Start an RIA or Join an Existing One Comparison Chart
Open Here This is a chart comparing some of the key categories that should be considered when making the decision to start an RIA or join and existing one. It…
Should I Start an RIA or Join an Existing One?
Written by: Javi Otero Should I Start an RIA or Join an Existing One? The path to independence is a popular one, and many advisors will consider the appropriateness of…
Advisor to Owner: What It Really Takes to Transition and Launch an RIA
Written by: Javi Otero Advisor to Owner: What It Really Takes to Transition and Launch an RIA You’re Not Just Moving — You’re Building Most financial advisors think of a…
Why Advisors Should Consider Niching Down During a Transition
Written by: Javi Otero Why Advisors Should Consider Niching Down During a Transition When starting or joining an RIA, it’s important to consider all aspects of the process - from…
Starting or Joining an RIA: The 3 Types of Transitions
Written by: Javi Otero Starting or Joining an RIA: The 3 Types of Transitions If you’re a financial advisor considering a transition, the first (and arguably most critical) step is…
LPL Acquiring Commonwealth: Opinions and Questions
Written by: Javi Otero & Grier Rubeling Javi Otero Grier Rubeling LPL Acquiring Commonwealth: Opinions & Questions In late March (2025), LPL Financial announced a deal to acquire Commonwealth Financial…
You Started an RIA… Now What?
Written by: Javi Otero, Transition Consultant, Advisor Transition Services You Started an RIA... Now What? You’ve done it. You started an RIA. The transition is officially over – clients followed…
RIA Custodian Comparison: Raymond James vs Schwab vs Fidelity vs Pershing
Written by: Grier Rubeling, Owner/Operator, Advisor Transition ServicesThis article is a follow up and revamped version of the original, "Raymond James vs Charles Schwab: An RIA Model Comparison", published in 2021. RIA…
The Stress of Transitions – Managing Your Team
Written by: Javi Otero Transitions aren’t just about custodial paperwork and client outreach. They’re about teamwork. If there’s one thing that many advisors tend to underestimate during a move, it’s…
Looking Ahead in Advisor Transitions: Predicting the Next Big Shift
Written by: Javi Otero Change is inevitable in the world of wealth management, and advisor transitions are one of the major driving forces behind industry growth and evolution. Advisors are…