We help you chart the course to your ideal practice.

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Are you a W2 advisor or Private Banker wondering if a different firm may be a better fit?  Here are the most common W2 employee-models advisors are moving to now: 

1) Join a Multi-Channel Broker-Dealer: 

• This option allows you to monetize your practice now with a deal package, remain a W2 employee, but join a firm that has an independent channel, so that if you'd like to transition to the independent channel later, you don't need to repaper.  
• Some of these firms will also put in writing that you own your book of business. Period. Should you decide to leave at any point in the future, they are YOUR clients.
• These firms have payouts that are typically higher than the traditional wirehouses.

2) Join a Boutique Broker-Dealer:  Do you specialize in particular products or niche clients? There are boutique B/D's that specialize in:

• Municipal bond underwriting
• Insurance
• Middle market / investment banking
• Institutional / plan sponsors
• International clients
• and more...

3) Join an RIA as a W2 Employee: That's right. It's like having your cake and eating it too. You get the best of both worlds, as a fully supported W2 employee with back office support, compliance and benefits, but with the flexibility of an independent contractor.  Here is an example of just one of our represented RIA's value-add: 

Sample RIA with a W2 affiliation:

• 50-75% Payout / Grid
• Fully remote - work from anywhere
• All support staff, back office, and compliance provided
• State-of-the-art technology
• Multi-custodians to choose from
• A network of CPA's, attorneys, trust companies, family office resources, etc. 
• 100% of benefits paid - medical, dental, disability, etc.
• No prospecting! AI-driven marketing program that puts appts on your calendar
• Equity Ownership opportunity starting at $50M AUM
• This option is primarily for FA's with >85% in fee-based business

4) Join a Private Bank 

• For those who need to service both sides of the balance sheet
• Internal referral network
• Custom and structured lending

Let us help you chart your course to your ideal advisory practice.

The independent world is now a spectrum of choices -- from fully supported to entirely on your own.  Here are the most common business models:

1) Join a "Supported Independence" Firm: This model offers high advisor support with minimal responsibility, similar to being a W-2 employee. It provides transition dollars and back-office support and allows for decision-making freedom without the firm owning your client book.

2) Join an Independent Broker-Dealer (IBD): Offering a balance of support and responsibility, this model allows advisors to brand themselves (DBA) and requires them to manage their own staff and office logistics. It suits those seeking autonomy within a structured support system.

3) Join a Hybrid RIA

Most RIA's are 100% fee-only. However, some are known as Hybrid RIA's because they have access to a broker/dealer for any commission business you may generate. 

4) Join an Existing RIA 

Firms in this model can provide many benefits of being your own RIA, except that you do not own your own ADV.  You are an IAR of their RIA, and they will be responsible for compliance oversight.

5) Launch your own Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) 

This model demands the most from an advisor, providing minimal support but maximum independence. Advisors control every aspect of their business, own their own ADV, and can offer a wide range of services. It's ideal for those aspiring true entrepreneurship with unlimited potential. 

For advisors who have had a successful career and are now thinking about scaling back, we can help you evaluate your options.

Near-Term Retirement:

A few options here include "Sell and Stay," "Hire and Retire," and partial or full asset" sales at LTCG tax treatment instead of ordinary income. 

At-Retirement:

Some firms have robust marketplace platforms designed for advisors searching for a successor or an advisor interested in buying a book of business.

Taking some chips off the table:

Some firms will buy a certain percentage of your book or exchange it for equity in their RIA.

Your firm's retirement program:

This option may be suitable for an advisor who is comfortable with their income and is not concerned about leaving money on the table. It may also be suitable for advisors who don't want to deal with the inconvenience of changing firms.

To help advisors make the best choice, we are happy to consult on existing or planned retirement programs. 

We also have access to an extensive network of potential buyers of your practice, from private equity to RIA aggregators and IBDs with book-buying programs. Let us help you transition to the next remarkable chapter in your life.