The Registered Investment Advisor(RIA) Boom - Unfiltered Financial Advisors Advice w/ Nathan Stibbs

Summary

In 'Advisor Talk with Frank LaRosa', Frank interviews Nathan Stibbs, a seasoned professional in the wealth management industry. They discuss the shift from IBDs to RIAs, the evolution of the financial advisor landscape, and the importance of technology and flexibility in business growth. Stibbs shares insights from his experience at Triad Advisors and his new role at Continuum Advisory, emphasizing the value of a supportive platform for investment advisors looking to scale their businesses efficiently.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ 'Advisor Talk with Frank LaRosa' is a podcast providing unfiltered guidance and advice for financial advisors, RIAs, and wealth management practitioners.
• 👋 Frank LaRosa interviews Nathan Stibbs, who has transitioned from Triad Advisors to Continuum Advisory, reflecting on his extensive experience in the financial industry.
• 🚀 Nathan Stibbs played a pivotal role in the growth of Triad Advisors, growing it from a small firm to a leader in the RIA space with significant revenue and advisor count.
• 🔄 The shift from IBDs to RIAs is highlighted as a growing trend, with advisors seeking more control, flexibility, and access to innovative financial technology solutions.
• 💡 The RIA channel's growth is partly attributed to the commoditization of the independent broker-dealer channel, which has led to a desire for more personalized and flexible services.
• 🌟 Continuum Advisory is positioned as a middle office platform for investment advisors, offering a turnkey back-office solution to focus on client service and growth.
• 📈 The importance of scalability and growth potential for RIAs is emphasized, with Continuum Advisory focusing on helping advisors maximize their enterprise value.
• 🛠️ Technology is a top priority for Continuum Advisory, with the adoption of an end-to-end digital platform powered by Amplify, including paperless client onboarding and portfolio management.
• 🤝 The role of custodians in the RIA movement is discussed, with the potential for major players like Schwab, Fidelity, and Goldman Sachs to shape the future landscape of the industry.
• 🔍 Advisors are encouraged to consider platforms like Continuum Advisory, especially those in the 50-150 million AUM range looking for growth without the complexities of running their own RIA.
• 📍 Interested advisors can learn more about Continuum Advisory by visiting their website or reaching out to Nathan Stibbs directly for more information.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 'Advisor Talk with Frank Larosa' podcast?

The podcast focuses on providing unfiltered guidance and direct advice concerning financial advisors, RIAs, and wealth management practitioners.

Who is the special guest in the discussed episode of 'Advisor Talk with Frank Larosa'?

The special guest is Nathan Stibbs, who previously worked at Triad Advisors and has recently joined Continuum Advisory.

What was Nathan Stibbs' role at Triad Advisors?

Nathan Stibbs was one of the senior executives at Triad Advisors, overseeing business development, branch expansion, advisor M&A, and managing two corporate RIA platforms.

What significant growth did Triad Advisors experience during Nathan Stibbs' tenure?

Triad Advisors grew from a small firm with around 30-40 advisors and $13 million in revenue in 2001 to a leader in the RIA space with $220 million in revenue and 750 advisors by 2020.

Why did Nathan Stibbs decide to move from Triad Advisors to Continuum Advisory?

Nathan Stibbs wanted to explore new opportunities and challenges after spending 20 years at Triad Advisors. He was attracted to Continuum Advisory's growth potential and its position in the RIA channel.

What is the current trend in the financial advisory industry according to the podcast?

There is a growing trend of advisors shifting from traditional broker-dealer models to the RIA model due to the desire for more control, flexibility, and access to innovative financial technology solutions.

What does the podcast suggest about the impact of commoditization on the independent broker-dealer channel?

The commoditization of the independent broker-dealer channel has led to a lack of flexibility and control for advisors, prompting a shift towards the RIA model which offers more customization and entrepreneurial culture.

What role do custodians play in the evolution of the RIA channel as discussed in the podcast?

Custodians play a critical role in the RIA channel by providing technology platforms, practice management tools, and resources that help advisors become better business owners and deliver better client experiences.

What is the target advisor profile for Continuum Advisory according to Nathan Stibbs?

Continuum Advisory targets advisors who are typically between $50 to 150 million in AUM, are in growth mode, and are looking for a platform that can handle the complexities of operations, technology, and compliance.

What technology solutions does Continuum Advisory offer to its advisors?

Continuum Advisory offers an end-to-end digital platform powered by Amplify, which includes paperless digital client onboarding, portfolio management capabilities, trading, rebalancing, model management, and performance reporting powered by Black Diamond.

How can advisors learn more about Continuum Advisory or get in touch with Nathan Stibbs?

Advisors can learn more about Continuum Advisory by visiting www.continuumadvisory.com. To get in touch with Nathan Stibbs, they can email him at [email protected].