Category: Operations and Technology
20 posts categorized as "Operations and Technology"
Integratable ≠ Integrated
August 21, 2019
In our work with new and established RIAs looking to build and/or improve their technology stack, we encounter many frustrated advisors who lament, “We were told that the benefit of being an RIA was that all of our technology systems would be integratable with one another – while that may be the case for other…
Where to Start When Developing Workflows
July 23, 2019
In our work with large RIAs looking to increase their scale and efficiency, we often begin with a review of their various systems, people, and processes. We walk through a comprehensive list of their executives, advisors, and employees to better understand the broader team’s roles and responsibilities. We then begin to dive deeper to gather…
Don’t Charge for Reporting On Outside Assets
July 16, 2019
Advisors looking to grow their business must constantly grapple with client acquisition costs. As advisors struggle to differentiate themselves and the services they offer, many have concluded that providing a higher touch to existing clients and working to gain a larger percentage of their investable assets is a more profitable way to grow, rather than…
Breakaways Should Treat Their Reporting Provider Like a Relationship: Don’t Rush Things!
May 29, 2019
As part of our work with breakaway advisory teams, we help coordinate the various RIA systems needed for advisors moving to Independence. We work with the selected technology providers to design an integrated workflow of all systems that cater to the team’s particular clients and services provided. Once their custodian has been selected, the first…
Book Review: The Financial Advisor M&A Guidebook
April 24, 2019
PFI Advisors has written a lot around the operational side of M&A, and how important it is for firms to think through not only deal structure and valuation, but the planning process around integrating the two firms into one cohesive company once the deal closes. As Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator states in his…
Why is an Ops & Tech Consultant Writing About Client Segmentation?
April 16, 2019
Anders Jones of Facet Wealth recently wrote that as RIAs approach the elusive $1 billion AUM milestone, they need to be increasingly cognizant of their profit margins and resources needed to service their clients. The goal of any RIA is to provide high-touch service to an ever-expanding client base. RIA owners will achieve this goal…
The 3 Most Common Technology Headaches RIAs Face
April 8, 2019
Technology reporter Ryan Neal’s recent article offered a refreshing (and interesting) perspective of problems RIAs often face with their technology suite of systems. He provided an entertaining spin on this common challenge for firms, likening popular Netflix star Marie Kondo’s philosophy of cleaning house to revising an RIA’s technology infrastructure. As operations and technology consultants,…
A Different Kind of #GivingTuesday Campaign
November 12, 2018
PFI Advisors will be participating in this year’s #GivingTuesday in a very meaningful way. Any RIA that donates $10,000 or more to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles donation page of Layla Paige Sonnen will receive a free Operational Diagnostic*. This engagement includes a full analysis of an RIA’s back office technology suite; integrations between systems;…
Five Questions to Ask About Your Technology Infrastructure
October 12, 2018
RIAs regularly review their clients’ financial goals and portfolios. They should also service themselves with the same care and consistency with an internal review of their technology infrastructure and back office. This analysis should cover the following core systems: custodian interface, performance reporting/portfolio accounting, CRM, financial planning, trading and rebalancing, and client portal. As part…
Dual-Contract SMAs vs. Single-Contract SMAs – Which is Best for You and Your Clients?
September 14, 2018
The most common question we receive from breakaway advisors is, “If I start an RIA, how do I recreate the products and services I’ve always had available to me during my career in the wirehouse?” This line of thinking often leads to questions around Lending and Alternative Investments, and inevitably lands at Separately Managed Accounts….
