Why this matters

Transition success is rarely about one big moment. It’s the accumulation of dozens of small, high-stakes decisions made under time pressure. This playbook is designed to reduce uncertainty, protect client continuity, and help you move from “considering” to “executing” with confidence.

The 6 phases of a breakaway (overview)

This framework keeps your transition organized and reduces the risk of missing critical steps.

• Phase 1: Decide (economics, legal posture, timeline, support model)
• Phase 2: Plan (custody, compliance approach, tech, operations, comms plan)
• Phase 3: Build (entity setup, vendors, accounts, workflows, data strategy)
• Phase 4: Launch (resignation day, client outreach, paperwork/repapering, stabilization)
• Phase 5: Stabilize (service cadence, ops throughput, compliance rhythm, team roles)
• Phase 6: Scale (growth engine, hiring, tech automation, profitability tuning)

Your transition “critical path” checklist

Use this as a sanity check before you pick a resignation date. If any critical-path item is uncertain, it’s a signal to slow down and de-risk.

• Legal counsel retained and transition plan reviewed
• Custodian selection and account opening workflow defined
• Compliance plan (core policies + supervision model) drafted
• Client segmentation and communication sequence prepared
• Data/export strategy confirmed (what you can take, what you can’t)
• Day-1 operating model documented (who does what, when, and how)

The top 8 failure points (and how to prevent them)

Most transition pain comes from predictable patterns.

• Underestimating legal escalation risk (TROs happen fast)
• Not rehearsing resignation day (roles, scripts, escalation paths)
• Weak client segmentation (calling the wrong clients first)
• Repapering bottlenecks (no ops throughput plan)
• Technology “pile-up” (too many tools, too late)
• Compliance procrastination (policies written after launch)
• Service gaps (clients feel uncertainty)
• Team misalignment (unclear responsibilities, no cadence)

Client retention playbook (simple + repeatable)

Clients stay when they feel clarity, continuity, and competence. Build a communication plan that answers questions before they ask them.

• Your 30-second reason for the move (plain language, client-first)
• Your 2-minute explanation of independence (what changes / what doesn’t)
• Fee & service FAQ sheet
• A day 1 / day 7 / day 30 follow-up cadence
• A “who to call if you need us” reassurance protocol

How to use this pillar in the Resource Center

This page is the pillar hub for Transition Strategy & Breakaway Planning. Every spoke article should link back to this pillar, and this pillar should link out to the spokes by topic.

• Add “Part of: Transition Strategy & Breakaway Planning” on spoke articles
• Use Topic and Stage taxonomies to surface related content dynamically
• Keep updates current when industry/legal dynamics shift

Client Messaging Toolkit (scripts, letters, and video)

Clients don’t like change — so your message should lead with what improves for them. Here’s a simple framework to keep communications clear, calm, and client‑first:

• Investment options: more choice and/or lower‑cost share classes.
• Platform fees: explain if fees decrease and quantify the benefit without over‑mathing it.
• Technology: highlight tangible upgrades (clearer reporting, client portal/app, easier service).
• High‑level model explanation: “commission = broker‑dealer” vs “fee = RIA” (keep it simple).
• Context: if you’re joining a group vs. starting your own, explain the upside for clients and long‑term stability.
• Compliance: every letter/script needs review by your new compliance team.
• Optional video: a short client video can reduce confusion and increase reassurance.

Related downloads: Transition Client Messaging Toolkit, plus letter templates for “joining” vs “creating” (add as Resources and attach files after upload).