Becoming an RIA

RIA Start-Up Guide

Chapter 1: MAKING THE COMMITMENT

• Explore a new career
• Understanding the potential benefits of becoming an RIA
• Knowing the challenges
• Making the transition and understanding your qualifications
• Analyzing the potential financial implications
• Developing a business plan
• Starting your firm with confidence

Chapter 2: DEFINING YOUR BUSINESS ENTITY

• Establishing yourself and your firm
• Abiding by professional ethics and standards
• Understanding registration and compliance
• Preparing for drafting your disclosure statement
• Regulatory filings
• Electronic filings
• Other elements of the compliance foundation
• Managing risk
• Getting the counsel you need

Chapter 3: PREPARING YOUR ORGANIZATION

• Opening your business
• Setting up your office
• Developing your brand
• Clearing and custody review
• Managing account setup and transfer
• Setting up your back office

Making the Move to an RIA: Research Brief

Roadmap Planning Tool for RIAs

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Features Include: Financial benchmarks from Moss Adams1 to help you compare your revenue and expense projections to RIA practices of a similar size. Valuable information on setting up your firm, from operating structure to compliance, insurance, technology, marketing, and opening accounts. Detailed guidance for each of the key steps in the process. An interactive calendar to view required tasks, timeframes, and progress to date. Helpful tips from industry experts and others who have already made the move to an RIA, as well as links to valuable research papers on a host of topics related to establishing your own practice.