- RIA Code of Ethics SEC Requirements for Advisors
The Code of Ethics Rules is one of many U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations that financial advisory firms must follow when they register with the federal agency. This rule, which was implemented in 2004, establishes the standards of conduct and behavior for registered investment advisors (RIAs) to promote integrity, transparency and accountability. Want to… read more…
- Understanding the Funding Ratio of a Defined Benefit Plan
While traditional pensions are on the decline as more employers opt to offer defined contribution plans to employees, they haven’t disappeared entirely. If you have clients who anticipate receiving a pension in retirement, it’s important to understand where those benefits might fit in. Funding ratio is a key consideration when evaluating the financial health of… read more…
- Types of Direct Indexing Solutions for Advisors
Direct indexing is an investment strategy that aims to replicate the performance of a stock index by investing in the underlying securities that make up the index. Assets are held in a separately managed account, which can open the door to greater tax efficiency through loss harvesting. Advisors may turn to direct indexing providers for… read more…
- Pros and Cons of an Investment Manager Career
Investment management can be a demanding profession, but one that may offer lucrative rewards and long-term stability. Financial managers earned a median annual salary of $161,700 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 Is investment management a good career path for beginners in the financial services industry? It could be for advisors who… read more…
- Front vs. Middle vs. Back Office Functions for Advisors
Operations at financial advisory firms are often segmented into three parts: front, middle and back office functions. These are essential for streamlining operations, ensuring efficiency and enhancing productivity. Getting all three parts right can help you grow faster and better serve your clients. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform (AMP) offers financial advisors services like client lead… read more…
- 5 Ways Financial Advisors Can Breach Fiduciary Duty (and How to Avoid Them)
Fiduciary duty requires financial advisors to prioritize the financial goals and interests of their clients above their own, even when it might be more profitable for them or their firm to suggest an alternative course of action. Breaching fiduciary duty can be costly for your firm. In 2025, the SEC filed 456 enforcement actions resulting… read more…
- What Is the SEC’s Pay to Play Rule?
A core part of running an advisory business is complying with regulatory guidelines set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Rule 206(4)-5, also known as the SEC pay-to-play rule, outlines compliance requirements for registered investment advisors (RIAs) who contribute to political campaigns. Advisors who violate this rule could find themselves facing enforcement actions, which… read more…
- Popular Financial Influencers for Advisors to Follow
Financial influencers or ‘finfluencers’ have proven to be a popular, though unconventional, source of information and education for people who are interested in learning more about money. While many well-known influencers tailor their content to investors and everyday consumers managing personal finances, some speak directly to the interests of financial professionals and advisory firms. If… read more…
- What Are the Know Your Client Rules for Financial Advisors?
Financial advisors are required to meet certain standards when adding new clients to their book of business or selling regulated products to existing clients. As of January 1, 2026, certain SEC-registered investment advisors (RIAs) and exempt-reporting advisors (ERAs) must adhere to Know Your Client (KYC) rules, which fall under the umbrella of anti-money laundering (AML)… read more…
- 8 Tips for Assessing Your Client’s Risk Tolerance
Risk tolerance is one of the most talked-about, and misunderstood, parts of financial planning. A single questionnaire score can’t fully capture how a client will react when markets swing or goals change. Yet, getting risk tolerance wrong can lead to poor decisions, strained relationships and missed opportunities. Understanding how to assess and apply a client’s… read more…
- How to Grow Wallet Share By Targeting Held Away Assets
If you’re looking to grow your business as a financial advisor, often the best place to start is within your own shop. While recruiting new clients is important, developing your relationship with existing clients is also crucial for your advisory business. By increasing the amount of each client’s assets that you manage, you can both… read more…
- Understanding the Life-Cycle Approach for Your Clients
Life cycle financial planning is a multi-stage approach to helping your clients build and manage wealth. As clients age and experience life changes, their financial goals and needs may evolve, which in turn can affect the type of advice you offer. Understanding the financial planning life cycle can help you prepare for each new phase… read more…
- 10 Investment Books Every Advisor Should Read
Knowledge is a powerful asset and one that requires ongoing cultivation as an advisor. Devoting time to reading books about investing is one way to expand your expertise so that you can better serve your clients while becoming a savvier investor yourself. Certain titles stand out not only for how often they’re recommended, but for… read more…
- Key Technology Every Wealth Manager Should Consider
Incorporating technology into your advisory practice can help save money and increase efficiency, leaving you with more time to focus on your clients. Navigating the wealth management technology landscape may seem a little intimidating, but embracing the right tools could transform your business. Here are some of the most important types of wealth management tech… read more…
- How to Leverage Google Ads as a Financial Advisor
Google Ads can put your advisory firm in front of people who are actively searching for a financial advisor, but it takes ongoing spend and some trial and error. Among advisors who advertise, 26% use search engine ads, according to a 2026 Kitces report on financial planner marketing.1 This guide explains how Google Ads work… read more…
- 9 Entry-Level Jobs to Help You Break Into Wealth Management
A successful career in wealth management demands patience, perseverance and continuous learning. For those willing to put in the effort, the wealth management industry can offer rich rewards. The career outlook for financial managers is bright; job growth is expected to rise by 15% through 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you’re… read more…
- 9 Financial Psychology Certifications for Financial Advisors
Financial psychology certifications can demonstrate expertise in the ways that psychology and personal finance intersect in a client’s attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that influence their financial decisions. These certifications can differentiate you in a competitive marketplace and potentially lead to increased income and credibility. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform (AMP) offers financial advisors services like client… read more…
- How a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) Can Help Your RIA Firm
A chief compliance officer (CCO) administers a financial advisory firm’s compliance policies and procedures and helps identify and address regulatory risks. For SEC-registered investment advisors, SEC rules require a designated CCO. The role can include updating policies, reviewing compliance practices, training staff and preparing for examinations. An RIA may assign the role internally or outsource… read more…
- What Is Tax Drag and How You Avoid It for Your Clients
Tax drag refers to the negative impact that taxes can have on the overall return of an investment or a portfolio. It’s calculated as the difference between the return on an investment before taxes and the return after taxes. Tax drag can cost your clients long-term growth and erode their wealth, unless you’re taking the… read more…
- What It’s Like to Work as a Financial Planner
Financial planners work with clients to help them set and pursue financial goals. You may consider becoming a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) if you’d like to help individuals, families or business owners develop and implement financial plans. What does a financial planner job actually involve? Let’s consider what it means to be a financial planner… read more…
- How Financial Advisors Can Ask Clients for Referrals
Asking clients for referrals starts with choosing the right clients, recognizing when they’re happiest with your service and making the request feel like a conversation rather than a pitch. That sounds simple, yet only 51% of registered investment advisors proactively ask for referrals, according to a 2026 Cerulli Edge report. Many worry it will feel… read more…
- Average Salary for Financial Paraplanners
Paraplanners are professionals who work with financial advisors and financial planners in a support capacity. A career in paraplanning can be a stepping-stone to becoming a financial advisor or planner, as it can be an opportunity to gain valuable work experience within the financial services industry. If you’re considering this type of role, you may… read more…
- Life Insurance Marketing Strategies for Advisors
An effective life insurance marketing strategy is essential for financial advisors who want to offer these products to current clients, or reach new prospects seeking coverage. Advisors who tailor their messaging to factors such as life stage, income level or family needs often build stronger connections with potential clients. Combining online and offline lead generation… read more…
- How to Get Annuity Leads as a Financial Advisor
Selling annuities can enable you to better meet client needs while fueling sustainable growth. Seventy-five percent of financial professionals who sell annuities believe it helps with client retention, according to a 2025 survey conducted by Nationwide.1 Among those who have sold 10 or more annuities within the past 24 months, 81% say that it makes… read more…
- How to Find a Financial Advisor Practice for Sale
Whether you’re ready to set out on your own or you’re looking to grow your business, buying a financial advisor practice can be a great way to help you reach your goals. According to Schwab’s 2025 RIA Benchmarking Study, 41% of firms engaged in merger and acquisition activity over the previous five years.1 The challenge… read more…