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.
Educational Programs
Specialize Your Services, Differentiate Yourself
Equip yourself to deliver the specialized services offered by today’s top RIAs, including RICP® for retirement planning, CAP® for philanthropic advising, ChFC® for advanced financial consulting, and the new TPCPTM for tax planning. Join the elite advisors who have already discovered how specialized designations support better outcomes for their clients – and their businesses.
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.
Do Your Clients Want Tax-Informed Planning?
91%
Of investment advisor representatives (IARs) use tax-efficient withdrawal strategies with their clients1
78%
Of IARs use strategies for tax planning around their clients’ life events1
54%
Of IARs say they do not offer small business owner tax planning, yet their clients “always” or “often” request the service1
Independence in Practice
Multigenerational Planning
One of the many ingredients needed for success in the independent advising space is future-proofing your business with multigenerational strategies for both advisors and clients – like those in place at Cary Stamp & Co.
Specialized Knowledge
We’re dedicated to helping independent advisors like those at Cary Stamp & Co. propel their business growth and deliver better client outcomes. How? Through powerful specialized knowledge.
Succession Planning
When passing the baton to the next generation, it’s important for seasoned advisors to bring professionals on board who share their values and recognize the importance of consistency and continuity in client service.
Client Communication
Financial services isn’t a product business: it’s a relationship business. Just ask the pros at Cary Stamp & Co.! As any successful independent advisory firm will likely attest, cultivating the confidence and loyalty of clients requires constant attention to detail and a genuine concern for their well-being – which makes communication a critical element of a business plan.
01/03
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
RICP®, CFP®, CDFA™, CAP®, AIF®, AEP®
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
RICP®, CFP®
[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
Insights
The American College of Financial Services surveyed advisors about the services they offer relative to what their clients request. The results reveal big opportunities – especially regarding tax…
September 24, 2024
Insights
FinServe Ambassador Champions the Power of Independent Advisors
For many financial services professionals, the prospect of starting their own independent practice outside the traditional corporate structure can be intimidating – but those who have chosen to…
March 07, 2024
Insights
How Financial Advisors Can Effectively Leverage AI Tools in Practice
From the moment publicly available artificial intelligence (AI) platforms exploded onto the scene in late 2022, it seems the business world has undergone an overnight revolution as different…
February 16, 2024
Insights
FinServe Network Advisors Talk RIA Strategy
The College’s inaugural 2023 FinServe Network Summit was ripe with opportunities for discussion on many of the most important topics in the financial services industry.
April 18, 2023
Insights
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
01/03
1 Investment Adviser Association and National Regulatory Services. Investment Adviser Industry Snapshot 2023.