About the RIA Resource Center
Welcome to the RIA Resource Center! Here, we provide valuable insights and resources for registered investment advisors (RIAs) looking to thrive and grow their practice. Discover expert tips on how to navigate the industry, learn from real-life RIA success stories, and gain valuable insights from surveys of RIAs.
Whether you're a seasoned RIA or just starting out, our comprehensive collection of resources will empower you to achieve your goals and excel in the world of independent financial advising. Explore the RIA Resource Center today and unlock the keys to success in your RIA journey.
INDEPENDENCE AND GROWTH
RIA Thrival Guide
With an entrepreneurial spirit and the grit to withstand the challenges of a startup business, the most successful independent firms have found ways not only to survive, but also to thrive. Get practical tips and workbooks to help you grow at scale.
Small Firms on the Rise
$3.7T
in acquirable assets are managed by RIAs.1
-15%
Was the average decline in AUM for the largest RIA firms.1
30%
Was the average growth rate in the smallest RIA firms.1
LEARN FROM PEERS
Independence in Practice
Hear from leading RIAs who have leveraged The American College of Financial Services’ specialized education to achieve lasting success.
We have an obligation to [our clients] to make certain that we're giving them the very best product at the lowest cost that's going to get them the results that they deserve in their lives.
Cary Stamp
The American College expands my opportunities through specialization, specifically the Retirement Income Certified Professional® designation, which allows us to help our clients in the retirement phase of their lives and assist them with a successful retirement.
Jack Schanne
[Cary] stresses how important it is to get professional education, to develop the knowledge that you really need to best do what we do, which is serve the clients and try to be the best fiduciaries we can for those clients.
Austin Kuyrkendall
01/00
SCALE THROUGH SPECIALIZATION
How RIAs Clear a Path to Profitability
Against an industry backdrop that favors large firms, RIAs must focus on maximizing profit and growth to stay competitive. The solution: specialization through education. Our RIA Profitability Plan gives you a blueprint to: 1. respond to diverse client demands and help grow per-client revenue, 2. evaluate business structure and advisor recruitment, and 3. identify specialty programs to deepen your professional expertise and client relationships.
Related Insights
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FinServe Ambassador Champions the Power of Independent Advisors
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How Financial Advisors Can Effectively Leverage AI Tools in Practice
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FinServe Network Advisors Talk RIA Strategy
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April 18, 2023
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Independence in Practice: How a Florida Firm Powers Growth with Retirement Knowledge
When it comes to expertise in retirement planning, The College’s Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) Program is the best source of specialized knowledge in the business and elevates…
November 21, 2023
Podcasts
Much has been written and said about the nonstop nature of the financial services profession – part of the reason many new advisors leave the business early in their careers and why clients are…
March 25, 2024
01/03
1 Investment Adviser Association and National Regulatory Services. Investment Adviser Industry Snapshot 2023.