Deciding whether to join an existing RIA or start your own.
There are a lot of options for becoming an RIA. So before you decide to make the move, you have to decide which business model is best for you. We can help you think through what's right for your business based on your passions, experience, strengths, and client needs, as well as your personal and professional goals.
You Have Options
TJ Cotten
Sales Vice President,
Emerging Advisor Team,
TD Ameritrade InstitutionalHear TJ explain some of the options advisors have when starting or joining an RIA
" Over 90% of advisors who became independent were satisfied with their move two years later. "
Advisor Evolution Study, 2010
Spring 2010 Advisor Evolution Study conducted by Registered Rep. magazine in collaboration with TD Ameritrade Institutional
Starting a firm
If the idea of owning and controlling your own business appeals to you, then starting a firm may be the right decision. You'll need to map out a plan for:
- Compliance
- Technology
- Operational Support
- Staffing
- Office space
- Marketing
When you start a firm, you'll enjoy more responsibility. You'll also be able to keep more of what you earn and build equity in a business you can call your own.
We can help walk you through every step of starting your own firm.
Joining a firm
If being a business owner isn't part of your business vision, you can still become an RIA by joining an existing firm. Joining an RIA firm makes it easier to get your new business up and running. You don't have to create the infrastructure, set a compliance program, or handle other start-up tasks. They're already in place.
If you decide to join an RIA firm, we can help you find the right one. Our RIAConnect™ program can introduce you to RIA firms looking to hire or acquire new talent. If you're interested, just call and we'd be happy to tell you about it.
How do you decide which path is right for you?
It depends on a number of factors. Your appetite for taking on risk. Your interest in running a business. Your personal goals and objectives. Ask yourself what's driving your decision. Figure out your unique reasons for becoming an RIA. The good thing is, whatever choice you make, you'll enjoy the advantages of independence – flexibility, choice, and control.
Beyond the business model, being an RIA is as much about the culture and lifestyle.
We go above and beyond for RIAs
Are you hearing terms like tuck-in, aggregator, merge, hybrid, starting, and joining? Get in touch and we'd be happy to explain the differences.
800-934-6124
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