There is no golden goose when it comes to affiliation models in the wealth management industry.

Wirehouses, independent broker-dealers, RIAs all have pros and cons.

Anyone who suggests otherwise is either ill-informed or being disingenuous.

So when considering pathways for your advisory practice, it's important to understand how those pros and cons compare.

In this episode (#150) of the Transition To RIA question & answer series, I explain the pros and cons of the RIA model.

Come take a listen!

P.S. Prefer video? You can find this entire series in video format on Youtube. Search for the TRANSITION TO RIA channel.

Show notes: https://TransitionToRIA.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-the-ria-model/

About Host: Brad Wales is the founder of Transition To RIA, where he helps financial advisors between $50M and $1B understand everything there is to know about WHY and HOW to transition their practice to the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model. Brad has 20+ years of industry experience, including direct RIA related roles in Compliance, Finance and Business Development. He has an MBA and has held the 4, 7, 24, 63 & 65 licenses. The Transition To RIA website (TransitionToRIA.com) has a large catalog of free videos, articles, whitepapers, as well as other resources to help advisors understand the RIA model and how it would apply to their unique circumstances.

A misconception about the RIA model is that certain investment solutions such as variable annuities and alternatives (alts), are unavailable for client use.

That is incorrect.

Regarding variable annuities, you can generally continue using new products going forward while also accommodating your existing legacy positions.

It's a matter of understanding how the options work, the logistics involved, and which solution providers to use.

In this episode (#149) of the Transition To RIA question & answer series, I explain how you can use variable annuities in the RIA model.

Come take a listen!

P.S. Prefer video? You can find this entire series in video format on Youtube. Search for the TRANSITION TO RIA channel.

Show notes: https://TransitionToRIA.com/can-i-use-variable-annuities-in-the-ria-model/

About Host: Brad Wales is the founder of Transition To RIA, where he helps financial advisors between $50M and $1B understand everything there is to know about WHY and HOW to transition their practice to the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model. Brad has 20+ years of industry experience, including direct RIA related roles in Compliance, Finance and Business Development. He has an MBA and has held the 4, 7, 24, 63 & 65 licenses. The Transition To RIA website (TransitionToRIA.com) has a large catalog of free videos, articles, whitepapers, as well as other resources to help advisors understand the RIA model and how it would apply to their unique circumstances.

Whether you start your own RIA, or join an existing one, choosing which custodian to use is an important part of the decision process.

As with choosing most solution providers for your practice, many variables should be evaluated. Price is one of them.

So how much does a custodian cost?

For better or worse, there is a very nuanced answer to that.

On this episode (#148) of the Transition To RIA question and answer series, I explain what you should expect to pay (or not) for custodial services.

Come take a listen!

P.S. Prefer video? You can find this entire series in video format on Youtube. Search for the TRANSITION TO RIA channel.

Show notes: https://TransitionToRIA.com/how-much-does-a-custodian-cost/

About Host: Brad Wales is the founder of Transition To RIA, where he helps financial advisors between $50M and $1B understand everything there is to know about WHY and HOW to transition their practice to the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model. Brad has 20+ years of industry experience, including direct RIA related roles in Compliance, Finance and Business Development. He has an MBA and has held the 4, 7, 24, 63 & 65 licenses. The Transition To RIA website (TransitionToRIA.com) has a large catalog of free videos, articles, whitepapers, as well as other resources to help advisors understand the RIA model and how it would apply to their unique circumstances.