The past few years have brought a mass exodus of firms leaving the Broker Protocol. With big names like Morgan Stanley and UBS dropping out of the agreement, many have followed suit, upending the financial industry and impacting advisors just like you!
Firms initially joined the Broker Protocol to minimize the litigation that was occurring when advisors would transition from one firm to another. And with so many firms leaving the Broker Protocol, the gloves have come off, and that means the return of Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO).
Firms will use a TRO to temporarily keep a transitioning advisor from soliciting clients to join them at their new firm, as well as prevent the actual transitioning of clients to the new firm. It doesn’t matter how big or small one’s book of business is − some broker-dealers will flex their muscle and initiate legal action no matter what. Intimidation? Fair play? Many have different opinions.
For transitioning advisors, a TRO can be a TKO and may seem inevitable. In some of the bigger firms’ corners, they are adopting powerful technology that can track any confidential information that a transitioning advisor is trying to take with them. The best way to avoid a TRO is by staying compliant.
Here are just a few examples of conduct to avoid when leaving your current firm:
- Storing client information on any personal device
- Using a personal email when conducting firm business
- Removing any client information that is typically kept in a shared folder
A big part of a TRO for financial advisors revolves around the solicitation of clients. Naturally, advisors want their clients to make the move with them. On the other side, firms want the departing advisor’s clients to stay with the firm. As advisors are transitioning out, avoiding these activities can be significant in circumventing or beating a TRO:
- Criticizing your old firm to former clients
- Reaching out to clients after transitioning, asking them to transfer over to the new firm
- Informing clients about your departure prior to resigning
TROs may seem daunting, but don’t let them take the fight out of you! If you think you have a better chance for success with a different broker-dealer, we are the team in your corner. 3xEquity makes the process easy and is with you every step of the way. We’ll secure you multiple offers within just a few days, all while you stay 100% anonymous.
Click here to conquer your fears and find a new home for your business.
