Succession planning is essential

Succession planning is essential
Advisers that put off planning for the future leave themselves open to unnecessary risks when they should be relishing the fruits of their labor.
OCT 25, 2021

When I decided to write about succession planning this week, it seemed obvious to make a “Succession” parallel. But alas, I haven’t watched that yet.

However, that’s probably for the best. Succession planning deserves a serious discussion, because advisers at every size firm need to take a close look at their succession plan and make sure that they have plans in place. 

I have seen a friend benefit from a proper succession plan for his smaller firm. He found his exit, securing his plans for retirement, and for his family’s future. He shared with me that he took this step after seeing a peer wait too long to plan that succession, which created severe stress when that adviser needed to exit suddenly. 

The failure to plan left money on the table, and clients underserved. To the thousands of small to midsize firms out there, succession planning is of incredible importance.

But it’s not just a small-firm story. Middle- to large-size firms can’t lose sight of this either, because a lack of clarity in any enterprise can cause massive impacts. As Ted Lasso saw with Nate at the end of Season 2, failing to nurture your succession plan can lead to key players being snapped up at an inopportune moment.

Advisers that put off planning for the future leave themselves open to unnecessary risks when they should be relishing the fruits of their labor.

Latest News

Dimon and Trump talk economy and Fed rates as meetings resume
Dimon and Trump talk economy and Fed rates as meetings resume

President meets with ‘highly overrated globalist’ at the White House.

NASAA moves to let state RIAs use client testimonials, aligning with SEC rule
NASAA moves to let state RIAs use client testimonials, aligning with SEC rule

A new proposal could end the ban on promoting client reviews in states like California and Connecticut, giving state-registered advisors a level playing field with their SEC-registered peers.

Could 401(k) plan participants gain from guided personalization?
Could 401(k) plan participants gain from guided personalization?

Morningstar research data show improved retirement trajectories for self-directors and allocators placed in managed accounts.

UBS sees a net loss of 111 financial advisors in the Americas during the second quarter
UBS sees a net loss of 111 financial advisors in the Americas during the second quarter

Some in the industry say that more UBS financial advisors this year will be heading for the exits.

JPMorgan reopens fight with fintechs, crypto over fees for customer data
JPMorgan reopens fight with fintechs, crypto over fees for customer data

The Wall Street giant has blasted data middlemen as digital freeloaders, but tech firms and consumer advocates are pushing back.

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.