In football, some of the most electrifying plays don’t happen at the moment the ball is caught — they happen after the catch. That extra burst of speed, the vision to find open space, and the ability to break tackles lead to big gains. This is captured in a stat known as Yards After Catch (YAC). It’s not just about making the catch; it’s about what you do next.
The same is true for financial advisors who switch broker-dealers.
Making a move to a new firm is the catch. What separates good advisors from great ones is how much they grow their business after the move — their “Yards After Catch.”
The Move is Just the Start
When an advisor changes broker-dealers, it sets up an opportunity — better tech, more flexible client solutions, branding freedom, and often a fresh narrative to share with clients. But not every advisor turns that opportunity into growth.
Industry studies show that successful advisors typically grow their AUM by 10-30% within 12 to 24 months of making a move. The best performers often exceed that, gathering new assets and strengthening client relationships faster than they ever could have before.
The move gets you the ball. What you do with it determines how far you’ll go.
Which Firms Create the Most Yards After Catch?
Some broker-dealers and RIA platforms are simply better at setting advisors up for success after a move. They provide better “blocking” — smoother onboarding, strong operational support, superior client-facing technology, and marketing resources to help advisors build momentum.
Elite RIAs and Hybrid Models (e.g., Dynasty Financial Partners, Kestra Private Wealth Services) typically produce the highest YAC. Advisors gain maximum flexibility and entrepreneurial control.
Independent Broker-Dealers (e.g., LPL Financial, Commonwealth, Raymond James Financial Services) create strong YAC potential by offering better platforms and technology.
Boutique Firms (e.g., Rockefeller Capital Management, Steward Partners) offer white-glove onboarding and prestige, often leading to an influx of new high-net-worth clients.
Player Profiles: Real Yards After Catch Stories
Player Profile #1: The Veteran Playmaker
Background: $120M AUM wirehouse advisor, 18 years in the business.
Move: Transitioned to top name, resources rich BD.
Result: Retained 92% of clients and grew AUM by 25% within 18 months.
YAC Factors: Used tools, support and solutions from new BD to free themselves up to focus on growing their client base.
Player Profile #2: The Rising Star
Background: $45M AUM independent advisor looking to scale.
Move: Shifted to a boutique hybrid RIA offering stronger marketing support.
Result: Retained 88% of clients and grew AUM by 40% within 15 months.
YAC Factors: Took advantage of marketing resources to create a webinar series, leading to new client acquisitions and deeper wallet share from existing relationships.
How to Maximize Your Yards After the Catch
If you’re considering a move — or have recently made one — here are the keys to maximizing your post-move growth:
Communicate Early and Often: Clients should feel like they’re part of your journey, not bystanders.
Rebrand and Relaunch: Use the move as a reason to refresh your brand and service offering.
Use the New Tools: Better tech, better planning capabilities, and better communication tools need to be front and center.
Market Aggressively: Announce your move, your new capabilities, and how it benefits clients. Don’t be shy.
Final Thoughts: Are You a YAC Advisor?
In today’s competitive environment, making the move to a new firm is important — but it’s what you do after the move that defines your success.
The best advisors are YAC players. They use the move not just to survive, but to sprint ahead. They build bigger businesses, deepen client loyalty, and set themselves up for long-term wins.
If you’re considering a move, ask yourself: Am I just trying to make the catch? Or am I ready to take off down the field?
Need help designing the right move? At 3xEquity, we specialize in helping advisors catch the ball and rack up serious Yards After Catch. Let’s talk about where you want to go — and how we can help you get there.
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