Switching firms can cost advisers 19% of assets: Cerulli

Switching firms can cost advisers 19% of assets: Cerulli
Those making a move risk losing clients and accounts; they also face operational challenges.
APR 01, 2021

Approximately one-fifth (19%) of client assets are lost when advisers change firm affiliations, in addition to clients the advisers had planned on leaving behind, research by Cerulli Associates has found.

Advisers identify the ability to build financial value (74%) and a desire for greater independence (67%) as the top reasons for changing firms, but they shouldn't ignore the risks involved in such a move, Cerulli said in a release.

“Unplanned client attrition is a significant concern among advisers, particularly those who consider breaking away to an independent channel,” according to Cerulli’s Michael Rose. “It is critical that advisers perform an honest self-assessment of the strength of their client relationships, and the share of their client base that could be at risk as a result of breaking away.”

In addition to client attrition, advisers switching firms identify operational matters (77%), learning new technology systems (75%), and revenue lost during the transition period (71%) as the top challenges they experienced.

The high ranking that advisers gave to operational challenges, such as opening new accounts and dealing with account transfers, means firms that investing in technology and operational personnel should have an advantage when it comes to recruiting and retaining advisers, Cerulli said.

Latest News

Stock gain as trade, Fed optimism rises
Stock gain as trade, Fed optimism rises

US equity futures are up ahead of trade talks with China.

BofA's Hartnett says US stock rally is likely over
BofA's Hartnett says US stock rally is likely over

Strategist continues to favor bonds over stocks for 2025.

UBS could be about to sell its O’Connor hedge fund unit
UBS could be about to sell its O’Connor hedge fund unit

Talks are reportedly underway with Cantor.

President Trump looking at raising top tax rate in 'political death wish'
President Trump looking at raising top tax rate in 'political death wish'

New proposal could mean some would pay a total of more than half of what they earn.

Most people don’t expect to need long-term care in old age, but think others will
Most people don’t expect to need long-term care in old age, but think others will

Gaps revealed in knowledge about employer-sponsored caregiving programs.

SPONSORED The evolution of private credit

From direct lending to asset-based finance to commercial real estate debt.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.