Displaying items by tag: broker dealers

Independent financial advisors switching broker-dealers prioritize a smooth transition, supportive infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment with product and operational flexibility. 

Recruiter Derrick Friedman emphasizes that advisors now have the leverage to demand these conditions—and if broker-dealers (BDs) don’t meet them, they risk decline. Industry consolidation has shrunk the pool of large BDs, prompting many advisors to consider RIAs, especially those seeking fewer compliance burdens and more freedom to grow fee-based practices. 

Hybrid models remain attractive to advisors who still maintain transactional business and want to retain flexibility. Technology—like DocuSign—has reduced friction in transitions, making it easier for advisors to move their book of business quickly. 

Finsum: While RIAs are expanding rapidly, BDs aren't disappearing; instead, consolidation is pushing advisors and recruiters alike to explore a wider landscape of firms.

When evaluating a potential move to a new broker-dealer, it’s important to clarify key factors that will impact your control, income stability, and long-term success. 

1. For instance, understanding who owns the client relationships affects your future ability to manage your book of business. 
2. Frequent changes to the financial advisor compensation plan may signal instability, so reviewing their track record can help protect your income. 
3. Investigate how many practices the broker-dealer has attracted recently and why, as this reflects both its appeal and integration support. 
4. Assess how successful previous advisors have been at transferring their assets, since this can impact your business continuity. 
5. Leadership matters too—long-tenured CEOs often point to organizational stability and a consistent vision. 

Finsum: Also, recent enhancements to the advisor platform to see whether the broker-dealer is investing in tools that will genuinely support and grow your practice.

Even the best-laid plans can go awry, and for advisors transitioning to a new firm, the risks increase when due diligence is rushed. A well-thought-out strategy can help avoid common pitfalls, especially when considering client loyalty and portability. 

Clients generally follow advisors, not firms, but those who have moved before must present a compelling, client-centered rationale for another transition. The ability to replicate services, including alternative investments and loan terms, is also crucial, as logistical hurdles could deter clients from making the switch. 

Legal risks, such as violating non-solicitation clauses or mishandling proprietary information, can lead to costly consequences, making legal counsel essential.

Finsum: While unexpected challenges may arise, advisors can minimize disruptions by learning from past transitions and following best practices.

Advisors evaluating a new firm should ask key questions to determine if it aligns with their long-term goals and client needs. 

1. First, understanding who owns the firm reveals its revenue structure, potential proprietary product requirements, and overall objectivity. 
2. Second, clarifying who owns the book of business is crucial, as it impacts client retention and succession planning in the event of a departure. 
3. Third, identifying the firm’s clearing firm or custodian helps advisors assess whether transitioning will be smooth or require significant operational changes. 

Staying with a familiar platform can simplify the move, while switching may present challenges.

Finsum: By addressing these questions upfront, advisors can make informed decisions about their professional future.

The debate over custodial pricing continues, with many questioning whether bundling all revenue sources into a single fee is fair. Since custodians don’t face significantly higher costs for a $10 million account versus a $100,000 one, a pay-for-services-used model may be more equitable. 

Another pressing issue is the slow adoption of automated onboarding, as many custodians still require paper forms and wet signatures despite available digital alternatives. Some speculate that firms hesitate to streamline transfers because it would make it easier for advisors to switch custodians, reducing client stickiness. 

Beyond pricing and onboarding, factors like service quality, cost, and additional features—such as dedicated support teams or integrated technology—shape custodian selection. 

Finsum: As the industry evolves, understanding these priorities will be key to creating a more efficient and competitive custodial marketplace.