- How to Use Generative AI to Grow Your Wealth Management Firm
There are numerous possibilities for using generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the wealth management space, ranging from back-office operations to financial planning. Adopting generative AI for wealth management can deliver value through increased efficiency, time savings and reduced costs. Ready to grow your client base? SmartAsset AMP helps you connect with leads. Understanding Generative AI… read more…
- How to Scale and Grow Your RIA Firm
Registered investment advisors face an uneven playing field in which smaller firms are often overshadowed by larger ones. The vast majority of RIAs – 93%, to be exact – have less than $1 billion in assets under management. If you’re ready to scale your growing RIA and increase your firm’s market share, you may need… read more…
- Cyber Security Tips for Financial Advisors
Cyber security isn’t just something tech firms need to pay attention to; it’s important for financial advisors and the financial services industry, as well. Clients’ sensitive data is a tempting target for hackers seeking financial gain, making constant vigilance a must. Here are some cyber security tips that can help you build a solid line… read more…
- KPIs Every Financial Advisor Should Know
Key performance indicators, or KPIs, measure how well your firm is doing in terms of meeting goals. At a glance, KPIs can tell you whether your firm is moving in the right direction or veering off-track. On a deeper level, these indicators are helpful when it comes to developing strategic plans for the sustainability and… read more…
- Public Relations Strategies for Financial Advisors
Mastering public relations is something financial advisors can benefit from at every stage of their career. A good PR strategy can elevate your brand’s image, underscore your credibility and strengthen client relationships. PR is more than just part of a comprehensive marketing plan – it’s an integral piece of your business development puzzle. Ready to… read more…
- Financial Advisor Client Transition Letter Example
When introducing a client to a new advisor, a well-crafted financial advisor client transition letter can help guide the process. This letter serves as a formal notice to the client, informing them of the change and introducing them to the new advisor. SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform offers financial advisors services like client lead generation, automated… read more…
- How to Form a Partnership as a Financial Advisor
For growth-focused advisors, partnerships can be the secret to success. Whether you’re interested in bringing another advisor into your firm or forming strategic alliances that could help meet your clients’ needs, there are benefits to building collaborative relationships. But forming a financial advisor partnership requires strategy and planning to ensure that it’s a good fit.… read more…
- The Value of Benchmarking for RIAs and Financial Advisors
When you’re focused on your firm’s long-term growth, it’s important to have a process in place for monitoring your progress. Financial advisor benchmarking allows you to draw comparisons between your firm and your competitors, or against the financial services industry as a whole. Knowing what to measure and how to do so can help you… read more…
- Client Communication Tools for Financial Advisors to Consider
Effective communication is an important part of building client trust. It’s reassuring for your clients to know that you’re just a phone call, email or text away, and will respond promptly to any questions or concerns they might have. There are client communication tools for financial advisors you may consider using to stay connected and… read more…
- How to Leverage Business Development as an RIA Firm
Acquiring new clients and retaining the ones you have are critical to your firm’s long-term success. Dedicating time and resources to business development is one of the secrets to building a more sustainable practice. The most effective RIA business development strategies are designed to help you increase revenues and fuel growth while providing maximum value… read more…
- Guide to Continuity and Succession Planning for RIAs
Building a registered investment advisor (RIA) firm is an investment of your time, energy and passion, and it’s important to ensure that your legacy continues when you’re ready to step away from the business. Deciding who will take over your role and when to time your exit are some of the central questions to consider… read more…
- How to Build Your Personal Brand as a Financial Advisor
Cultivating a brand image is an integral part of your financial advisor marketing strategy. A recognizable brand can give you a competitive advantage, help you attract more clients to your business and boost your firm’s revenues. Familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of personal branding for financial advisors is the first step in refining… read more…
- How to Start a Family Office
Family offices can help financial advisors differentiate themselves in a competitive market as a one-stop solution for diverse client needs. This type of firm sets itself apart from other firms by providing highly personalized and holistic wealth management services for wealthy families. Here are four general steps to set up a family office. SmartAsset’s Advisor… read more…
- Checklist for Starting a Private Equity Fund
Starting a private equity fund requires careful planning and attention to detail. To help guide you through the process, here’s a private equity fund formation checklist to ensure you cover all necessary steps. Key components include defining your fund’s investment strategy, securing initial capital commitments, forming a legal structure and hiring a team. Add new… read more…
- When Financial Advisors Might Use AI for Financial Analysis
Artificial intelligence is redefining the way advisors run their businesses. AI tools are making it easier to create social media content, automate back-end operations and allow advisors to digest large amounts of data. There are different ways to use AI for financial analysis, as well as to analyze your business operations and identify opportunities for… read more…
- Guide to RIA Startup Costs
Starting a registered investment advisor firm can mark the beginning of a new phase in your career if you’re ready to go independent. Assessing RIA startup costs is a key step in the planning process. Understanding some of the most important expenses you’ll need to pay can help you shape your startup budget. Ready to… read more…
- How Much Independent Financial Advisors Make
Going independent and starting an RIA has certain advantages for advisors who want greater flexibility in creating a client experience. If you’re transitioning from a larger firm into your own business, it’s important to consider how that might impact your earning potential. Comparing independent financial advisor salary numbers can offer some perspective on what you… read more…
- 9 Sales Tips for Financial Advisors
Selling financial services to prospective clients can be challenging on many levels. Once you’ve connected with a lead, you need to spend time nurturing that relationship and building trust. You also have to demonstrate your value to the client and why they should rely on you to help them manage their money. Some of the… read more…
- How Solo Advisors Can Outsource Financial Planning
Outsourcing for a solo advisor can offer benefits such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, access to specialized expertise and time savings, which could allow them to focus more on client-facing activities and business growth. Solo advisors can take advantage of these benefits by strategically outsourcing non-core functions such as administrative tasks, compliance, technology support and investment research… read more…
- Betterment for Advisors Review
Choosing a custodian is a major step when starting a registered investment advisor firm. It’s your custodian’s job to manage and maintain client assets on behalf of your firm. Betterment for Advisors is one option you might consider. This technology-driven platform is designed to help advisors deliver superior service to clients as efficiently as possible.… read more…
- Options to Outsource Your RIA Operations
Managing operations is one of the most time-consuming aspects of running an independent advisory firm. Developing workflows and automating systems can help you streamline important tasks, but as you continue to grow, you might decide that the time has come to seek outside help. Third-party providers can assist with RIA operations outsourcing, allowing you to… read more…
- A Guide to Operations for an RIA
Growing a successful practice can test your ability to manage all the demands competing for your time and attention. You’re meeting with clients, marketing your firm and managing a seemingly endless list of back-office tasks. Developing strategies and systems for managing RIA operations can help you scale more efficiently while maximizing your resources. Ready to… read more…
- De Minimis Exemptions By State
State-registered registered investment advisors can be exempt from having to register in every state where they have clients if they don’t maintain a place of business in the state and serve no more than five clients in the state. This is known as the de minimis exemption. However, not all states follow this standard, and… read more…
- Back Office Services for Financial Advisor Firms
Managing advisor back office operations can be a time-consuming test of your ability to juggle multiple tasks when running your own firm. In simple terms, the back end is anything you do for your business that isn’t client-facing. Implementing systems and utilizing third-party solutions can make it easier to direct your focus back to your… read more…
- Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements for Financial Advisors
The Corporate Transparency Act requires companies to report beneficial ownership information to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). FinCEN opened an online portal to begin accepting reports in January 2024. Financial advisors who fail to meet Corporate Transparency Act reporting requirements may face penalties. Ready to grow your client base? SmartAsset’s Advisor… read more…