Advisor Resources

April 7, 2026Marketing plays a important role in growing your advisory business, helping you attract new clients, build brand recognition and differentiate yourself in a competitive industry. When looking for an advisor to work with, 18% of investors say they turn to the internet to research options, while 10% seek out popular brand firms, according to “How… read more…

April 7, 2026Direct mail is often overlooked as a marketing tool for financial advisors, despite its potential to create deeper connections with prospects. Less than 5% of advisors reported using postal mail for promotion, according to a 2024 Kitces report on how financial planners market their firms.1 By understanding how to design an effective direct mail campaign,… read more…

May 27, 2026Becoming an independent financial advisor can offer more freedom and flexibility in how you serve clients and build your business. By 2027, independent and hybrid RIAs are expected to control nearly one-third of asset market share, growing at a faster rate than any other advisor channel, according to Cerulli Associates.1 Advisors pursuing independence may choose from… read more…

May 13, 2026In today’s digital age, financial advisors must maximize tools like email prospecting to grow their client base. This involves identifying prospects, sending personalized emails and following up to nurture relationships. Done effectively, email prospecting is a low-cost way to reach a wide audience, build relationships and track engagement. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform offers financial advisors… read more…

September 3, 2026Digital marketing has become an essential growth tool for financial advisors, but success depends on choosing the right strategies. What worked just a few years ago, including traditional SEO, email marketing and social media, represents the baseline for what an advisor should be doing to make their brand more noticeable in a competitive marketplace. The… read more…

May 19, 2026Custodians and broker-dealers are often mentioned together, but they serve different roles in an advisory business. Custodians hold and safeguard client assets, while broker-dealers facilitate securities transactions and supervise brokerage activity. For advisors, the difference can shape how a firm operates, how clients are served, how compensation works and which regulatory obligations apply. Understanding the… read more…

March 3, 2025Investing in mutual funds can be a lucrative venture, helping you grow your wealth, save for retirement or achieve other financial goals. However, navigating this complex landscape can be challenging for many, especially those new to investing. Enter the mutual fund advisor – a financial professional providing expert guidance and assistance in the world of… read more…

May 7, 2026The importance of creating an exceptional client service model can’t be underestimated. Attracting clients and retaining their loyalty begins and ends with delivering an experience that not only meets but exceeds their expectations. The most effective client service model for financial advisors is one that emphasizes value while encouraging engagement. Here’s a closer look at… read more…

June 3, 2026Building a financial planning business can bring plenty of challenges, not the least of which is deciding how to market your new firm. However, a solid marketing campaign can catapult your business to success. Unfortunately, a weak one may leave you struggling to stand out from the competition. To create a successful financial planning marketing… read more…

November 3, 2026Money is a highly personal subject, and as an advisor, it’s your job to offer advice that speaks to your clients’ individual needs and goals. The money scripts clients adopt can influence the way that you approach that task. A client’s money script represents the internalized beliefs they have about money, which are often formed… read more…

October 7, 2026Errors and omissions insurance helps financial advisors and registered investment advisors (RIAs) protect themselves against client claims stemming from professional mistakes, negligence or failure to deliver promised services. This type of professional liability insurance can help cover legal defense costs, settlements or court judgments. Given the regulatory environment and level of client scrutiny advisors face,… read more…

October 1, 2026Transitioning a financial advisor firm typically involves buying a book of business or hiring a new team member with an established client list. Individual advisors may transition into a new role with their current firm, move to a new one or go independent and start an RIA. Any scenario that includes the movement of clients… read more…

November 3, 2026Artificial intelligence has more advisory firms thinking about expanding their teams in order to meet growing capacity. According to a 2026 Cerulli wealth management report, 73% of RIAs plan to hire junior advisors within the next two years and 67% plan to onboard more client service associates. Adding one or more associate advisors to your… read more…

July 30, 2026Buying a book of business from another advisor is an opportunity to expand your practice, generate immediate revenue and build long-term relationships with established clients. Research from Cerulli Associates shows that 28% of advisors are open to an acquisition, while 19% are actively looking to buy a book of business. Acquiring a book requires an… read more…

December 11, 2025Financial advisors often credit their successful careers to the insights and experience gained during internships, underscoring the significance of such opportunities. A financial advisor internship is a valuable stepping stone into the finance industry, a chance to apply classroom knowledge in real-world situations. Here’s a breakdown of what these internships entail, the types of companies… read more…

March 3, 2025The rules around ESG investing might soon change. On September 20, the SEC updated its rules that govern environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) investment funds. The new rule updates how these funds are named, requiring a fund that advertises itself as ESG to hold at least 80% of its investments in related assets. From a… read more…

September 14, 2026The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversees the enforcement of financial securities laws. On its website, the SEC has organized some of its compliance guides for small businesses and brokerages. It lists nearly 80 individual topics, each of which takes you to a guide that, itself, is just a summary of much more in-depth issues. This… read more…

September 9, 2026Whether you’re considering a career as a financial advisor or looking to work with one, it’s helpful to understand the landscape of this profession. Financial advisors provide expertise to help individuals and organizations make smart money decisions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were approximately 300,000 financial advisors employed in 2025, working in… read more…

July 9, 2026A one-page financial plan template offers a streamlined snapshot of a client’s financial goals, assets and strategies, making complex planning more accessible. By summarizing a client’s income, net worth, asset allocation and other elements of a financial plan, a one-page format provides a structured yet flexible approach to managing finances. It can also serve as… read more…

October 7, 2026Consuming financial content online can help advisors stay current on the latest economic, market and regulatory trends. Your content menu may include videos, podcasts and a financial advisor blog or two. While the blogging landscape has shifted significantly in recent years, certain blogs remain highly relevant for advisors with a passion for learning and connecting… read more…

April 1, 2026Having the right technology can be critical to a registered investment advisor’s success. Joint research from Broadridge and the Financial Services Institute indicates that 68% of advisors don’t feel confident that their firm’s current tech supports their growth goals.1 Building an RIA tech stack that facilitates client acquisition and retention may be key to building… read more…

August 6, 2026Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules require financial institutions to detect and report suspicious activity that could indicate fraudulent and/or criminal behavior. Financial institutions subject to these rules include banks, credit unions and, beginning in 2028, SEC-registered investment advisors (RIAs) and exempt reporting advisors (ERAs). Affected firms should consider how they can prepare to meet anti-money laundering… read more…

April 7, 2026A well-crafted value proposition sets your financial advisory firm apart from others and helps you identify your unique selling points. Moreover, it succinctly communicates the unique benefits clients can expect from your services, effectively becoming your firm’s secret weapon in a market flooded with options. With $124 trillion in assets set to change hands through… read more…

May 13, 2026A marketing agency can help an advisory firm turn its expertise into messaging that resonates with the right prospects. Instead of relying on ad hoc outreach, agencies can support a more consistent approach across a firm’s website, content, search visibility and lead-generation campaigns. For firms that want to grow but have limited time to run… read more…

July 2, 2026Reverse churning is the fraudulent practice of charging a flat fee for idle accounts. It can represent a breach in fiduciary duty to the client, who would be better served with a per-transaction fee structure. Engaging in reverse churning can cost your firm money, clients and potentially the ability to conduct business. It’s not enough to… read more…