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We've helped thousands of advisors find their unique path to becoming independent RIAs.

Going independent as an RIA became really the only option.

We had to make a change if we really wanted to continue to grow our level of service and what we were doing.

And so Schwab was there every step of the way and we were able to launch Optimize Financial and have never looked back.

It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made, and the whole firm, all of my employees will attest to that.
Video Transcript

Casey Witters: "It Was The Best Decision"

Going independent as an RIA became really the only option.

We had to make a change if we really wanted to continue to grow our level of service and what we were doing.

And so Schwab was there every step of the way and we were able to launch Optimize Financial and have never looked back.

It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made, and the whole firm, all of my employees will attest to that.

Casey Witters: "It Was The Best Decision"

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"

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

Dig deeper into the five paths

 

 
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