| Arkadios Capital | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (404) 445-0035 | David Y. Millican | Nathan M Stibbs | |||
| www.arkadios.com | CEO | Director, Corporate Strategy | |||
| (404) 445-0035 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Insurance | 81%-85% | 81%-85% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Variable annuities | 81%-85% | 81%-85% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Limited partnerships | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Securities | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Cambridge Investment Research, | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| Inc | Amy Webber | Tammy Robbins | |||
| (800) 777-6080 | Chief Executive Officer | Executive Vice President and | |||
| joincambridge.com | Chief Development Officer | ||||
| (800) 777-6080 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | Negotiable up to 100% | ||||
| Insurance | Negotiable up to 100% | ||||
| Variable annuities | Negotiable up to 100% | ||||
| Limited partnerships | Negotiable up to 100% | ||||
| Securities | Negotiable up to 100% | ||||
| Centaurus Financial, Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| Federation of Financial Services | J. Ronald King | John Trentor | |||
| (800) 880-4234 | Chairman, Chief Executive | SVP, Chief Distribution Officer | |||
| CentaurusFinancial.com; JoinCFI.com | Officer | (800) 880-4234 Ext. 300 | |||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 80%-90% | 86%-90% | 90%+ | 91%+ | 92%+ |
| Insurance | 80%-90% | 86%-90% | 90%+ | 91%+ | 92%+ |
| Variable annuities | 80%-90% | 86%-90% | 90%+ | 91%+ | 92%+ |
| Limited partnerships | 80%-90% | 86%-90% | 90%+ | 91%+ | 92%+ |
| Securities | 80%-90% | 86%-90% | 90%+ | 86%-91% | 92%+ |
| cfd Investments, Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (800) 745-7776 | Brent A. Owens | Zachary W. Covert | |||
| joincfd.com, cfdinvestments.com | President | Director of Business Development | |||
| (800) 745-7776 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Insurance | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Variable annuities | 75%-88% | 90% | 91% | 91% | 92% |
| Limited partnerships | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Securities | 75%-88% | 90% | 91% | 91% | 92% |
| Commonwealth Equity Services, | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| LLC dba-Commonwealth Financial | Wayne Bloom | Becca Hajjar | |||
| Network | Chief Executive Officer | Managing Principal, Chief Business | |||
| (866) 462-3638 | Development Officer | ||||
| www.commonwealth.com | (866) 462-3638 | ||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 50%-87% | 87% | 88% | 89% | 90%-95% |
| Insurance | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Variable annuities | 50%-87% | 87% | 88% | 89% | 90%-95% |
| Limited partnerships | 50%-87% | 87% | 88% | 89% | 90%-95% |
| Securities | 50%-87% | 87% | 88% | 89% | 90%-95% |
| Equitable Advisors | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (212) 554-1234 | David Karr | David Goettelmann | |||
| equitable.com | Chairman | Director | |||
| (212) 314-2057 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | Up to 85% | Up to 85% | Up to 95% | Up to 95% | Up to 95% |
| Insurance | Up to 85% | Up to 85% | Up to 95% | Up to 95% | Up to 95% |
| Variable annuities | Up to 85% | Up to 85% | Up to 95% | Up to 95% | Up to 95% |
| Limited partnerships | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Securities | Up to 85% | Up to 85% | Up to 95% | Up to 95% | Up to 95% |
| Equity Services Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| National Life Group | Ata Azarshahi | Matt Lyon | |||
| (800) 344-7437 | President | Business Development Associate | |||
| equity-services.com/ | (800) 344-7437 | ||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 55%-82.5% | 81%-85% | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% |
| Insurance | 55%-82.5% | 81%-85% | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% |
| Variable annuities | 55%-82.5% | 81%-85% | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% |
| Limited partnerships | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Securities | 55%-82.5% | 81%-85% | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% |
| Fortune Financial Services, Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (724) 846-2488 | Gregory J. Bentley | Gregory J. Bentley | |||
| fortunefinancialservices.com | President & Chief Executive Officer | President & Chief Executive Officer | |||
| (724) 846-2488 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 75%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Insurance | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Variable annuities | 75%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Limited partnerships | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Securities | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Founders Financial | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| Founders Financial, LLC | Bradley M. Shepherd | Dara-Lynn Van Pee | |||
| (888) 523-1162 | Chief Executive Officer | Relationship Development Associate | |||
| foundersfinancial.com | (888) 523-1162 | ||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% |
| Insurance | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% |
| Variable annuities | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% |
| Limited partnerships | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Securities | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% | Up to 90% |
| Geneos Wealth Management Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (888) 812-5043 | Ryan Diachok | Austin Gross | |||
| www.geneoswealth.com | CEO | Director of Marketing & Recruiting | |||
| 888-812-5043 x151 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Insurance | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Variable annuities | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Limited partnerships | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Securities | 76%-80% | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Harbour Investments Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (608) 662-6100 | Aaron M. Hager | Aaron M. Hager | |||
| harbourinv.com | President | President | |||
| (608) 662-6100 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 70%-90% | 90%-91% | 92% | 92% | 93% |
| Insurance | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Variable annuities | 70%-90% | 90%-91% | 92% | 92% | 93% |
| Limited partnerships | 70%-90% | 91%-92% | 92% | 92% | 93% |
| Securities | 70%-90% | 90%-91% | 92% | 92% | 93% |
| Kestra Financial, Inc | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| Kestra Holdings | Stephen Langlois | Rob Bartenstein | |||
| (844) 553-7872 | President, Kestra Financial | Interim Head of Business Development | |||
| kestrafinancial.com | (858) 386-4807 | ||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 65%-85% | 88%-91% | 92% | 93% | 93% |
| Insurance | 65%-100% | 88%-100% | 92%-100% | 93%-100% | 93%-100% |
| Variable annuities | 65%-85% | 88%-91% | 92% | 93% | 93%-95% |
| Limited partnerships | 65%-85% | 88%-91% | 92% | 93% | 93%-95% |
| Securities | 65%-85% | 88%-91% | 92% | 93% | 93%-95% |
| Kingswood Capital Partners | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| Kingswood US LLC | Michael H Nessim | Jamie Golden | |||
| (800) 535-6981 | Chief Executive Officer/President/Managing Partner | President of Acquisitions | |||
| www.Kingswoodus.com | (800) 535-6981 | ||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Insurance | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Variable annuities | 81%-85% | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Limited partnerships | 81%-85% | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Securities | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Kovack Securities, Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| Kovack Financial Network | Brian J. Kovack | Carlo A.Bidone | |||
| (866) 564-6574 | CEO | Executive Vice President & | |||
| joinkfn.com | Director of Branch Development | ||||
| (954) 670-0616 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Insurance | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Variable annuities | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Limited partnerships | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Securities | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| LaSalle St. Securities LLC | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (800) 777-7865 | Dan Schlesser | Mark Contey | |||
| lasallest.com | COO | Chief Marketing Officer | |||
| (630) 600-0360 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Insurance | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Variable annuities | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Limited partnerships | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Securities | 86%-90% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| MML Investors Services, LLC | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company | John Vaccaro | Julie Davis | |||
| (800) 542-6767 | Chief Executive Officer | Head of MMFA Field Recruiting & | |||
| massmutual.com/investment/mmlinvestors | Development | ||||
| (214) 316-4428 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 40%-75% | 75%-80% | 80%-82.5% | 82.5% | up to 88% |
| Insurance | 40%-75% | 75%-80% | 80%-82.5% | 82.5% | up to 88% |
| Variable annuities | 40%-75% | 75%-80% | 80%-82.5% | 82.5% | up to 88% |
| Limited partnerships | 40%-75% | 75%-80% | 80%-82.5% | 82.5% | up to 88% |
| Securities | 40%-75% | 75%-80% | 80%-82.5% | 82.5% | up to 88% |
| Packerland Brokerage Services Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (920) 662-9500 | Zach Kelly | Scott Zwierzynski | |||
| packerlandbrokerage.com | Chief Executive Officer, | Director of Recruiting | |||
| Chief Financial Officer | (920) 662-9500 | ||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 65%-91% | 91%-93% | 94% | 94% | 94% |
| Insurance | 65%-91% | 91%-93% | 94% | 94% | 94% |
| Variable annuities | 65%-91% | 91%-93% | 94% | 94% | 94% |
| Limited partnerships | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Securities | 65%-91% | 91%-93% | 94% | 94% | 94% |
| PlanMember Securities Corp. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (800) 874-6910 | Jon Ziehl | Ron Heller | |||
| planmember.com/join | Founder, Chief Executive Officer, | Director, Partner Development | |||
| President | (805) 259-9133 | ||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | up to 94% | up to 94% | up to 94% | up to 95% | up to 95% |
| Insurance | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Variable annuities | up to 94% | up to 94% | up to 94% | up to 95% | up to 95% |
| Limited partnerships | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Securities | up to 94% | up to 94% | up to 94% | up to 95% | up to 95% |
| Prospera Financial Services Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (972) 581-3000 | Tarah Williams | Tarah Williams | |||
| www.prosperafinancial.com | President & COO | President & COO | |||
| (972) 581-3015 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 90%-92% | 92%-99% |
| Insurance | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 90%-92% | 92%-99% |
| Variable annuities | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 90%-92% | 92%-99% |
| Limited partnerships | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 90%-92% | 92%-99% |
| Securities | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 90%-92% | 92%-99% |
| Raymond James Financial Services Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| Raymond James Financial | Paul Reilly | Jodi Perry | |||
| (727) 567-1000 | Chief Executive Officer | National Head of Advisor Recruiting | |||
| advisorchoice.com | (866) 877-1685 | ||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% |
| Insurance | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% |
| Variable annuities | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% |
| Limited partnerships | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% |
| Securities | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% | 81%-90% |
| St. Bernard Financial Services Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (479) 967-1200 | Robert Keenan | Robert Keenan | |||
| stbernardfinancial.com | CEO | CEO | |||
| (479) 967-1200 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 81%-85% | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% |
| Insurance | 81%-85% | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% |
| Variable annuities | 81%-85% | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Limited partnerships | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Securities | 81%-85% | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% |
| The O.N. Equity Sales Co. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| Constellation Insurance, Inc. | Nancy Westbrock | Terry Garrard | |||
| (877) 663-7267 | President and Chief Executive | Second Vice President | | |||
| joinonesco.com | Officer | National Sales Director | |||
| (887) 663-7267 ext. 3425 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% |
| Insurance | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% |
| Variable annuities | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% |
| Limited partnerships | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% |
| Securities | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% | Up to 92% |
| The Strategic Financial Alliance Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| SFA Holdings Inc. | Clive Slovin | Jamie Mackay | |||
| (678) 954-4000 | President, Chief Executive Officer | President, COO of SFA Partners | |||
| thesfa.net | of SFA Holdings, Inc. | (678) 954-4058 | |||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Insurance | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 91%-95% |
| Variable annuities | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Limited partnerships | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Securities | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Trustmont Financial Group Inc. | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (724) 468-5665 | Anthony C. Hladek | Audrey Zias | |||
| trustmontgroup.com | President | Transition Specialist | |||
| (724) 468-5665 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Insurance | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Variable annuities | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Limited partnerships | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| Securities | 81%-85% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 91%-95% |
| United Planners Financial Services | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (800) 966-8737 | Michael A. Baker | Sheila Cuffari-Agasi | |||
| unitedplanners.com | Chief Executive Officer & President | Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue | |||
| Officer | |||||
| (480) 624-0340 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 96%-100% | 96%-100% | 96%-100% |
| Insurance | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 96%-100% | 96%-100% | 96%-100% |
| Variable annuities | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 96%-100% | 96%-100% | 96%-100% |
| Limited partnerships | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% | 86%-90% |
| Securities | 91%-95% | 91%-95% | 96%-100% | 96%-100% | 96%-100% |
| Vanderbilt Financial Group | CEO OR Top Executive | Recruiting contact | |||
| (631) 845-5100 | Heidi Distante | Joseph J Trifiletti | |||
| JoinVanderbilt.com | Chief Executive Officer | President | |||
| (631) 845-5100 | |||||
| [email protected] | |||||
| Products | $0-$249K | $250K-$499K | $500K-749K | $750K-$999K | $1M or greater |
| Mutual funds | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% |
| Insurance | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% |
| Variable annuities | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% |
| Limited partnerships | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% |
| Securities | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% | 80%-92% |
Payouts rise, but so does complexity: Inside the 2025 IBD compensation grid
Independent broker-dealers are sharpening their compensation strategies in 2025 as competition for top-producing advisors intensifies. The latest Independent Broker-Dealer (IBD) Payout Table — an annual comparison of grid structures across major firms — shows not just rising payouts, but increasing complexity in how production is rewarded across product lines.
High payouts, but that's just the start
While tiered grids remain the norm — higher production equals higher take-home — advisors are weighing more than just percentages. Compliance support, product access, and flexibility are emerging as key differentiators in firm selection.
At Arkadios Capital, for example, mutual fund payouts start at 81% for lower producers and climb to 95% beyond the $500,000 mark. Centaurus Financial pushes that even higher, topping 92% for advisors generating $1 million or more.
Cambridge Investment Research offers even more flexibility, with negotiable payouts that may reach 100% — a reminder that headline rates are often just the beginning of the conversation.
Product mix still drives payouts
Payouts vary widely by product type. Mutual funds and variable annuities generally fall in the 80%–95% range, but top producers often negotiate higher. These products typically carry trail commissions or embedded fees split between advisor and firm.
Insurance remains the outlier. Commonwealth Equity Services offers a flat 100% payout on insurance sales — regardless of production level — thanks to direct carrier compensation. That makes it especially appealing to insurance-heavy practices.
Alternative investments, including limited partnerships, offer relatively stable payouts (91%–95%), though firms often cap those levels due to due diligence and compliance costs. Despite that, the high upfront commissions still make these products attractive to certain producers.
Product mix doesn’t just influence earnings. It can dictate firm compatibility, compliance exposure, and long-term strategy — particularly for advisors leaning fee-based versus commission-heavy models.
Standout grids in 2025
Some firms are breaking out with aggressive or distinctive offers. Commonwealth’s 100% insurance payout reflects a broader push for advisor autonomy. United Planners Financial Services also stands out, offering 96%–100% payouts on mutual funds and insurance products to top-tier producers.
MML Investors Services takes a different tack. Its payout grid starts around 40% and generally caps at 88%. But the firm leans on brand strength, proprietary products, and deep support services — an appealing formula for newer advisors or those seeking structure over top-line payout.
The bigger picture
Advisors evaluating broker-dealer partners in 2025 are urged to look beyond the raw numbers. Transition assistance, marketing support, succession planning, and deferred compensation can have just as much — if not more — impact on long-term earnings.
In some cases, equity participation or revenue-sharing offers better value than a few extra points on the grid.
Bottom line: Payout is a philosophy
As the advisory business becomes more complex, payout grids offer more than just compensation — they reveal how a firm thinks. Negotiability is still king for established advisors, but alignment matters more: between firm culture and advisor goals, between payout structure and business model.
In today’s environment, it’s not just about the number. It’s about the whole ecosystem — from tech to compliance to product shelf — that supports advisor growth.
