At The Crossroads Of Independence Why You Should Take The BD Route

  • The Power of Team & Culture
  • The Custom Fit for Your Unique Business
  • Clear Lines of Communication

In recent years, we’ve seen more and more advisors opt to leave their wirehouse and venture into the independent space. Some will go the RIA route, some will go the broker-dealer route… and others will find a hybrid solution somewhere between the two.  

Advisors venturing into the independent space find themselves at the classic crossroads — pondering which route is best for them, their business, and most importantly their clients. Advisors can have success on either path, no doubt, but here’s why we believe the broker-dealer route might be the best option for you:

You’re More Than Just a Number:
Partnering with a broker-dealer typically means you’re more than just a means to an end. Wirehouse advisors can at times feel like the firm’s needs are always put ahead of theirs and their clients. This often surrounds the idea that a wirehouse’s main focus is more on getting their products sold and less about the financial-wellbeing and goals of the client. With a broker-dealer, advisors are more than just a number; they’re a part of the team. Broker-dealers want to see their team succeed which means helping advisors find new ways to grow their business and provide top of the line service for their clients. 

Flexibility & Support:
Partnering with a broker-dealer comes with a ton of perks for advisors, one of which is the flexibility of business models. Wirehouses tend to be rigid and expect advisors to bend and break their approach to conform to what they already have in place. A broker-dealer, on the other hand, offers the flexibility to build around you, your needs and your business model. Their goal is to work with you to find a solution in which your business model can be fully supported.

Direct & Open Communication:
Open and clear communication can be hard to come by at wirehouses with tens of thousands of employees to oversee and take care of. It can be hard to get the answers you need, and the communication channels might seem muddled. In the broker-dealer space, many advisors will find that they have a direct line with the executives and higher-ups. They can get their questions answered in a timely fashion and have a sounding board to bounce ideas off of. Not only are they getting clear communication with management that knows their business, but they get the peace of mind knowing that both their best interests and their client’s best interests are at the forefront. 

Partnering with a broker-dealer is a great alternative to the “one-size fits all” mentality that can be found at some wirehouses. For advisors looking for a more personalized experience for both their business and their clients, it’s time to consider the broker-dealer route. 

Click here to get the process started today. 

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It’s one of the most important—and personal—questions a financial advisor can ask. Whether it’s frustrations with admin fees, limited platform flexibility, or just a gut feeling that you’ve outgrown your current firm, the decision to move shouldn’t be rushed. The right time to leave isn’t just about market timing—it’s about life timing.

If you’re weighing your options, we recommend this quick read: The Best Time for a Move—a blog and podcast episode that walks through key signals it may be time to explore a transition.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Going independent offers more control, higher payouts, and brand autonomy—but with added responsibilities. Wirehouses provide built-in infrastructure, brand recognition, and turnkey support—but often come with more restrictions and fees.

The real question is: Which model makes the most sense for your business goals and lifestyle?

To make a confident decision, you need to understand the economics behind both paths. Start by securing transition offers from top firms—independent and wirehouse—so you can compare side-by-side.

Get Your Offers in Hand

Our services are 100% free to financial advisors. We don’t charge you a dime. If you decide to make a move, the new firm pays us a finder’s fee—similar to a recruiter. But unlike recruiters, we’re not tied to any one firm, so we work to find your best fit, not theirs.

Want the full breakdown? Check out our blog post: How We Get Paid

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Transition packages from top regional and national broker-dealers like LPL, Ameriprise, Wells Fargo, RBC, Cetera, Dynasty, UBS, and more.