Skip Schweiss latest exec to depart TD Ameritrade

Skip Schweiss latest exec to depart TD Ameritrade
The company has seen two high-profile exits in as many weeks ahead of the $26 billion Schwab acquisition
AUG 04, 2020

TD Ameritrade executive Skip Schweiss became the latest to jump ship ahead of the pending $26 billion acquisition of the custodian by Charles Schwab Corp.

Schweiss, 57, whose departure follows that of Dani Fava just two weeks ago, announced his exit on Twitter.

An avid adventurer and mountain climber, the Colorado-based TD veteran of 12 years is leaving to pursue other interests, according to a company representative.

Schweiss, formerly the president of TD Ameritrade Trust Cos., is on deck to become the next president of the Financial Planning Association.

He could not immediately be reached for comment.

While it’s not yet clear where he will work next, Schweiss' departure from TD could put to rest worries about conflicts of interest related to his role as incoming FPA president while working at TD.

“The potential for conflicts of interest was raised months ago,” he said in October. “When I was considering throwing my hat into the ring for the FPA leadership, I went to TD and talked about some potential conflicts, and we made sure we had a plan and that everyone was comfortable with it.”

A month later, Schwab announced its plans to acquire TD.

FPA spokesman Ben Lewis said Schweiss’ departure from TD “has no impact on Skip's volunteer leadership role as the 2021 President of FPA.”

However, Michael Kitces, head of wealth strategy at Buckingham Partners, said “Schweiss’ shift is a bit more awkward” than Fava’s because of his status as income FPA president.

“Wherever he goes next they will be picking up not only a talented executive, but also someone in a position of great influence to the largest membership association, just as it searches for a new CEO and positions itself for what may become a blockbuster year of fiduciary rulemaking in 2021 when Schweiss becomes president,” Kitces said. “Which raises the question of whether his next role will be with a firm that is better aligned to Schweiss’ FPA role than TD Ameritrade was, which had actively advocated against FPA’s own advocacy efforts in the past.”

Latest News

Summit Financial, MassMutual boost advisor appeal with growth-focused tech
Summit Financial, MassMutual boost advisor appeal with growth-focused tech

Summit Financial unveiled a suite of eight new tools, including AI lead gen and digital marketing software, while MassMutual forges a new partnership with Orion.

SEC enforcement actions drop sharply, with focus shifting to investor fraud
SEC enforcement actions drop sharply, with focus shifting to investor fraud

A new analysis shows the number of actions plummeting over a six-month period, potentially due to changing priorities and staffing reductions at the agency.

MAI inks mega-deal with Evoke Advisors to form $60B AUM firm
MAI inks mega-deal with Evoke Advisors to form $60B AUM firm

The strategic merger of equals with the $27 billion RIA firm in Los Angeles marks what could be the largest unification of the summer 2025 M&A season.

Employees tapping retirement funds amid financial strain, led by Gen Zs
Employees tapping retirement funds amid financial strain, led by Gen Zs

Report highlights lack of options for those faced with emergency expenses.

LPL Financial on target to retain 90% of Commonwealth financial advisors, Wolfe Research analyst says
LPL Financial on target to retain 90% of Commonwealth financial advisors, Wolfe Research analyst says

However, Raymond James has had success recruiting Commonwealth advisors.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.