Going independent as an RIA

If you're thinking about going independent, you're not alone. Every day, advisors choose the independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model with Schwab because they want more freedom and control over their futures, backed by the support and resources of an industry leader. This is your moment. We can help you seize it.

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There's never been a better time to consider independence

Why now? The RIA industry is growing, and so are the opportunities for advisors to serve clients, their way. Learn more about the benefits, support, and options that are now available for advisors who choose to go independent.

UNDERSTANDING THE ADVANTAGES

Benefits of becoming an RIA

Whether you want the freedom to better meet the needs of your clients, the opportunity to keep more of what you earn, or the chance to build your legacy, going independent puts you in the driver's seat.

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THE SUPPORT YOU NEED

Resources to guide your transition and beyond

With Schwab, you'll have access to robust resources and a vast community of support from day one. Our Business Development Officers and industry specialists are available to help you at every step.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATH

Your options for independence

There are many paths into the RIA model, from starting your own firm to joining as an employee. We can help you evaluate your options to determine which path is the best fit for your goals.

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RIA ECONOMIC DISCOVERY TOOL

What's your earning potential as an independent RIA?

Most advisors report greater AUM after going independent.1 Use our calculator to explore how much more you could be earning as an RIA. Then, connect with us for a deeper conversation about making it a reality.

Fill in the gaps with research and insights

The right resources can paint a clearer picture of the RIA industry and help you gain perspective from advisors who have been in your shoes. Get the facts about independence.

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Clarify your vision for independence

On the cusp of going independent? Get there faster with the right insights. Learn how our strategic framework can help you cut through complexity and move toward independence, your way.

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Busting RIA myths

Here's the truth: Misconceptions and outdated ideas about independent RIAs are still in circulation. Get the information you need to separate fact from fiction and see whether the RIA model is right for you.

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Transition with transparency

A recent Schwab study reveals insights from advisors who are considering independence or who recently made the change. Get the takeaways, plus seven questions to ask yourself about making the move.

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Creating a Modern Office

Learn how RIAs are setting a new standard by integrating the latest technology, cultivating a progressive culture, and delivering exceptional client service.

Perspectives from inside the RIA industry

Nobody knows what it's like to move to the independent RIA model better than advisors who have already done it—and the Schwab professionals and industry experts who helped set them up for success. Hear their experiences firsthand.

[GRAPHIC]
3 reasons to go independent. 
With John Furey, Principal & Founder, Advisor Growth Strategies

[GRAPHIC]
1.  More control and flexibility.

The one thing advisors should know about transitioning to the RIA channel is really control and flexibility. If I was going to part one thing on you, the single biggest benefit, beyond financial, beyond great outcome for your client, is the ability to control your business and structure it in a way that you just feel fantastic getting up every day and going to work. And I think that gets really underestimated because it seems a little esoteric when you're considering it, but every RIA owner that I've worked with that's made the move has just raved about the outcome for them, their team, and their families.

[GRAPHIC]
2.  Your clients want you to go independent.  

When you look at the market of US household wealth and what channel it's being serviced by, it's been going in one direction, and it's straight to the independent channel.  So when you look at it and say, 'Wow, investors have choice and that's where they're voting with their dollars, and advisors have choice and that's where they're voting with their dollars,' and you look at larger teams and you read in papers, and they're are voting with transitioning, wow, that just sets up for great momentum in the future for the RIA channel.

[GRAPHIC]
3.  The economics.

We're all human. What we bring home to our families is really important. And what I can tell you is there's a lot of myth out there, there's a lot of 'perhaps it's harder to run your business' out there.  But what I can tell you, and I can assure you, because we've helped larger teams, is the return on going independent is real.

[GRAPHIC]
Information as of November 16, 2017.

Information included during this video is intended to be an overview and is subject to change.

The above-mentioned firm and its employees are not affiliated with or employees of Schwab unless otherwise noted.  Mention should not be construed as a recommendation, endorsement of, or sponsorship by Schwab.  The views expressed are those of the third party and are provided for informational purposes only.   Experiences expressed by advisors may not be representative of the experience of other advisors and are not a guarantee of future success.

Third-party firms and their employees are not affiliated with or employed by Schwab. Their mention should not be construed as a recommendation, endorsement, or sponsorship by Schwab. The views expressed are those of the third-parties and are provided for informational purposes only. The experiences shared are no guarantee of future performance or success and may not be representative of you or your experience. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners and used with their permission.

Schwab does not provide legal, regulatory, tax or compliance advice. Consult professionals in these fields to address your specific circumstance.

Schwab Advisor Services™ provides custody, trading, and the support services of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"), member SIPC, to independent investment advisors and Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. ("CSIM").

Independent investment advisors are not owned by, affiliated with, or supervised by Schwab.

©2025 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). All rights reserved. Member SIPC. 
 

Video Transcript

3 reasons to go independent

[GRAPHIC]
3 reasons to go independent. 
With John Furey, Principal & Founder, Advisor Growth Strategies

[GRAPHIC]
1.  More control and flexibility.

The one thing advisors should know about transitioning to the RIA channel is really control and flexibility. If I was going to part one thing on you, the single biggest benefit, beyond financial, beyond great outcome for your client, is the ability to control your business and structure it in a way that you just feel fantastic getting up every day and going to work. And I think that gets really underestimated because it seems a little esoteric when you're considering it, but every RIA owner that I've worked with that's made the move has just raved about the outcome for them, their team, and their families.

[GRAPHIC]
2.  Your clients want you to go independent.  

When you look at the market of US household wealth and what channel it's being serviced by, it's been going in one direction, and it's straight to the independent channel.  So when you look at it and say, 'Wow, investors have choice and that's where they're voting with their dollars, and advisors have choice and that's where they're voting with their dollars,' and you look at larger teams and you read in papers, and they're are voting with transitioning, wow, that just sets up for great momentum in the future for the RIA channel.

[GRAPHIC]
3.  The economics.

We're all human. What we bring home to our families is really important. And what I can tell you is there's a lot of myth out there, there's a lot of 'perhaps it's harder to run your business' out there.  But what I can tell you, and I can assure you, because we've helped larger teams, is the return on going independent is real.

[GRAPHIC]
Information as of November 16, 2017.

Information included during this video is intended to be an overview and is subject to change.

The above-mentioned firm and its employees are not affiliated with or employees of Schwab unless otherwise noted.  Mention should not be construed as a recommendation, endorsement of, or sponsorship by Schwab.  The views expressed are those of the third party and are provided for informational purposes only.   Experiences expressed by advisors may not be representative of the experience of other advisors and are not a guarantee of future success.

Third-party firms and their employees are not affiliated with or employed by Schwab. Their mention should not be construed as a recommendation, endorsement, or sponsorship by Schwab. The views expressed are those of the third-parties and are provided for informational purposes only. The experiences shared are no guarantee of future performance or success and may not be representative of you or your experience. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners and used with their permission.

Schwab does not provide legal, regulatory, tax or compliance advice. Consult professionals in these fields to address your specific circumstance.

Schwab Advisor Services™ provides custody, trading, and the support services of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"), member SIPC, to independent investment advisors and Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. ("CSIM").

Independent investment advisors are not owned by, affiliated with, or supervised by Schwab.

©2025 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"). All rights reserved. Member SIPC. 
 

3 reasons to go independent

From client control to economic opportunity, find out three of the biggest benefits of independence.

SPEAKER 1:  The RIA space was compelling to us because we felt like we were building something.

SPEAKER 2:  You just know that this is something that you're creating.

You become a firm where you are an advocate for your client.

SPEAKER 1:  We have no constraints because we have ownership.

And to be able to control every aspect of the business was extremely compelling to us.

SPEAKER 3:  Everybody at every level of the firm is focused on client service.

SPEAKER 2:  All you need is an entrepreneurial spirit. The rest of it will come.

SPEAKER 1:  And I have more time to do the things that I want to do.

SPEAKER 4:  Yeah, I think helping people feels good, right?

 

Disclosures

Ross Singletary, Hank McLarty, Robert Amato and Beau Davis are clients of Schwab and were not compensated for their comments. The experience described may not be the experience of all clients and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.

The information included in this video is intended to be general and is subject to change.

The above-mentioned firms and their employees are not affiliated with or employees of Schwab unless otherwise noted. Mention should not be construed as a recommendation, endorsement of, or sponsorship by Schwab. The views expressed are those of the third party and are provided for informational purposes only. Experiences expressed are no guarantee of future performance or success and may not be representative of you or your experience.

Third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. Third party firms and their employees are not affiliated with or an employee of Schwab.

Schwab does not provide legal, regulatory, tax or compliance advice. Consult professionals in these fields to address your specific circumstances.

Schwab Advisor Services™ provides custody, trading, and the support services of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"), member SIPC, to independent investment advisors and Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. ("CSIM").

Independent investment advisors are not owned by, affiliated with, or supervised by Schwab.

Video Transcript

Why they made the move

SPEAKER 1:  The RIA space was compelling to us because we felt like we were building something.

SPEAKER 2:  You just know that this is something that you're creating.

You become a firm where you are an advocate for your client.

SPEAKER 1:  We have no constraints because we have ownership.

And to be able to control every aspect of the business was extremely compelling to us.

SPEAKER 3:  Everybody at every level of the firm is focused on client service.

SPEAKER 2:  All you need is an entrepreneurial spirit. The rest of it will come.

SPEAKER 1:  And I have more time to do the things that I want to do.

SPEAKER 4:  Yeah, I think helping people feels good, right?

 

Disclosures

Ross Singletary, Hank McLarty, Robert Amato and Beau Davis are clients of Schwab and were not compensated for their comments. The experience described may not be the experience of all clients and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.

The information included in this video is intended to be general and is subject to change.

The above-mentioned firms and their employees are not affiliated with or employees of Schwab unless otherwise noted. Mention should not be construed as a recommendation, endorsement of, or sponsorship by Schwab. The views expressed are those of the third party and are provided for informational purposes only. Experiences expressed are no guarantee of future performance or success and may not be representative of you or your experience.

Third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. Third party firms and their employees are not affiliated with or an employee of Schwab.

Schwab does not provide legal, regulatory, tax or compliance advice. Consult professionals in these fields to address your specific circumstances.

Schwab Advisor Services™ provides custody, trading, and the support services of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"), member SIPC, to independent investment advisors and Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc. ("CSIM").

Independent investment advisors are not owned by, affiliated with, or supervised by Schwab.

Why they made the move

Three Atlanta advisors discuss their experience creating a firm that allows them to be advocates for their clients.

More to explore

Schwab has helped thousands of advisors make the move to independence, so we know how to help you make the most of it. Find out how we can help you go independent and then continue to support you at every stage of your business evolution.

Your path to independence begins here

Take the first step toward the independent RIA model. Connect with a Schwab Business Development Officer for a confidential conversation and learn how we help advisors like you make their next move with confidence.

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(0825-PCYG)

1. Supported Independence Study, Schwab Advisor Services, May 2024.

2. The Cerulli Report, U.S. Intermediary Distribution 2024, Exhibit 2.07, Cerulli Associates. 

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