What “done” looks like

• Timeline is realistic and matches your constraints.

• You have a custody direction (or a short list) and know why.

• Your tech stack direction is clear enough to build.

• You have a client messaging plan that protects relationships.

• You have identified the top 5 execution risks (and mitigations).

The Phase 2 “planning map”

1. Protocol + legal posture
   Know your obligations, your restrictions, and the correct order of operations.

2. Custody direction
   Custody isn’t just a vendor — it’s your operating spine (account types, service model, integrations).

3. Tech stack direction
   Don’t pick 20 tools. Pick a system and a few essential add-ons based on workflow.

4. Operating model + staffing assumptions
   What gets done by you, your team, outsourced ops, compliance support, etc.

5. Client communication plan
   What you’ll say, when you’ll say it, how you’ll handle objections, and how you’ll keep momentum.

The 10-part transition plan (copy this into your notes)

• Objective (what “success” looks like at 90 days and 12 months)

• Model chosen (and why)

• Target timeline (with constraints)

• Custody short list + decision criteria

• Tech stack (minimum viable)

• Service model + pricing posture

• Staffing plan (Day 1 and Month 6)

• Client segmentation + message approach

• Data + migration plan (accounts, documents, CRM)

• Risk list + mitigations

Common planning mistakes

• Treating custody like a commodity.

• Choosing tech before defining workflows.

• Underestimating data cleanup and migration time.

• Writing a client message that sounds like a sales pitch (instead of stewardship).

Do this in the next 7 days (action checklist)

• Draft your transition timeline with 3 milestones: “ready,” “announce,” “operating.”

• Create a custody shortlist and score it against your non-negotiables.

• Define your “minimum viable stack” (CRM, planning, trading/portfolio, doc vault, email/archiving).

• Segment clients into A/B/C tiers for outreach priority.

• Draft your client message and objection handling bullets.

Tools + pages to use in this phase

• Custody Tech Stack (to pick what you actually need)

• Client Message Builder (clear, confident client communication)

• Transition Readiness (identify weak points before you launch)

Next step

If your plan is clear enough that someone else could execute it with you, you’re ready for Phase 3: Build + Launch.