Registered Investment Advisor Succession Planning - Seamlessly Transition Your RIA While Protecting Client Relationships and Firm Legacy
Family-Owned RIA Transition Consulting
Succession isn't just a handover—it's your RIA's legacy.
Without a plan, 20% + of clients may bolt, and revenue dips and reputation frays may occur. Our RIA succession planning coaching, with Dawn’s 25+ years, retains 95%+ of clients, boosts harmony 70%, and triples successor readiness—whether selling, transitioning to family, or merging. Imagine exiting with pride, stress down 50%—your life’s work thriving.
Why RIAs Must Prioritize Succession Planning
Without a proactive succession plan, RIA firms face several challenges:
LOSS OF CLIENT TRUST
Sudden exits risk 20% attrition—our client retention strategies save 95%+.
UNPREPARED SUCCESSORS
70% lack training—we boost readiness by 70%.
REVENUE DISRUPTIONS
Gaps cut profits by 15%—we ensure continuity.
MISSED GROWTH
Instability stalls 30%—we triple potential.
Succession planning is a long-term investment in your firm’s stability. Whether you’re transitioning ownership within the family, selling to a partner, or preparing for a merger, we customize the succession process to fit your firm’s unique structure and goals.
Our Succession & Transition Approach
We don’t just draft plans—we implement comprehensive succession strategies that ensure a smooth ownership transfer while retaining client relationships and maintaining profitability.
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PHASE ONE:
READINESS ASSESSMENT & GOAL SETTING
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Evaluate the firm’s current succession preparedness.
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Identify gaps in leadership, operations, and client transitions.
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Define clear succession goals tailored to your firm’s size and structure.
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Establish a timeline for transition to ensure a seamless handover.
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PHASE TWO:
SUCCESSOR IDENTIFICATION & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
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Assess potential successors based on leadership skills, business vision, and client relationships.
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Provide structured leadership coaching to groom successors for executive roles.
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Implement Kolbe-driven assessments to align leadership strengths with firm needs.
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Develop a plan for ownership transition that includes equity distribution and financial structures.
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PHASE THREE:
CLIENT & TEAM COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
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Craft a clear messaging plan to inform clients about leadership changes.
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Facilitate meetings between clients and successors to build trust and continuity.
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Train staff on internal transition procedures to ensure minimal disruption.
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Develop internal and external communications that reinforce the firm’s stability.
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PHASE FOUR:
EXECUTION, IMPLEMENTION & POST-TRANSITION SUPPORT
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Implement the transition plan according to a structured timeline.
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Monitor key performance metrics to assess transition success.
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Provide ongoing support for new leadership to ensure operational continuity.
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Adjust the plan based on feedback from clients, staff, and advisors.
Flexible Succession Planning Engagements
We offer customized engagement models to fit the needs of every RIA:
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FULL SERVICE SUCCESSION PLANNING
Ideal for firms that need a comprehensive, step-by-step transition strategy from start to finish.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FOR SUCCESSORS
Best for firms with successors in place but need structured leadership training.
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CLIENT & TEAM TRANSITION COACHING
Perfect for RIAs that want support in managing internal and client communications during a leadership transition.
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Proven RIA Succession Planning Success Stories
Case Study: Preserving Firm Legacy Through Internal Succession
A multi-generational RIA firm needed to transition leadership from its founding partners to younger advisors without losing long-term clients. Through our structured coaching and transition plan, we:
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Implemented successor coaching programs to prepare the next generation.
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Ensured a 95% client retention rate during the transition.
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Developed structured equity transfer agreements to maintain financial stability.
Case Study: Selling an RIA Without Client Loss
An independent RIA owner sought to sell the firm but feared client attrition. We:
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Facilitated client introductions to new leadership before the sale.
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Created a transition marketing plan to reassure clients.
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Maintained over 90% of AUM after ownership transfer.
FAQs About Selling a Financial Advisor Practice
How do you handle family dynamics?
We specialize in navigating family tensions and ensuring smooth ownership changes.
What’s the cost for Succession & Transition Consulting?
Costs vary based on firm size and complexity. Contact us to discuss a tailored plan for your practice.
Can you retain clients?
Yes! We provide post-transition support to ensure long-term success.