If you're starting an RIA firm or evaluating its current compliance program, focus on these nine major requirements. The governing statute for registered investment advisers (RIAs)— the Investment Advisers Act of 1940— has existed for more than eight decades, amended twice, and is...

E&O claims don't just happen to other RIAs. If you're not careful, they can happen to you. "How do I sue thee?" Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) clients might ask. "Let me count the ways." We may have mangled poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning's immortal line, but the truth is that...

A digital customer experience can be highly effective in retaining RIA clients. The starting point: customizing it to meet their individual needs. Digital technology has revolutionized the investment-advisory business. Though many observers think it has made RIAs more efficient but less personal,...

Are you hearing from panicked clients during these financially volatile times? Here’s how RIAs and financial advisors can keep them focused on their long-term investment goals and results. Market volatility is a normal part of investing. It usually occurs when something spooks clients:...

Any profession that involves working with people requires a keen understanding and acceptance of an overused but valid principle: you can’t satisfy everyone. Regardless of your knowledge, skills and communication prowess, you’re likely to run into more than a few problematic clients. As...

Are you looking to grow your RIA firm’s client base? Then make sure you’re taking full advantage of digital marketing techniques, along with the traditional method of asking for referrals. Registered investment advisors (RIAs) typically grow through some combination of advertising,...

“Breaking away” is a common term used to describe securities registered representatives who leave their wirehouse broker-dealers to leverage the financial advantages of the RIA channel. But it’s also used when current IARs need to find a more hospitable home for their talents,...

The rewards of becoming a registered investment advisor (RIA) have been well documented. For the right person transitioning from the securities brokerage, insurance or financial-planning fields, the financial, personal and intellectual benefits are substantial. However, becoming an RIA is a complex...

The world is going gaga over Bitcoin investing. That doesn’t mean you should. Caution is in order. Cryptocurrencies are the investment equivalent of Instagram meal photos. Not only do they let investors brag about their cool portfolios to their friends, but they also can make them rich....

Working as a registered investment advisor (RIA) has its rewards. But heavy compliance requirements can be a downside. Here are some of the major issues RIAs must contend with. One way to limit your registered investment advisor (RIA) liability exposure is to effectively handle your compliance...

When should RIAs keep or drop their FINRA registration? It’s a tricky question with serious consequences. Get answers here. As a registered investment advisor (RIA), you’re well aware of your Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state registration requirements. But should you...

Have you segmented your client base according to financial or other criteria? If not, you may be missing out on an opportunity to optimize your firm’s performance. Client segmentation—defined as categorizing your customer base by key factors in order to optimize service delivery and...

Nearly all RIA owners agree that succession planning is important. But too few are actually doing it. Read on to learn why getting started is essential and how to do so. Maintaining continuous service to your clients may be the most important commitment you make as a registered investment advisor...

Collaborating with Centers of Influence can be an excellent way to generate prospects for your RIA firm. It can also help you to serve more client needs. Are you taking full advantage of this opportunity? Technology-driven marketing—posting on social media, writing for blogs and conducting...

Starting a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm is complicated. But don’t lose sight of the importance of protecting your new venture with Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. Becoming a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) has become an increasingly popular career choice over the...

If you’re a “breakaway broker,” don’t assume your prior E&O insurance will cover you at your new RIA firm. Here’s what you need to know. Over the last two decades, increasing numbers of securities brokers have migrated to the independent registered investment...

Are you a registered investment advisor (RIA) planning to retire soon? Then it’s time to consider your post-retirement legal risks. Dropping your E&O insurance too soon may be ill-advised. For decades, the investment-advisory business has been “aging in place.” Today, 21% of...

Millennials are the largest population group in America, with unique needs for financial advice. If you’re not courting their business, you might want to start. In Part 1 of this series, “14 Things to Know about Millennial Prospects,” we argued that the best-educated, most...