16 See yourself as an RIA.
RIA LAUNCH GUIDE
Step 6: Develop a transition
timeline.
A well-defined timeline will help you and your team communicate with clients and other
stakeholders as you make the transition. RIA transitions can take 30 days to six months,
depending on a variety of factors. Be sure your timeline includes:
• Your planned timing for transitioning clients. You may want to consider billing periods to
minimize the need for fee rebating or missed income.
• Guidelines for business development activities that will be paused during the transition
period since you and your team will be focused on transition plans.
• The timing and sequence of communications. Your plan should outline who, what, and when
you will communicate. Identify your key audiences (i.e., clients, professional partners, vendors,
etc.), your key talking points, methods of communication, and timing.
• A schedule for preparing your office space and testing your software and infrastructure,
including computers, phone system, printers, copiers, etc.
Remember to track the status of all transition logistics in a centralized place.
Finding growth in
transition
Chris and the financial architect team knew
organic growth would slow down during
their transition to RIA. They didn't expect
to grow from existing clients as a result.
Listen to Chris's story
Christopher Cousins,
ChFC®, RICP®, CAP®, CEPA
President and Co-Owner
Financial Architects, Inc.
