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Our journey to becoming an independent advisor really started when people just told us we needed to start thinking differently.

I see firms realizing that they can stop doing things they don't want to do and by joining an independent RIA they can not only get rid of those tasks and those services but they can also gain strength.

In my opinion it's the best way to grow a business because you get to create something that is truly unique based on what you're passionate about. And Schwab helps us get there.
Video Transcript

Todd Resnick: “Joining an independent RIA.”

Our journey to becoming an independent advisor really started when people just told us we needed to start thinking differently.

I see firms realizing that they can stop doing things they don't want to do and by joining an independent RIA they can not only get rid of those tasks and those services but they can also gain strength.

In my opinion it's the best way to grow a business because you get to create something that is truly unique based on what you're passionate about. And Schwab helps us get there.

Todd Resnick: “Joining an independent RIA.”

So 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.

They knew what we needed before we knew we needed it, and made the process as seamless as they could.

So I have the conversation with fellow advisors all the time who want to know if the grass truly is greener on the other side, and I'm happy to be an evangelist for the independent space to any advisor who asks and let them know just how green the grass is.
Video Transcript

Malcolm Ethridge: "The Grass Is Greener"

So 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.

They knew what we needed before we knew we needed it, and made the process as seamless as they could.

So I have the conversation with fellow advisors all the time who want to know if the grass truly is greener on the other side, and I'm happy to be an evangelist for the independent space to any advisor who asks and let them know just how green the grass is.

Malcolm Ethridge: "The Grass Is Greener."

If you're on the fence about going independent, ask yourself if you want to wake up every morning proud of what you do. 

We don't have product quotas. We don't have in-house solutions that have conflict in how we serve our clients. Clients want advice in the manner in which independent advisors can deliver it. 

When you're a fiduciary, you know where your north star is. And it is doing what is right for the client. Schwab empowers us to deliver that advice.

I love what I do. I wouldn't trade this career for anything.
Video Transcript

Annie McCauley: "Schwab empowers us."

If you're on the fence about going independent, ask yourself if you want to wake up every morning proud of what you do. 

We don't have product quotas. We don't have in-house solutions that have conflict in how we serve our clients. Clients want advice in the manner in which independent advisors can deliver it. 

When you're a fiduciary, you know where your north star is. And it is doing what is right for the client. Schwab empowers us to deliver that advice.

I love what I do. I wouldn't trade this career for anything.

Annie McCauley: "Schwab empowers us."

Let's connect

We've been helping advisors operate on their terms for over 35 years. Let us help you start your journey today.

Explore the five paths to independence

Get an overview of each path, from joining an existing RIA firm to starting your own and everything in between, in these short white papers and full-length infographic.

Join

Join an RIA firm as an employee

Bring your talents to an established RIA firm to get the benefits of independence without the responsibility of ownership.

Read the white paper
AFFILIATE

Affiliate with an existing RIA firm

Manage your book of business with the support of an established firm to handle admin and operations.

Read the white paper
SHARE

Share ownership with an equity partner

Pair up with an equity partner—on your own terms—to facilitate the transition process while mitigating risk.

Read the white paper
OUTSOURCE

Outsource tasks to a platform provider

Retain total equity while leaning on a team to handle tasks outside your wheelhouse, like technology or compliance.

Read the white paper
CREATE

Create your own independent RIA firm

Build your own RIA firm from the ground up and take total control of all aspects, including tech, marketing, and expansion.

Read the white paper
DIG DEEPER

Compare your options

Read on to learn more about the paths to independence and compare the benefits of each. 
 

Read the infographic

Schwab Advisor ProDirect™: Fast-track your move to growth

When you're committed to growth, the right support can help you reach your goals faster—no matter which path you choose to take into the independent RIA model. Schwab Advisor ProDirect™ is a fee-based membership program that guides you toward your vision with clarity and confidence at every turn.

Explore Schwab Advisor ProDirect™

Dig deeper into the five paths

 

 
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Schwab Advisor ProDirect membership is subject to terms and conditions of the Schwab Advisor ProDirect Member Agreement.

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