A Structured Path
to Independence.
Moving to independence is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make in your career.
UAG helps you plan the work, coordinate the details, and prepare your firm to operate independently. Every transition is different, so the process depends on your situation. There are no promises, guarantees, or shortcuts.
See what changes and what stays with youFive Stages From Planning to Operation.
The sequence shows what generally happens and where the details will depend on your firm.
- 01
Discovery and Planning
Define your priorities and the decisions ahead.
- 02
Registration and Compliance
Complete the required regulatory work.
- 03
Technology and Operations
Set up and test how the firm will operate.
- 04
Client Transition
Prepare client communication and account transfers.
- 05
Independent Operation
Run your firm with ongoing UAG support.
The Structure Changes. You Still Lead the Firm.
Independence changes how your business is organized and supported. Your judgment, client relationships, and responsibility for the firm remain with you.
What Changes
The Structure Around the Work
- Your legal and operating structure
- Your platform and technology relationships
- The way the business is organized to support independence
- The work required to register and stand up the firm
What Stays With You
The Responsibility at the Center
- Your client relationships
- Your professional judgment
- Your responsibility as the advisor
- The firm and experience you’re building
A Sound Transition Starts With the Right Preparation
UAG helps you prepare the regulatory, operational, and client-facing work required to open an independent RIA.
No Shortcuts in Registration
Your firm completes the required RIA registration process. UAG does not use workarounds or cut corners on compliance.
Advisor-Led Client Relationships
Your clients choose whether to move with you. You lead those relationships and every client conversation.
Business Continuity Focus
Planning covers continued client service and working technology, along with the mechanics of opening the firm.
Experienced Support Network
You work with people who understand the decisions, coordination, and follow-through required to open an independent RIA.
Support for the Work Behind the Move
Your regulatory, operational, and client-facing work has to come together at once. UAG helps you coordinate that work while you remain responsible for the decisions and the business.
Transition Planning
We help you map the work before the move begins, from your timeline and priorities to the regulatory and operational steps ahead.
Compliance Coordination
We coordinate with you and your counsel as you work through registration, disclosures, and the compliance setup required to operate an independent RIA. UAG does not provide legal advice.
Technology Setup
We help coordinate the systems your firm will use, including portfolio management, reporting, CRM, and custodian connections.
Client Communication
You lead every client relationship. We help you prepare the timing, message, and service plan for communicating the change.
Operations and Infrastructure
We help you organize the operating pieces behind the firm, including entity setup, banking, clearing, and vendor relationships.
Training and Onboarding
You and your team learn the systems, workflows, and daily responsibilities that come with operating an independent RIA.
What the Move Typically Looks Like
Your transition will depend on your firm, clients, and starting point. These phases show the usual sequence and what you can expect at each stage.
Specific timelines, requirements, and steps will vary based on your situation.
Discovery and Planning
Before anything moves, we learn how your firm works today and what you want the change to accomplish. Together, we identify your priorities, timeline, and the decisions ahead.
This phase is exploratory. No decisions are required and nothing is filed.
Registration and Compliance Setup
You’ll work with your legal counsel on RIA registration, Form ADV preparation, your compliance manual, and the requirements that apply to your firm. UAG helps coordinate the work.
Timelines vary based on state, custodian, and individual circumstances.
Technology and Operations
Your custodian accounts and core systems are configured and tested before the firm opens. That includes the tools you’ll use for portfolio management, reporting, client records, and billing.
Technology selections depend on your firm’s specific requirements and custodian relationships.
Client Transition
You lead the client conversation throughout the move. UAG helps you prepare for outreach, account transfers, ACAT processing, and continued service.
Client acceptance of the move is the advisor’s responsibility and is not guaranteed.
Operating as an Independent RIA
Once your firm is running, you can draw on UAG for ongoing compliance support, technology coordination, peer collaboration, and shared infrastructure.
Independence means operating your own firm. UAG supports that. It does not operate the firm for you.
Want to See What This Could Look Like for Your Firm?
We’ll start with your firm, your timeline, and the questions you need answered before making a decision. The conversation is private and carries no obligation.