Payout rate for fee-based advisors

Jun 1, 2007 7:10 pm

Anyone has any idea about the prevailing payout rate for independently practicing advisors in an fee-based setup?  The company charges 1% annual fee of asset value up to 3 mil.

No base salary, all production payout...

Jun 1, 2007 8:10 pm

[quote=bluestar]

Anyone has any idea about the prevailing payout rate for independently practicing advisors in an fee-based setup? The company charges 1% annual fee of asset value up to 3 mil.



No base salary, all production payout…

[/quote]



Are you still taking ESL classes?
Jun 2, 2007 6:53 am

[quote=Oldproducer] [quote=bluestar]

Anyone has any idea about the prevailing payout rate for independently practicing advisors in an fee-based setup??The company charges 1% annual fee of asset value up to 3 mil.


No base salary, all production payout...

[/quote]

Are you still taking ESL classes?[/quote]

Yes.

Do you know?

Jun 2, 2007 5:26 pm

Don't know what your company pays, looks like an interesting opportunity.

But I am in a position to hire someone like you, and have an idea of what would be fair from my point of view.

This would be SEC registered RIA work, with no broker dealer bs.

So, what are your qualifications, and what do you think would be fair, and I would be happy to give my opinion from my point of view, if that would be helpful.

Jun 3, 2007 11:02 pm

[quote=crashcourse]

Don't know what your company pays, looks like an interesting opportunity.

But I am in a position to hire someone like you, and have an idea of what would be fair from my point of view.

This would be SEC registered RIA work, with no broker dealer bs.

So, what are your qualifications, and what do you think would be fair, and I would be happy to give my opinion from my point of view, if that would be helpful.

[/quote]

10+ years of industry experience, can move about 20-30 mil to new firm which is a small boutique firm.

I'm thinking, since stock broker payout rates seem to range between 25% at big firms to 35% at smaller firms, some with base salary, maybe a 40% payout without base salary might be fair.

Your opinion is appreciated.

Jun 4, 2007 1:19 am

[quote=bluestar][quote=crashcourse]

Don't know what your company pays, looks like an interesting opportunity.

But I am in a position to hire someone like you, and have an idea of what would be fair from my point of view.

This would be SEC registered RIA work, with no broker dealer bs.

So, what are your qualifications, and what do you think would be fair, and I would be happy to give my opinion from my point of view, if that would be helpful.

[/quote]

10+ years of industry experience, can move about 20-30 mil to new firm which is a small boutique firm.

I'm thinking, since stock broker payout rates seem to range between 25% at big firms to 35% at smaller firms, some with base salary, maybe a 40% payout without base salary might be fair.

Your opinion is appreciated.

[/quote]

What will this firm do for you that they deserve 60% of YOUR money?

Jun 4, 2007 4:13 am

Bobby, if you didn't try so hard to be an annoying twit, you might actually be likeable. Here's a little free advice: take an extra moment and actually think about the content, and respond based on your hard won experience. Maybe you could work on the "packaging" of your meaning a little, might even help you grow professionally, you never know. Improved critical thinking would not be a negative outcome of spending ( a lot of ) time on a professional internet forum.

Bluestar, 40% payout without base is too low for you. Bobby is right.

Any negotiation needs to be a win-win, or the negotiated arrangement will not hold, and would likely end up wasting everyone's time.

So I ask you, let's have a little fun, say you are joining my RIA, and I'm taking care of all of the overhead, come back with a more realistic offer for yourself, and draw me out.

Jun 4, 2007 5:53 am

Anyway, Bluestar, I am planning my week and decided not to waste any more time here, so good luck, and I would say 50% with plus an incentive to step through 60% and 70% would be reasonable. Good luck, and good bye all.

Jun 4, 2007 2:47 pm

I am planning my week and decided not to waste any more time here

Good, maybe you and Parachute/Fgnancy/Goforbroke et al can take yourself out for a good drunk.

Jun 4, 2007 2:50 pm

[quote=bluestar]

Anyone has any idea about the prevailing payout rate for independently practicing advisors in an fee-based setup?  The company charges 1% annual fee of asset value up to 3 mil.

No base salary, all production payout...

[/quote]

To give you a real answer. The pay out depends on where you fall in the production grid.  If you produce XX from any sources ,commission  and fees, you get a 70% payout. (the lowest for my firm)  If you produce XXX you get a 90% pay out.  Highest for the firm unless you are an OSJ.

Jun 5, 2007 3:21 pm

[quote=Dust Bunny][quote=bluestar]

Anyone has any idea about the prevailing payout rate for independently practicing advisors in an fee-based setup?  The company charges 1% annual fee of asset value up to 3 mil.

No base salary, all production payout...

[/quote]

To give you a real answer. The pay out depends on where you fall in the production grid.  If you produce XX from any sources ,commission  and fees, you get a 70% payout. (the lowest for my firm)  If you produce XXX you get a 90% pay out.  Highest for the firm unless you are an OSJ.

[/quote]

90% payout???!!!  You're not playing a joke on me, are you??  I don't want to be kicked out of the interviewer's office....

Jun 5, 2007 3:23 pm

[quote=crashcourse]Anyway, Bluestar, I am planning my week and decided not to waste any more time here, so good luck, and I would say 50% with plus an incentive to step through 60% and 70% would be reasonable. Good luck, and good bye all. [/quote]

Thanks for your input.

Jun 5, 2007 3:56 pm

[quote=bluestar][quote=Dust Bunny][quote=bluestar]

Anyone has any idea about the prevailing payout rate for independently practicing advisors in an fee-based setup?  The company charges 1% annual fee of asset value up to 3 mil.

No base salary, all production payout...

[/quote]

To give you a real answer. The pay out depends on where you fall in the production grid.  If you produce XX from any sources ,commission  and fees, you get a 70% payout. (the lowest for my firm)  If you produce XXX you get a 90% pay out.  Highest for the firm unless you are an OSJ.

[/quote]

90% payout???!!!  You're not playing a joke on me, are you??  I don't want to be kicked out of the interviewer's office....

[/quote]

Well,.... obviously you don't want to go in demanding 90%. That's would only  be for proven big producers.  If you have commission statements to show previous production you may be able to use that as a leveraging tool for you initial payout, but expect to be put at the lowest level until you prove your production.   Until the company sees that you are actually producing at whatever their grid level is they are going to low ball you.  You might ask what the grid looks like, how much production do you need to have and for how long before you are re allocated on the payout grid.

At least that's the way it works in the firm I'm affiliated with. 

When I went indy several years ago, I was at 70% and in 8 months or so was bumped to 80%.  I might have been started at 70% (which is a bit high)  because of my previous track record, so possibly you could be looking at something lower.

It really all depends   It depends on how much the company is providing for you in services and support on how much they will take from the total fees and commissions.  If they are providing equipment, paying your E&O etc then they will take more. 

So out of my 80% I pay for everything.  Platform/affiliation fees, E&O, extra research sources not provided in the platform, Rent on my office, advertising costs, postage, utilities, my own equipment, continuing education and so on. 

Before you go Indy you need to have some idea of what your expenses you are responsible for, how much they will be, what payout grid you are going to be on and do a number crunch to see if you can live on that.   Just like any business, when you are in an independent shop......it means just that.....independent. 

Jun 5, 2007 8:12 pm

[quote=Dust Bunny][quote=bluestar][quote=Dust Bunny][quote=bluestar]

Anyone has any idea about the prevailing payout rate for independently practicing advisors in an fee-based setup?  The company charges 1% annual fee of asset value up to 3 mil.

No base salary, all production payout...

[/quote]

To give you a real answer. The pay out depends on where you fall in the production grid.  If you produce XX from any sources ,commission  and fees, you get a 70% payout. (the lowest for my firm)  If you produce XXX you get a 90% pay out.  Highest for the firm unless you are an OSJ.

[/quote]

90% payout???!!!  You're not playing a joke on me, are you??  I don't want to be kicked out of the interviewer's office....

[/quote]

Well,.... obviously you don't want to go in demanding 90%. That's would only  be for proven big producers.  If you have commission statements to show previous production you may be able to use that as a leveraging tool for you initial payout, but expect to be put at the lowest level until you prove your production.   Until the company sees that you are actually producing at whatever their grid level is they are going to low ball you.  You might ask what the grid looks like, how much production do you need to have and for how long before you are re allocated on the payout grid.

At least that's the way it works in the firm I'm affiliated with. 

When I went indy several years ago, I was at 70% and in 8 months or so was bumped to 80%.  I might have been started at 70% (which is a bit high)  because of my previous track record, so possibly you could be looking at something lower.

It really all depends   It depends on how much the company is providing for you in services and support on how much they will take from the total fees and commissions.  If they are providing equipment, paying your E&O etc then they will take more. 

So out of my 80% I pay for everything.  Platform/affiliation fees, E&O, extra research sources not provided in the platform, Rent on my office, advertising costs, postage, utilities, my own equipment, continuing education and so on. 

Before you go Indy you need to have some idea of what your expenses you are responsible for, how much they will be, what payout grid you are going to be on and do a number crunch to see if you can live on that.   Just like any business, when you are in an independent shop......it means just that.....independent. 

[/quote]

The firm I'm considering moving to is SEC registered RIA firm.  Our discussion hasn't advanced to all the agreement details yet, just the understanding that the company will provide all the SERVICE support, from office to equipment to report generating.  I'm on my own with  managing my clients assets, servicing my own clients, and developing new clients.

I estimate I can move about $20-30 mil over, so I'm that much "proven".

Does these info change anything???

I'm glad two people both put it around 70%, and I hope I end up getting at least that....  but to be honest that still seems very high to me...  I'd need a big confidence boost to ask for that.

Jun 5, 2007 9:25 pm

[quote=bluestar]

Anyone has any idea about the prevailing payout rate for independently practicing advisors in an fee-based setup?  The company charges 1% annual fee of asset value up to 3 mil.

No base salary, all production payout...

[/quote]

Wow, Looney,that was embarassing.

Bluestar, let's say your RIA is billing 1% and you move 20 million. 30% to the RIA, or $60,000, would make it worthwhile for someone like me to essentially take on a " room mate", covering all of the expenses.

E& O might be a wild card, but that should be a fixed cost covered by higher production. How fancy is the office, does the firm do any marketing/postioning that would bring new business to your book?

Why do you need or want to join a firm, if you already know the business,  the 30% to RIA partner could cover your fixed costs?

Partnerships are hard, and the higher your payout, the more it looks like a marriage. The lower your payout, the less stability for you.

Just some thoughts.

Jun 5, 2007 9:25 pm

[quote=bluestar]

I’m glad two people both put it around 70%, and I
hope I end up getting at least that…  but to be honest that
still seems very high to me…  I’d need a big confidence
boost to ask for that.

[/quote]



You can always ask for less.



A typical RIA expects at least an 80% net payout on client fee’s, since the platform costs tend to run about 20bp or so.
Jun 5, 2007 9:28 pm

Allreit, how are you defining plaform costs?

Jun 6, 2007 3:34 am

[quote=razeurgame]Allreit, how are you defining plaform costs?[/quote]



Custody, compliance etc etc. Same as if you were at LPL



Indy’s and RIA’s are going to have roughly the same cost structure and payout, if a little bit lower on the RIA side.

Jun 6, 2007 4:20 am

I don’t get it. An Indy at LPL might have a 91% payout, but there is an admin fee on that takes the payout lower on wrap accounts. RIA payout is 100%. There might be 12b1 fees on managed funds at LPL that bring you closer to 100%. The other fixed costs would be similar at both platforms, what am I missing here?

Jun 6, 2007 5:01 am

[quote=razeurgame]I don’t get it. An Indy at LPL might have a 91% payout, but there is an admin fee on that takes the payout lower on wrap accounts. RIA payout is 100%. There might be 12b1 fees on managed funds at LPL that bring you closer to 100%. The other fixed costs would be similar at both platforms, what am I missing here?[/quote]

An RIA is going to have slightly higher compliance costs because they will have to create their own procedures manual and implement it, or purchase said services from an outside vendor.  I would imagine, too, that there is more administrative time involved, too.  LPL’s and similar indy b/d’s that allow you to operate under their corporate RIA also do much of your recordkeeping/data storage/performance reporting for you.  As your own RIA you have to arrange to do this yourself.

Then there’s also the issue that you need to either forgo comission business or affiliate separately with a b/d and/or insurance carriers.  Most b/d’s in that case will want some ongoing info about your RIA business and may also charge you slightly more for E&O.

Economies of scale as you grow larger probably give the standalone RIA a bigger advantage.  Then again as your practice grows the payout at LPL(and I presume other indy b/d’s) grows.

Probably you make a little more as an RIA if you want to do the extra work.  For me, it was attractive to get most of my technology in one convenient bundle and yet still have quite a bit of freedom to run my business the way I see fit.  That was worth giving up a modest amount of incremental income.

Jun 6, 2007 5:40 am

Thanks for your thoughtful post.

I am wondering if any solo and sole RIAs would comment.

At least for some RIAs, the number might look something like this:

30 million under management at 1%, is $300,000. Lots of RIAs carry no E & O, and feel having it just makes them a target. The fiduciary standard is met by proactive compliance, and it takes about $5,000 to use a law firm to set it up. The entity is set up as an LLC.

In this case, all of the other fixed costs, including rent, technology, phone, and an annual audit by the law firm, might be $60,000. Client pays ticket charges. Net $240,000.

Using ETFs at LPL, you payout might average, after admin, ticket charges, etc, maybe 85%, minus similar " other " fixed costs. Net, maybe $205,000.

Not really that big of a deal to set up an RIA. Compliance, without any broker dealer affiliation, is simpler.

Taking the first part of this thread, bluestar brings in 20 million, an extra $200,000, most of it is profit since the fixed costs are paid. He takes 70%, leaving $60,00 plus $240,000 is $300,000 for the RIA firm owner - say $290,000, spend an additional $10,000 on the lawyers.

Bluestar gets $140,000.

Folks I talked to say affiliating with both an RIA and a b/d creates a lot more complexity.

RIA is simple if you are willing to take a little risk. The attorneys will say, the regulars assume you are a scumbag if you are a broker and you need to prove your business is clean. At RIA, you are innocent until proved guilty. Just a comment I heard from the attorneys.

Jun 6, 2007 5:41 am

regulators assume you are a scumbag.

Jun 6, 2007 7:23 am

[quote=razeurgame]RIA is simple if you are willing to take a little
risk. The attorneys will say, the regulars assume you are a scumbag if
you are a broker and you need to prove your business is clean. At RIA,
you are innocent until proved guilty. Just a comment I heard from the
attorneys.[/quote]



And that mostly comes from the business model and heritage/historical
experience. Plus RIA’s can’t/don’t deal in things like
IPO’s/Insurance/Annuities/LP offerings/TICs various other instruments
with potential for abuse.



For someone who is a broker with a 7, it IMHO makes more sense to start
up with LPL etc. If you want to you can always convert yourself to an
RIA scheme later.


Jun 6, 2007 10:38 am

ALLREIT,

Saying that an RIA can/don't deal in things like Insurance/Annuities makes as much sense as saying that registered reps can't/don't deal in things like insurance/annuities.

They can both deal in insurance/annuities if they have their insurance license.  The only difference is that a Registered Rep can earn commissions for variable life and variable annuity products.  An RIA would have to charge fees for advising his clients about variable products.

Your insurance/annuity knowledge really appears to be lacking.  It's fairly obvious that you don't know what you don't know.

Jun 6, 2007 2:25 pm

[quote=razeurgame]

Lots of RIAs carry no E & O, and feel having it just makes them a target. The fiduciary standard is met by proactive compliance, and it takes about $5,000 to use a law firm to set it up. The entity is set up as an LLC.

[/quote]

Frankly that’s just plain foolish IMHO.  I guess it gives me a ‘can opener’ of my own to use in case I compete against a smaller RIA in the future!

“Mr. Client, did you happen to get any background information on his liability insurance or financial reserves?  Lots of these fellows with their own small firms don’t carry professional liability coverage.   By the way here’s a copy of the certificate for my E&O policy with AIG.”
Jun 6, 2007 2:34 pm

Nice try, equating fiduciary standard at RIA with an E & O policy at broker dealer, where to the potential for abuse is rampant. This is a red herring.

Anyway, if your clients fall for your little can opener tactic, so be it. Just more selling crap, akin to your fascination with Bobby.  

Jun 6, 2007 2:39 pm

[quote=razeurgame]

Nice try, equating fiduciary standard at RIA with an E & O policy at broker dealer, where to the potential for abuse is rampant. This is a red herring.

Anyway, if your clients fall for your little can opener tactic, so be it. Just more selling crap, akin to your fascination with Bobby.  

[/quote]

Obviously you have a particular bias and an agenda which would be proving the superiority of the RIA platform.

As you may have missed in prior posts I am an IAR and knowledgeable about and subject to said fiduciary standard in much of my business.

FWIW my E&O covers me in both my brokerage activities and my advisory work.  I was not trying to equate the fiduciary standard to an E&O policy by any stretch.  I would not, however, see any problem with pointing out to a client that his RIA with a "fee only" superiority complex had failed to secure the 'ability to pay' in the unfortunate even that he failed to meet that fiduciary standard.  If I was a client I'd find that very unsettling, since after all we're all human.
Jun 6, 2007 2:47 pm

Nice try, equating fiduciary standard at RIA with an E & O policy at broker dealer, where to the potential for abuse is rampant.

I would actually argue that the potential for abuse is much lower with a broker dealer.  The B/D must approve all trades.  Who approves all advice at the RIA?

Just because an RIA has a fiduciary standard doesn't mean that they always do what is in the best interest of the client.  Just because an RR has a suitability standard doesn't mean that he doesn't do what is in the best interest of the client.

Regardless, we can all expect to get sued at some point and it doesn't make sense not to have E&0.  It also doesn't make sense for a client to work with someone who doesn't have it.

Jun 6, 2007 2:51 pm

[quote=razeurgame]

Nice try, equating fiduciary standard at RIA with an E & O policy at broker dealer, where to the potential for abuse is rampant. This is a red herring.

Anyway, if your clients fall for your little can opener tactic, so be it. Just more selling crap, akin to your fascination with Bobby.  

[/quote]

"Selling crap." Interesting. Nothing happens in this ecomomy until someone sells something. If it weren't for salesmen, you would be a librarian where they don't sell anything.

Jun 6, 2007 3:16 pm

If you make a mistake or omission, you pay for it. You either self insure, or you carry insurance with a low or high deductible. The business itself is valuable, it is collateral against any reasonable claims. Analytical clients understand this, clients who just delegate will assess your character.

Obviously you have a particular bias and an agenda which would be proving the superiority of the RIA platform.

I can understand your defensiveness, since you defended Bobby's behavior in another post, something about having fun at happy camp or something goofy like that. Who has an agenda?

Jun 6, 2007 3:30 pm

Analytical clients want to know that the money is there to pay a claim.  How much value does your RIA have?  It can’t be worth that much and it will be worth considerably less if you are being sued.

Jun 6, 2007 3:33 pm

Tell me how  a reasonable claim could be worth more than the value of the business.

Jun 6, 2007 3:56 pm

To get back to the original discussion, you'll see in another post that we are currently looking for 1 or 2 experienced advisers to come over to our firm so I will give you our assessment from a firm standpoint:

We are offering a 60% payout for the first two years of employment, then dropping it to 40%-50% thereafter. After the two years, advisers will be eligible for bonuses on firm profitability and for equity ownership in the firm. The payouts were determined based on the actual work our advisers will do. We have a cold caller setting up appointments (so no prospecting) and we have a money manager handling all research and allocation (so none of that for the adviser unless (s)he wants to participate). Basically, our advisers will be going on appointments we set up to close business. Then, they will act as the ongoing liaison between the money manager and the client.

Since we handle all of the benefits, back office, compliance, prospecting, etc., and considering that our advisers do less of the leg work, we offer a lower payout to cover our costs elsewhere.

Would I like to offer 40% and put all of the daily responsibilities you already have back on you again? Sure! I would make a lot more money. But it is hardly fair or enticing to advisers. If I was recruiting advisers just to get their books of business in-house and profit a little, I would have to offer 70%-80% payouts (depending on book size).

Point: it depends on what you will be responsible for. If you are going to do the same work you are already doing for 25%-35%, you should be getting 60%-80%. If you will be doing less work, you can take a lower payout. If you will be totally independent, responsible for your own marketing costs, assistants, etc., but working under a new name firm, consider forming your own RIA and taking 100% (and everything that goes with it).

Jun 6, 2007 4:02 pm

I wish that your question was a joke.  Unfortunately, I know that it's not.

Ex.

I am your biggest client.  I had $5,000,000 and you were advising me.  You said, "Put it all in XYZ stock.  It will double in the next year."  XYZ goes bankrupt.  I lose everything.  I sue you for $5,000,000. 

If you have no coverage, how can you possibly pay if you lose?  You could sell the business, but it will now have little value since you are being forced to sell.

If you were forced to sell, how much would your business be worth?  Isn't it easy to see that a reasonable claim can be worth more than this amount?

A client is foolish to do business with someone without adequate means to pay a claim.

Jun 6, 2007 4:30 pm

 Isn't it easy to see that a reasonable claim can be worth more than this amount?

A client is foolish to do business with someone without adequate means to pay a claim.

I thought we were having a serious discussion. Your example is ridiculous. Your conclusion is unsubstantiated. I think you have a point here, but I don't see it. Come on, we are personal financial professionals, let's reason through it together.

If you are saying, " Some RIAs might make this recommendation, so all need to transfer the risk", I think you are bringing a broker dealer mentality to the problem, in the sense that b/d firms are willing to engage in behaviors that may damage the group.

For example, you have been my client with 5 million for eight years, and now we are moving your money from b/d to RIA. It will still be invested in 50% stocks and 50% fixed. The porfolio can still flucuate up and down, something like negative 12 percent and plus 23 percent.

Anyway, we have been working together for years, we understand each other and your goals and we trust each other. And now, you're going to pay less, and we are going to leave behind the b/d world, with its  " assurances " and apparent weaknesses.

And if I "forget" to invest $100,000  and the market goes up ten percent, I am paying you ten thousand dollars, should it come to that, should you insist. Our agreement is that we are both looking at everything all the time, but I am responsible for doing what I say I am going to do.  If I buy the wrong ticker and fail to notice it, same thing.

That has never happened over the past eight years, because I don't make (many) mistakes. But we are both human, and mistakes can happen. As far as dishonesty is concerned, you will have to decide based on our past. We know each other pretty well, but I understand if you are afraid and respect you if you want to keep your money at a broker dealer.

Jun 6, 2007 4:45 pm

[quote=razeurgame]Tell me how  a reasonable claim could be worth more than the value of the business. [/quote]

razeurgame is a troll and is probaly YET another incarnation of the schizoid personality who has been crapping all over this board. 

If not then he/she/it as a supposed advisor, doesn't seem to know the difference between a RIA/IAR  and has no clue about how this industry operates.

Jun 6, 2007 4:53 pm

Would you turn over your life savings to someone if you had no recourse if they completely screwed up? 

I think that most potential clients would say, "no".

Without E & O, they could still sue you, there just might not be anything to collect.

Jun 6, 2007 4:53 pm

[quote=razeurgame]

If you make a mistake or omission, you pay for it. You either self insure, or you carry insurance with a low or high deductible. The business itself is valuable, it is collateral against any reasonable claims. Analytical clients understand this, clients who just delegate will assess your character.

Obviously you have a particular bias and an agenda which would be proving the superiority of the RIA platform.

I can understand your defensiveness, since you defended Bobby's behavior in another post, something about having fun at happy camp or something goofy like that. Who has an agenda?

[/quote]

Now who is casting about red herrings?   That has nothing to do with your bias towards RIA business and your unrealistic expectations about liability in this business.  I do agree, by the way, that a well-run RIA/IAR portfolio carries less liability than a brokerage relationship.  But-you're not being realistic if you think ownership of the business is sufficient protection/collateral against potential claims.

Not trying to offend, just my strong opinion.
Jun 6, 2007 4:57 pm

[quote=bluestar][quote=Dust Bunny][quote=bluestar][quote=Dust Bunny][quote=bluestar]

Anyone has any idea about the prevailing payout rate for independently practicing advisors in an fee-based setup?  The company charges 1% annual fee of asset value up to 3 mil.

No base salary, all production payout...

[/quote]

To give you a real answer. The pay out depends on where you fall in the production grid.  If you produce XX from any sources ,commission  and fees, you get a 70% payout. (the lowest for my firm)  If you produce XXX you get a 90% pay out.  Highest for the firm unless you are an OSJ.

[/quote]

90% payout???!!!  You're not playing a joke on me, are you??  I don't want to be kicked out of the interviewer's office....

[/quote]

Well,.... obviously you don't want to go in demanding 90%. That's would only  be for proven big producers.  If you have commission statements to show previous production you may be able to use that as a leveraging tool for you initial payout, but expect to be put at the lowest level until you prove your production.   Until the company sees that you are actually producing at whatever their grid level is they are going to low ball you.  You might ask what the grid looks like, how much production do you need to have and for how long before you are re allocated on the payout grid.

At least that's the way it works in the firm I'm affiliated with. 

When I went indy several years ago, I was at 70% and in 8 months or so was bumped to 80%.  I might have been started at 70% (which is a bit high)  because of my previous track record, so possibly you could be looking at something lower.

It really all depends   It depends on how much the company is providing for you in services and support on how much they will take from the total fees and commissions.  If they are providing equipment, paying your E&O etc then they will take more. 

So out of my 80% I pay for everything.  Platform/affiliation fees, E&O, extra research sources not provided in the platform, Rent on my office, advertising costs, postage, utilities, my own equipment, continuing education and so on. 

Before you go Indy you need to have some idea of what your expenses you are responsible for, how much they will be, what payout grid you are going to be on and do a number crunch to see if you can live on that.   Just like any business, when you are in an independent shop......it means just that.....independent. 

[/quote]

The firm I'm considering moving to is SEC registered RIA firm.  Our discussion hasn't advanced to all the agreement details yet, just the understanding that the company will provide all the SERVICE support, from office to equipment to report generating.  I'm on my own with  managing my clients assets, servicing my own clients, and developing new clients.

I estimate I can move about $20-30 mil over, so I'm that much "proven".

Does these info change anything???

I'm glad two people both put it around 70%, and I hope I end up getting at least that....  but to be honest that still seems very high to me...  I'd need a big confidence boost to ask for that.

[/quote]

I guess you completely forgot about your lecture, based upon your apparent misreading of the fact we (bluestar) were talking RIA the whole time. Talk about high moral horse embarassment.

And now you are discrediting me for being a non industry troll? Pretty gutsy, but not out of line with the apparent norm for a few clubby posters here.

Jun 6, 2007 4:59 pm

[quote=anonymous]

Would you turn over your life savings to someone if you had no recourse if they completely screwed up? 

I think that most potential clients would say, "no".

Without E & O, they could still sue you, there just might not be anything to collect.

[/quote]

Your assertion is general, and your unwillingness to reason through a specific example is a weak debate.

Jun 6, 2007 5:05 pm

Idoit.   The original poster was curious what HIS pay out would be as "independently practicing advisors in an fee-based setup?"

I don't give sh*t what you and anyone else was discussing. I was answering the OPs question.  He isn't setting up an RIA  he is contemplating becoming an IAR and wanted to get an idea of compensation on the fees that his accounts would generate if he was working for an RIA.  You might understand this if you were even remotely connected to the industry(which you are not) instead of spending all your time creating alternate identities and trolling this board (and probably annoying multiple other people throughout the internet)

I sincerely wish you would get a life elsewhere  Or else take the alternate suggestions that have been offered to you.

Jun 6, 2007 5:06 pm

[quote=joedabrkr] [quote=razeurgame]

If you make a mistake or omission, you pay for it. You either self insure, or you carry insurance with a low or high deductible. The business itself is valuable, it is collateral against any reasonable claims. Analytical clients understand this, clients who just delegate will assess your character.

Obviously you have a particular bias and an agenda which would be proving the superiority of the RIA platform.

I can understand your defensiveness, since you defended Bobby's behavior in another post, something about having fun at happy camp or something goofy like that. Who has an agenda?

[/quote]

Now who is casting about red herrings?   That has nothing to do with your bias towards RIA business and your unrealistic expectations about liability in this business.  I do agree, by the way, that a well-run RIA/IAR portfolio carries less liability than a brokerage relationship.  But-you're not being realistic if you think ownership of the business is sufficient protection/collateral against potential claims.

Not trying to offend, just my strong opinion.
[/quote]

Which part of my answer is a red herring, the first part or the second? They are not related or interdependent. Challenging your assumption that I have an agenda is not a red herring, suggesting that you have one makes a slightly different point about an apparent sales mentality that appears to attack reasonable disussion of an alternative investment management platform.

 I do agree, by the way, that a well-run RIA/IAR portfolio carries less liability than a brokerage relationship.  But-you're not being realistic if you think ownership of the business is sufficient protection/collateral against potential claims.

Now we are making some progress. And, I agree that ownership itself is not sufficient protection. As I mentioned, you either self insure or transfer risk through coverage. Self insurance implies the existence of a nice cash reserve to protect the business.

Jun 6, 2007 5:09 pm

Specific examples are meaningless unless you know in advance when and how you will get sued.

Forget my assertion.  I was asking you a point blank question.  Let me change it a little.   Would you tell your mom that it was ok to invest her life savings with someone who does not have E & O insurance?

Jun 6, 2007 5:12 pm

[quote=razeurgame]

Now we are making some progress. And, I agree that ownership itself is not sufficient protection. As I mentioned, you either self insure or transfer risk through coverage. Self insurance implies the existence of a nice cash reserve to protect the business.

[/quote]

You still don't get it.  From the client's point of view a 'nice cash reserve' doesn't protect them unless you're going to set it aside in some sort of protected escrow account.  Otherwise it just comes down to a point of 'trust me'.  Trust you that the money is there and you're not going to take it out and use it for other purposes.  Not to mention-how much is sufficient?  Do you have the underwriting skills to make a proper determination of that amount?
Jun 6, 2007 5:14 pm

[quote=Dust Bunny]

Idoit.   The original poster was curious what HIS pay out would be as "independently practicing advisors in an fee-based setup?"

I don't give sh*t what you and anyone else was discussing. I was answering the OPs question.  He isn't setting up an RIA  he is contemplating becoming an IAR and wanted to get an idea of compensation on the fees that his accounts would generate if he was working for an RIA.  You might understand this if you were even remotely connected to the industry(which you are not) instead of spending all your time creating alternate identities and trolling this board (and probably annoying multiple other people throughout the internet)

I sincerely wish you would get a life elsewhere  Or else take the alternate suggestions that have been offered to you.

[/quote]

Hey, what's with the name calling? If you read the 1st, 4th, and  5th posts, you can see we were on an RIA discussion track. Sometimes, people don't have to spell everything out when they understand each other. Why don't you calm down and consider an apology. I sorry if I offended you, I shouldn't punch back when people like you take a swing at me, you are right about that. Why don't you ask me some technical financial planning question in real time if you are worried about my credentials to engage in this debate?

Jun 6, 2007 5:17 pm

[quote=anonymous]

Specific examples are meaningless unless you know in advance when and how you will get sued.

Forget my assertion.  I was asking you a point blank question.  Let me change it a little.   Would you tell your mom that it was ok to invest her life savings with someone who does not have E & O insurance?

[/quote]

You bring up a very good point. I would not tell my mom to invest wat any self insured RIA. She is too busy collecting the interest off cds and paying the taxes, and would panic if her account value fluctuated by one penny. She doesn't need to take any risk with her money, other than to help the next generations, and that is not a stated goal.

Jun 6, 2007 5:18 pm

 Why don't you ask me some technical financial planning question in real time if you are worried about my credentials to engage in this debate?

Because it would be just as productive as talking to my cat.

Jun 6, 2007 5:21 pm

[quote=joedabrkr] [quote=razeurgame]

Now we are making some progress. And, I agree that ownership itself is not sufficient protection. As I mentioned, you either self insure or transfer risk through coverage. Self insurance implies the existence of a nice cash reserve to protect the business.

[/quote]

I get your point, this is a big issue in your mind, and apparently your clients. I appreciate knowing your viewpoint.

You still don't get it.  From the client's point of view a 'nice cash reserve' doesn't protect them unless you're going to set it aside in some sort of protected escrow account.  Otherwise it just comes down to a point of 'trust me'.  Trust you that the money is there and you're not going to take it out and use it for other purposes.  Not to mention-how much is sufficient?  Do you have the underwriting skills to make a proper determination of that amount?
[/quote]

Jun 6, 2007 5:29 pm

[quote=Dust Bunny]

 Why don't you ask me some technical financial planning question in real time if you are worried about my credentials to engage in this debate?

Because it would be just as productive as talking to my cat.

[/quote]

I could say something like, " Maybe you and your cat will understand each other ", or maybe some of your buddies here think it's really funny that you completely dissed me, and called names,  and just kicked me in the can instead with a little barb about your cat of accepting responsibility, but that would be mean - on another note, take a look at the second post here, and how the discussion evolved. What is some of you people's problem? How do you define credibility - is it okay for Old Producer to make the type of crack at the beginning of the thread - what if bluestar got chased off, we would have missed this discussion. Why don't you take a vacation?

Jun 6, 2007 5:37 pm

[quote=razeurgame][quote=Dust Bunny]

 Why don't you ask me some technical financial planning question in real time if you are worried about my credentials to engage in this debate?

Because it would be just as productive as talking to my cat.

[/quote]

I could say something like, " Maybe you and your cat will understand each other ", or maybe some of your buddies here think it's really funny that you completely dissed me, and called names,  and just kicked me in the can instead with a little barb about your cat of accepting responsibility, but that would be mean - on another note, take a look at the second post here, and how the discussion evolved. What is some of you people's problem? How do you define credibility - is it okay for Old Producer to make the type of crack at the beginning of the thread - what if bluestar got chased off, we would have missed this discussion. Why don't you take a vacation?

[/quote]

Actually I don't think her cat is legally capable of accepting fiduciary responsibility.

Her comment was pretty funny in my opinion.  There's nothing wrong with having a sense of humor.  This website would be boring if we had to be PC and all business all the time.  If I wanted that I could get a job at a wirehouse and go to work every day.
Jun 6, 2007 5:42 pm

Well then so be it. I shall have to adjust my own sense of humor. If Bunny want to apologize for calling me an idiot and being schizophrenic, I accepts. Otherwise, if we get into heated debate, I’ll probably be seeing in my mind a rabbit talking to a cat while feeling manic.

Jun 6, 2007 6:22 pm

[quote=anonymous]

Forget my assertion.  I was asking you a
point blank question.  Let me change it a little.  
Would you tell your mom that it was ok to invest her life savings with
someone who does not have E & O insurance?

[/quote]



It depends on the circumstances. Does Warren Buffet carry E&O?
Jun 6, 2007 6:39 pm

That is an outstanding example, so much is implied in your statement at many levels. What an intelligent comment. And what is implied by carrying E & O when you are investing mom's money?

As RR said, " Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall."

Jun 6, 2007 6:50 pm

Since when did Buffet start working as a RR?  Did he start an RIA?

That being said, I'd be comfortable sending my mom to an RIA who had a networth in the billions and no E & O.  I'm not sure that Allreit and razeur are quite at this level.

Jun 6, 2007 6:55 pm

You probably didn’t get my wall crack, either.