The Value of Broker-Dealer Business in a Fee-First World
Broker-dealer firms were once the backbone of advisor distribution and client service. They gave financial advisors the tools, products, and oversight needed to build practices. But the industry has shifted. The rise of fiduciary-first, fee-based models has redefined what clients expect from their financial advisors. Investors now look for transparency, ongoing advice, and planning that […]
Advisors Splitting From Big Companies (Breakaways)
Across the wealth management landscape, one trend is reshaping the industry: advisors splitting from big companies. More financial professionals are leaving wirehouses and national firms to strike out on their own, which often forms independent RIAs or joining fee-first platforms. The shift is driven by a mix of opportunity and frustration. Advisors want more freedom […]
Buying a Book of Business: Financial Advisor Tax Considerations
When advisors think about selling or acquiring a practice, most of the attention goes to valuation and purchase price. Those numbers matter, but they don’t tell the whole story. The way a deal is taxed can change the outcome for both sides. For a seller, the key issue is whether the proceeds qualify as capital […]
Turnkey Succession Planning for Financial Advisors
Thousands of financial advisors are approaching retirement in the next decade, and many still don’t have a clear exit strategy. Years of building client trust and managing assets can be put at risk when there’s no plan for what happens next. Turnkey succession planning for financial advisors has emerged as a way to solve this […]
Practice Continuation Plans for Advisors: Why Every Solo Advisor Needs One
Many solo advisors work for years without a written plan for what happens if they’re suddenly unavailable. Practice continuation plans for advisors fill that gap, yet too many professionals put them off. A sudden illness, accident, or personal emergency can leave clients without guidance and families scrambling to make decisions. Without a plan, client relationships […]
Junior Partner Buying Out Senior Advisor’s Book of Business: Pros, Cons, and What to Know
Internal succession is starting to gain traction as more advisory firms seek continuity without disruption. One path that often feels natural is a junior partner buying out the senior advisor’s book of business. After years of mentorship, shared client meetings, and cultural alignment, this kind of handoff seems like a logical next step. But logic […]
Client Retention During Advisor Transition: How to Preserve Trust, Loyalty, and Value
For most advisors, the hardest question to face isn’t about valuations or timing. It’s this: What happens to my clients if I’m not here tomorrow? The truth is, succession planning has never been just about money. It’s about trust (decades of it). You’ve walked clients through market crashes, retirements, college tuitions, and family transitions. So […]
Average Book of Business for a Financial Advisor (And What to Do About Yours)
If you’ve ever wondered how your practice stacks up against others, you’re not alone. Financial advisors often compare notes on AUM, number of clients, or revenue, but most don’t have a clear picture of what the average book of business for a financial advisor actually looks like. In simple terms, a “book of business” includes […]
buyAUM vs. FP Transitions: Which Is Right for Your Legacy?
Succession planning isn’t about endings. It’s about ownership of your time, your future, and the legacy you’ve spent years building. Right now, thousands of advisors are entering this phase. Retirement timelines are accelerating, and the need for smart, personalized transition support is growing fast. That’s where the real decision begins. For many advisors, the comparison […]
RIA Succession Planning: Secure Your Legacy Now
RIA succession planning is no longer optional. It’s a necessity. Roughly a third of financial advisors are over 60. Many have no clear plan for what happens if they step away, or are forced to. Regardless of whether it’s illness, burnout, or just wanting more time with family, the day always comes. And when it […]