AdvisorTrends - The 3xEquity Podcast

3xEquity
AdvisorTrends - The 3xEquity Podcast

Podcasts and webinar replays from 3xEquity, the authority on financial advisor transitions. Learn more at 3xEquity.com

  1. 1 NOV

    Does B. Riley's Firesale Tell Remaining Advisors Exactly How Much They Are Loved?

    Learn more at 3xEquity.com Unlike in pro sports, the wealth management space doesn’t have a trade deadline, but if it did B.Riley and Stifel just made a huge deadline deal, and the optics are…awkward. According to AdvisorHub, B. Riley Financial Inc. is handing over a portion of its wealth management division to Stifel Financial Corp. for up to $35 million. The deal, part of B. Riley’s bid to stop the financial bleeding, involves 40 to 50 advisors managing between $3.5 billion and $4.5 billion in assets. But here’s where things get weird: B. Riley has about 400 advisors overseeing a collective $25 billion. So if Stifel cherry-picked this top slice, what message does that send to the advisors left behind? Are they seen as B. Riley’s core team…or just the leftovers? For those advisors still at B. Riley, it’s hard to ignore the writing on the wall. This cash infusion might help B. Riley shore up operations and stabilize — but does it mean their sell-off is over? For advisors sticking around, one big question looms: Did B. Riley fight to keep you, or did Stifel decide to pass? We’re hearing that Stifel is offering some tempting transition incentives to the advisors coming on board, with some packages that are hard to resist. And, as always, we recommend that any advisors facing a ”forced” transition take a moment to see what else is out there. Other broker-dealers may offer better compensation, technology, and support. After all, if you’re thinking of making a move, shouldn’t you have some say in where you land? For those advisors still at B. Riley, what’s your plan? Who do you want to control your career? Whether you’re mulling over an offer or just curious about your options, it’s time to take control of the conversation. By reaching out to 3xEquity, you can secure multiple offers and explore potential fits — all while remaining 100% anonymous. Ready? Get started now.

    2 min
  2. 28 OCT

    ‘Unreasonable’ Advice For Financial Advisors From Will Guidara’s Playbook

    Learn more at 3xEquity.com. Will Guidara, recognized for his transformative influence on hospitality through his work at Eleven Madison Park, as well as his roles as writer, co-producer, and actor on the TV show The Bear and author of the New York Times bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality, offers insights that financial advisors can adapt to enhance client relationships and service. Here are a few key takeaways that advisors might consider: Elevate Service to an Art Form: Guidara’s “Unreasonable Hospitality” emphasizes going above and beyond to make clients feel uniquely valued. For advisors, this means finding small, personal touches that can show clients they’re more than just numbers on a balance sheet. These touches can include remembering personal details, celebrating milestones, or providing thoughtful follow-up after major life events. Listen Actively: Guidara suggests that real hospitality starts with listening and understanding what clients truly need. Financial advisors can incorporate this by conducting in-depth discussions with clients, focusing on their goals, fears, and motivations. Rather than assuming clients have similar priorities, listening to them individually allows for more tailored advice. Create Memorable Experiences: Just as Guidara transformed dining into a memorable experience, advisors can do the same with client interactions. This could be as simple as hosting special events, providing thoughtful resources on topics clients care about, or making meetings more engaging. Memorable interactions lead to lasting impressions, which can strengthen client loyalty and trust. Anticipate Needs: Guidara believes in the value of anticipating what a guest might want before they know it themselves. Advisors can use this by being proactive—whether by addressing market trends, anticipating questions during volatile periods, or providing relevant insights when life changes might impact financial plans. Emphasize Culture and Teamwork: The culture Guidara fostered at Eleven Madison Park was a driving force behind its success. Advisors who lead teams can apply this lesson by building a culture of client-centered service within their practices. When everyone in the firm, from advisors to administrative staff, prioritizes client experience, it enhances the overall value clients receive.   By embracing Guidara’s client-centric philosophy and his father’s career advice to ‘Run toward what you want, as opposed to away from what you don’t want,’ financial advisors can cultivate enduring relationships while also navigating meaningful transitions in their professional journeys. For advisors weighing the prospect of moving to a new broker-dealer, this mindset can help shape a meaningful and positive transition. Rather than feeling compelled to leave because of frustrations or limitations, advisors should evaluate what they genuinely want to gain from their new partnership. Running ‘toward what you want’ could mean pursuing a broker-dealer that offers cutting-edge technology that enhances both advisor efficiency and client experience. It could also mean selecting a firm that provides a broader range of products to better serve diverse client needs or finding a structure with improved compensation through higher payouts or attractive transition bonuses. Guidara’s life lesson highlights that transitions made with purpose and a clear destination in mind are more fulfilling and enduring. For advisors, this approach can lead to a smoother and more rewarding move, ultimately benefiting both their practice and their clients. For advisors considering their next career move, partnering with a transition consultant like 3xEquity can provide clarity on what they should be running toward. Much like Guidara’s philosophy of taking care of employees so they can take care of customers, 3xEquity is committed to supporting advisors so they can focus on what matters most: their clients and goa

    5 min
  3. 23 OCT

    First Wave Of 2025 Comp Plans Announced

    Read more at 3xequity.com. Welcome back to AdvisorTrends, the podcast where we break down the latest developments in the financial industry to help you make informed decisions. I’m your host, and today, we’re diving into the 2025 compensation plans just released by three of the industry’s biggest players: Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and Merrill Lynch. These firms are the first out of the box to unveil their new comp plans, with others expected to follow suit. We'll take a look at what’s changing, how it could impact you, and whether now might be the right time to consider making a move. Let’s start with Morgan Stanley. According to reporting on AdvisorHub, Morgan Stanley is sweetening the pot for advisors who refer clients to other divisions within the firm. This is part of CEO Ted Pick’s goal to build a more "integrated firm" that leverages its massive $5.7 trillion-asset wealth management business. What does that mean for you, the advisor? Starting in 2025, if you refer clients to specialists in retirement planning, ultra-high net worth advising, or other divisions, you’ll receive a 60% payout on revenue generated from those accounts. That’s a big bump from the standard grid rate of between 28% and 55.5%. Morgan Stanley is also increasing payouts to 65% if you refer clients to its investment bank or other units, making collaboration within the firm more lucrative than ever. Now, on to Wells Fargo. They’re taking a steady approach with minimal changes, but there are some adjustments advisors should be aware of. Wells Fargo is keeping its core comp structure the same but raising the bar for smaller accounts and low-producing advisors. Advisors handling accounts under $250,000 will now see reduced payouts—part of Wells Fargo’s ongoing strategy to encourage advisors to focus on higher-value clients. The minimum production level to avoid the “penalty box” is also increasing to $330,000 annually. But here’s the silver lining: Wells Fargo is offering a $500 bonus for every client who opens a checking account, rewarding advisors who help grow their banking relationships. And then there’s Merrill Lynch. Unlike its competitors, Merrill is keeping its 2025 compensation plan unchanged for the second consecutive year. According to AdvisorHub, Merrill’s Co-Head Eric Schimpf said the firm is focused on providing consistency and stability to its advisors. The core cash payout grid and bonuses will remain the same, which is good news for those who prefer predictability in their earnings. After a strong year of growth—nearly 80% of Merrill’s advisors had record revenue—sticking with the same comp plan makes sense for many within the firm. Now, let’s talk about what this means for you as an advisor. If you find yourself negatively impacted by any of these changes—whether it’s higher hurdles, lower payouts for smaller accounts, or even just a lack of growth incentives—you might be wondering if now is the time to make a move. With 2024 still open, there’s definitely time to consider your options and make a transition before the new comp plans take full effect. And here’s where a transition consultant like 3xEquity can be a game-changer. Working with a consultant like 3xEquity can provide you with invaluable insights into how these compensation changes will impact your earnings and growth potential. 3xEquity specializes in helping financial advisors find the best fit for their practice by offering detailed comparisons of compensation structures across firms. They can help you assess whether the grass is greener elsewhere and guide you through the entire transition process. Whether it’s understanding the fine print of signing bonuses or negotiating the best deal for your book of business, 3xEquity can help you make a smooth, informed transition. If you’re thinking about making a move, now could be the perfect time to explore your options, before 2025 rolls in with its new comp

    4 min
  4. 15 OCT

    Assets Move: The Question Is Should You?

    Learn more at 3xEquity.com The number one fear among financial advisors considering a move to a new broker-dealer is this: “Will my assets move with me?” And it’s not hard to understand why. After all, wealth management requires some wealth to manage, and you’ve likely worked hard to cultivate the assets you currently oversee. The thought of losing any portion of that hard-earned book of business can be daunting. But here’s the good news—assets do move, and overwhelmingly so. In this article, we break down exactly why clients move their assets with their advisors (spoiler alert: it’s more common than you think) and how you can make the process smoother for yourself and your clients. A Frictionless Process One of the most significant hurdles advisors used to face when moving to a new firm was the administrative burden. Repapering accounts, coordinating compliance, and keeping clients in the loop could take months of intense effort. But broker-dealers have evolved, and today, the process is designed to be almost effortless for advisors. Firms now deploy entire teams whose sole purpose is to handle these complex transitions. These transition teams take care of repapering, regulatory paperwork, and asset transfers, so you don’t have to. In fact, some broker-dealers go as far as flying in teams to your office, taking over the logistics while you focus on communicating with your clients. With this kind of support, the headache of transitioning assets is almost non-existent. Clients Love You, Not the Firm’s Name on the Door Let’s face it—while the brand name on the door has some cachet, clients are ultimately loyal to *you*, not the firm. After years of providing sound advice, personalized strategies, and seeing your clients through both calm and stormy markets, they trust your guidance. The data backs this up: according to the JD Power Financial Advisor Satisfaction Survey, 63% of investors say they would leave their firm to follow their advisor if he or she left. This statistic speaks volumes about the bond advisors build with their clients over time. Clients value the relationship they’ve built with their advisor far more than the brand behind them. When you decide to make a move, as long as you clearly communicate how it benefits them, your clients will be right there with you. Moving Toward Something Engages Excites Clients Advisors don’t just move away from something—they often move *toward* something better. Whether it’s better technology, access to a wider range of investment options, or an enhanced client experience, a new broker-dealer can offer fresh opportunities that directly benefit your clients. When you frame your move as a positive step forward—whether it’s cutting-edge financial tools, innovative products, or streamlined services—clients see it as an upgrade. They’re not just following you because they trust you; they’re excited about the new possibilities your move brings to their financial future. Why Working with a Transition Consultant Matters Even though the process of moving is much easier today, having an expert guide can be invaluable. That’s where working with a transition consultant like 3xEquity comes in. At 3xEquity, we specialize in helping advisors make the smoothest possible transition by acting as your personal guide through the process. We handle the negotiations, secure offers, and coordinate the move so you can focus on your clients. Best of all, you remain 100% anonymous while exploring offers, allowing you to evaluate your options without the pressure of committing right away. With 3xEquity, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that every detail is managed, and you can secure the best deal for your future without disrupting your current business. Assets Move—Should You? In today’s environment, the question “Will my assets move with me?” is increasingly answered with a resounding yes. The process is easier than ever, client

    5 min
  5. 10 OCT

    Morgan Stanley’s New Comp Structure: A Gentle Nudge Out the Door for Smaller Advisors

    Learn more at 3xequity.com Welcome to AdvisorTrends, where we help financial advisors navigate the complexities of transitioning to a new platform or broker-dealer. Today, we’re diving into Morgan Stanley’s latest comp structure for 2025—and what it means for smaller advisors. Morgan Stanley just unveiled their 2025 compensation plan, and it’s a clear nudge—if not a shove—for smaller producers to consider their future. Starting in April, advisors with nine or more years of experience will need to generate $360,000 in annual revenue to avoid a reduced grid rate of 20%. That’s up from the current threshold of $300,000. For a $300,000 producer managing around $30 million in assets, this new target means finding an additional $6 million in AUM, just to break even. It’s possible, but not easy, especially when Morgan Stanley’s focus is on larger, more profitable practices. For many smaller advisors, this new reality feels less like a gentle nudge and more like a firm push. Some will try to grow, but others may start to wonder if a better fit is out there—a firm that values their business, offers a smoother path to growth, and maybe even a transition bonus. It’s the classic "grow or go" dilemma. Will advisors scale up to meet Morgan Stanley’s demands, or is it time to explore new opportunities with broker-dealers that have more flexible expectations? One thing’s for sure—$300,000 just doesn’t cut it anymore. If you’re curious about your options, you can secure multiple offers while remaining 100% anonymous. Thanks for tuning in to AdvisorTrends. Be sure to check out our full episode library on Spotify, and stay informed about the best moves for your practice.

    2 min
  6. 3 OCT

    Is It Time For A Gut-Check?

    Learn more at 3xequity.com. For many advisors, the end of the year feels like the perfect time to make the leap to a new broker-dealer. The clean break provided by the turning of the calendar is appealing, offering tangible (and often tax-driven) talking points for clients. When combined with exciting new opportunities, advanced technology, and enhanced product choices, the case for a transition can seem ironclad. But if you’re one of those advisors in the final stages of making a move, now might be the perfect moment for a gut check—a brief pause to ensure you're on the right path. Here’s what you should consider before sealing the deal: Am I moving towards something or away from something? It’s important to understand the true motivation behind your move. As 3xEquity founder and CEO, Jeff Crosby, highlighted in a YouTube conversation with AdvisorHub’s Tony Sirianni earlier this year, understanding your "why" can make all the difference. Are you genuinely excited about the new opportunities and growth potential, or are you simply looking to escape frustrations at your current firm? Will my clients be better served on the other side of this transition? Ask yourself if your clients are likely to experience the same or better service and offerings at your new firm. At a minimum, the move should be lateral, but ideally, it should unlock new possibilities for both you and your clients. Did I thoroughly evaluate multiple options?One offer isn't enough to know if you're making the best decision. Most advisors review 2-4 offers before deciding. If you’ve only received one, how can you be sure it's the right fit? This is where 3xEquity comes in—we can help you secure multiple offers quickly and anonymously, ensuring you have the full picture before committing. Am I maximizing my transition package? Is the deal you’re about to sign truly the best offer available? Transition packages can vary greatly, and without a consultant in your corner, you might leave money on the table. 3xEquity can help you evaluate your package, ensuring you’re maximizing your potential. A Brief Pause Can Pay Off Big A gut check at this stage won’t disrupt your year-end timeline, but it will give you peace of mind that you’re making the best possible move for yourself and your clients. Taking a moment to reflect now can prevent regrets and second-guessing down the road. Need assistance with your gut check or want to explore additional offers? Schedule a free consultation with the team at 3xEquity today. We’re here to help you find the best fit—and the best deal.

    4 min
  7. 10 SEPT

    What The New iPhone 16 Launch Can Teach Advisors

    Learn more at 3xEquity.com. The launch of the new iPhone 16 is sparking excitement everywhere. Packed with AI-driven features, cutting-edge apps, and powerful hardware, it promises to transform how users interact with their devices. For some, this new model represents the pinnacle of technological evolution—an essential upgrade that will enhance every facet of their day-to-day life. But let’s be honest—how many features from your last iPhone did you truly use? Many iPhone users have a set of core functions they rely on: messaging, calls, emails, some key apps, and perhaps a few favorite social media platforms. The other bells and whistles? They’re often left untouched. Despite that, you’re still paying for those extra features. And it begs the question: Do you really need the latest and greatest version, or could a simpler, more affordable model serve your needs just as well? This dynamic is strikingly similar to what many financial advisors experience with their broker-dealer. As advisors advance in their careers, they often find themselves comfortable with the tools and processes they’ve mastered over the years—systems that work, systems that deliver profitability. When their broker-dealer rolls out a shiny new suite of tech tools, designed to “keep up with the Joneses,” many advisors find that these innovations just don’t align with their daily practices. Still, they pay for these tools in the form of increasing admin and tech fees. Could it be that you’ve outgrown your current broker-dealer, or perhaps that the firm has become too complex for what you need? Just as some iPhone users realize they don’t need the latest model to enjoy a streamlined, functional experience, financial advisors might benefit from exploring broker-dealer options that align more closely with their actual usage. If you find yourself primarily using basic features and paying for expensive, underutilized services, it might be time to rethink your relationship with your broker-dealer. Just as an iPhone SE might be the right fit for someone who prefers a no-frills phone at a lower cost, there are broker-dealers that offer simplified tools that work for your business model without piling on extra fees. The message is simple: you don’t always need more features. Sometimes, you just need the right ones. And if that resonates with you, now might be the time to explore a transition to a broker-dealer that fits your needs—efficient, effective, and cost-conscious. In the world of financial advising, as with technology, less can often be more. And that could mean more savings, better margins, and a smoother workflow for you. Each year, hundreds of advisors trust the expertise and proven processes of transition consultants like 3xEquity to secure multiple offers, identify the most promising opportunities, and transition smoothly and efficiently. If you’re contemplating a move to a new broker-dealer visit 3xEquity.com and let us help you hit every green light on the road to your next chapter of success.

    3 min
  8. 4 SEPT

    Is It Too Late To Move In 2024?

    Read the full article/transcript at 3xEquity.com. As the year draws to a close, financial advisors contemplating a switch to a new broker-dealer are likely asking themselves one pressing question: is there enough time to make the move before the end of 2024? Transitioning to a new broker-dealer can be a complex and time-consuming process, involving everything from due diligence to the actual transfer of accounts. With the year-end deadline looming, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and challenges of making this transition now versus waiting until 2025. Here’s what you need to consider. The short answer is yes, but with only a few months left in the year, the window is rapidly closing. A transition can take anywhere from six weeks on the very rushed end to a few years for larger practices. Timing depends on many factors, including the complexity of your practice and the level of support you receive. However, motivation can play a significant role in expediting the process. If you’re determined to move before the new year, there may be some compelling reasons to do so—not the least of which is keeping tax year records cleaner. Switching broker-dealers isn’t something that happens overnight. On average, a transition can take anywhere from three to six months, depending on various factors such as the complexity of your book of business, the level of support provided by your new broker-dealer, and regulatory requirements. The first step in any broker-dealer transition is conducting thorough due diligence. This phase typically involves researching potential new firms, comparing their platforms, fees, compliance support, technology offerings, and overall culture. It’s also essential to speak with other advisors who have made similar transitions to gather insights and recommendations. This process alone can take one to two months, especially if you’re considering multiple firms. Once you’ve selected a potential new broker-dealer, the next phase involves negotiating your contract and reviewing the fine print. This stage is critical, as it ensures that the terms of your new affiliation align with your business goals and client needs. Legal review of contracts, negotiating terms, and finalizing agreements can easily take another month or two, depending on the complexity of the deal and the responsiveness of both parties. Having a consultant on your side who sees 100’s of deals each year and can offer you guidance on how to increase your package is critical. As we turn the page on summer 2024 and set our sights on fall and winter, the question of whether to move now or wait until the new year becomes more frequent. Aligning your transition with the new year offers several benefits: Many broker-dealers are offering outsized packages for top talent as the year draws to a close. If you start now, you could take advantage of these competitive offers, which might include significant signing bonuses, higher payouts, or other financial benefits that might not be available in the new year. Additionally, year-end bonuses will soon come into play, meaning you might have timed this perfectly. If your current broker-dealer relationship is hindering your ability to grow your practice or serve your clients effectively, delaying the move could mean another year of missed opportunities. Transitioning now could position you to hit the ground running in 2025 with a broker-dealer that better supports your strategic goals. One practical reason to consider moving before the new year is to keep your tax year records cleaner. By aligning the transition with the calendar year, you can avoid complications that might arise from splitting financial records across different broker-dealers within the same tax year. With just a few months left in 2024, here are some practical steps to consider if you’re determined to make the move before the end of the year: Reach out to a transition consultant, such as 3xEquity, to begin discuss

    8 min

About

Podcasts and webinar replays from 3xEquity, the authority on financial advisor transitions. Learn more at 3xEquity.com

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada