busy one, with so many tasks ahead and decisions to make. It might seem complicated now, but you’re already well on your way to greater freedom and autonomy. You’ve chosen a path [...]
Mariner Platform Solutions is a platform for fee-based independent advisors that incorporates the best practices of top Mariner Wealth Advisors. The Mariner Platform Solutions platform provides independent advisors “access to in-house advisory solutions teams across tax, investments, insurance, retirement solutions, investment banking, business valuation, practice management and trust services,” all to allow advisors to take [...]
In an era of almost endless information, it’s important for financial advisors to find ways to stand out in the crowd. As an advisor, obtaining the right certification can do more than just allow you to compete, it can be a differentiator for clients who are looking to choose an advisor. However, for independent advisors, [...]
For independent investment advisor representatives, an RIA practice is an investment all its own. And just as with a client’s investment plan, when and how to sell an RIA can be a complicated decision, implicating your own long-term financial goals, your impressions of the current and projected market, and even your personal feelings about your [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
“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 [...]
