In Standoff With Advisors, This BD Isn’t Blinking

UBS advisors hoping the firm might soften its 2025 compensation changes just got their answer—and it’s a firm noCFO Todd Tuckner made it clear in recent comments that UBS remains committed to its plan to “better align” broker compensation with the bank’s long-term strategic goals. Translation: no reprieve is coming.

The firm is moving forward with cuts to grid payouts for advisors generating under $750,000 annually—typically a 2 to 4 percentage point reduction—and has eliminated team-based bonuses in favor of a new “best-ball” format, where a team’s payout is based solely on the production of its highest earner.

We covered these changes in detail in our earlier article, “UBS Adopts ‘Best Ball’ Format for 2025 Comp Plan”, and now UBS leadership is sending a crystal-clear message: if you were hoping for a policy reversal, it’s not coming.

A Quiet Push Out the Door

The most immediate impact hits advisors in the $400K to $750K production range—a group that still represents a meaningful portion of UBS’s advisor force. Whether intentional or not, these changes serve as a not-so-subtle push, nudging mid-tier advisors to consider their future at the firm.

And here’s the twist: many of those advisors have no idea how valuable they are elsewhere.

$400K–$750K: The Sweet Spot at Other Firms

While UBS sharpens its focus on top producers, a wide swath of broker-dealers is doing the opposite—actively pursuing experienced, client-focused advisors who might not hit the million-dollar mark but bring dependable books of business and long-term growth potential.

If you’re in that $400K to $750K range, you’re not an afterthought. You’re a target—and a highly desirable one. Transition packages in this band can be extremely competitive, with many BDs offering deals over 200% of trailing 12-month production, alongside marketing support, technology upgrades, and transition assistance designed to make your move seamless.

There are even niche players—well-run, high-service boutique firms—who are eager to support advisors producing just below that range. These firms see opportunity where UBS sees cost trimming.

Time to Reevaluate?

UBS isn’t blinking. They’re not revising the comp grid. They’re not backpedaling on team incentives. And they’re not making exceptions.

If you’re one of the many UBS advisors watching your payout shrink or your team structure lose value, now’s the time to look around. You may be surprised to learn how many doors are open—and how generous the welcome mats are.

At 3xEquity, we help advisors compare transition offers confidentially and with zero commitment. Whether you’re ready to make a move or just want to know your market value, we’ll bring offers to you so you can make an informed decision.

UBS has made its move. Maybe it’s time to make yours.

Ready to explore your possibilities?
Start with a safe, no-obligation step: visit 3xEquity.com/qs to see what your ideal move in 2025 might look like.

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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.

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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.

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

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