We thrive on RIAs thriving
Growth and success—they're within reach for advisors looking to go independent, but eye-crossing complexity and a million choices can get in the way. We can help get those things out of the way, and nothing makes us happier than seeing you succeed.
You need more than a custodian
These days, a one-dimensional custodian isn't enough to help you grow your firm. You need fresh ideas, better solutions, rock-solid security, forward-thinking tech—the works. With us, you get that and more.
This is how you become an independent RIA
From owning your own firm to joining a firm, there are five main routes to independence. We help guide you through your options so you can build the future you envision.
Join an RIA firm as an employee
Affiliate with an RIA firm
Share ownership with an equity partner
Outsource tasks to a platform provider
Create your own independent RIA firm
Schwab Advisor ProDirect™: Fast-track your move to growth
Get clarity and momentum to help fuel your success as an independent advisor. Schwab Advisor ProDirect™ is a fee-based membership program designed to position your firm for organic growth and rising enterprise value, optimize your operations, and simplify your move.
What it's like to be independent with us
A team of 3,000+ professionals is dedicated to supporting the 15,000 firms who custody with us.1 Your team knows your name, your business, and your goals because, with 35+ years of being a custodian, we know that dedicated, personalized support is crucial to success. That's one reason why more advisors have chosen us to help them transition to the independent RIA model.2
"From a technological standpoint, Schwab is second to none. Every time [the industry changes], Schwab is there to meet the challenge."
Tom Mingone
Capital Management Group,
A Hightower Company
"Being with a firm like Schwab allows us to stay on the cutting edge of taking care of clients and provide opportunities for our team and business to grow and expand."
Amy Hiett
Moneta
"If you're an advisor who's considering going independent and you're not sure where to start, I would say just talk to Schwab."
Malcolm Ethridge
Capital Area Planning Group
Keep up with market commentary from the Schwab Center for Financial Research
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Start your journey toward independence
Ready to explore what's next? Connect with a Business Development Officer for a confidential conversation about your options for independence.
Tom Mingone, Amy Hiett, and Malcolm Ethridge are clients of Schwab and were not compensated for their comments. Schwab paid travel-related costs. The experience described may not be the experience of all clients and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Capital Management Group is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Securities offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Schwab Advisor ProDirect™ membership is subject to terms and conditions of Schwab Advisor ProDirect™ Member Agreement.
1. As of March 2024
2. Charles Schwab Strategy, as of March 31, 2024