RIA Roadmap: Build Your Independence Plan
A step-by-step RIA roadmap to plan, execute, and stabilize your transition
Vendor-neutral. Educational only. Built for action.
Decide
Plan
Build + Launch
Transition + Run
Phase One: Decide
Phase Two: Plan
Phase Three: Build + Launch
Phase Four: Transition + Run
Milestones That Matter
Destination Locked
You’ve chosen the target firm/custodian shortlist and your operating model (RIA-only vs hybrid). You can explain “why this path” in one minute.
Economics Validated
You ran the take-home math with real expenses and a realistic disruption window. You know your break-even expectations.
Constraints Confirmed
You’ve reviewed agreements, flagged key clauses, clarified Protocol posture, and identified constraints that affect timing and outreach.
Resignation Window Chosen
Your resignation date aligns with billing cycles and cash buffer planning. You’re not relying on best-case timing.
Transition Plan Built (with Owners)
You have a timeline, owner lanes (compliance/custody/tech/client comms/ops), and clear dependencies. Everyone knows who owns what.
Plan Pressure-Tested with Custodian
You reviewed account-opening steps, transfer timing, staffing load, and workflow quirks with the custodian’s transition team.
Client Segmentation Complete
Clients are classified for high-touch vs streamlined, in-person vs e-sign. You can estimate workload and timing accurately.
Communication Pack Ready
You have a clean client message, FAQ, and call outline. The transition feels calm, client-first, and organized.
Compliance Reset + 30/60/90 Cadence Live
Archiving/workflows are set, policies match operations, team training is scheduled, and you’re running a 30/60/90 stabilization plan.
Tools + Checklists
Use these to validate decisions quickly and keep the transition moving.
Cost of Delay - RIA Calculator
Run the real take-home math with realistic expenses and timing assumptions.
Transition Readiness
A quick checkpoint to assess whether you’re ready to move—and what to tighten first.
Run the real take-home math with realistic expenses and timing assumptions.
Choose Your Destination
Select the right firm fit, decide RIA-only vs hybrid, and validate economics early.
Legal + Protocol + Timing
Contracts, Protocol posture, billing-cycle timing, and resignation basics—organized.
Execution Playbook
Plan, client segmentation, communications, account opening, transfers—step-by-step.
Stabilize + Optimize
Compliance reset, team training, monitoring expectations, and 30/60/90 cadence.
Get practical transition guidance (no noise)
Tools, checklists, and plain-English updates for advisors exploring independence or optimizing as an RIA.
