When it Comes to Growth, Location Matters
By: Tobias Salinger Published Date: August 6, 2025 When it comes to growth, location matters The role of geography in potential business opportunities for financial advisors can be hard to calculate in exact numbers, but the impact of location is changing in notable ways. Together, the rise of remote and hybrid offices across the industry and the continuing consolidation of registered investment advisory firms have altered the landscape of geographic expansion strategies and M&A deals. Both trends also add complexity to the question of, say, which states have the most potential assets under management in play. In 2024, out-of-state buyers completed a third of M&A transactions, according to the latest annual survey by deal consulting firm Succession Resource Group. The higher prices that those acquirers paid and the fact that out-of-state investors are “becoming more normal” reflect the altered geographic dynamics after the pandemic, said David Grau, the firm’s founder and CEO. In the past, “Very few retiring advisors or sellers would consider a buyer who was not within driving distance,” he said, citing the continuing rise in the share of transactions involving out-of-state buyers. “That’s an absurd figure in a professional service business.” To read the full article, please visit: https://www.financial-planning.com/news/how-geography-ties-into-wealth-management-growth Disclaimer This article was first published by Tobias Salinger. The original article can be found here. All rights to the original content are held by FinancialPlanning.com.
Empowering Independence | Building Self-Leading Teams with Saša Mirković (Ep. 25)
Watch the Replay Related Resources 2025 Advisor M&A Report Check Out our Press Release→ Succession Readiness Checklist Check Out the Checklist→ Selling Your Practice with Expert Advocacy Watch the Replay → Grab A Valuation We offer a variety of solutions and turnaround times to fit your needs. Join myCompass Our membership club grants you inside tips and opportunities to grow. Review our Seller Services We’re here to ensure you secure the best buyer, price and terms.
Practice Value Assessment Tool Overview
Whether you’re planning for succession, preparing to sell, or simply tracking your firm’s value over time, SRG’s Practice Value Assessment Tool (PVA Tool) gives you instant access to reliable valuation estimates—anytime, anywhere. Powered by real-world transaction data and backed by SRG’s expert M&A team, the PVA Tool is the only valuation engine built specifically for financial advisors. With just a few key inputs, users can model scenarios, export professional reports, and identify opportunities to increase firm value. Download the brochure to see how the PVA Tool brings speed, accuracy, and simplicity to your valuation process. Watch our PVA Tool demo. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * FirstLast Phone Work Email *How Did You Hear About SRG? *— Select Choice —ConferenceDirect MailExisting/Past ClientGoogle AdWordsOtherReferralSocial MediaSeminar/WorkshopWebinarWebsite Download
Why SRG Delivers Real ROI
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * FirstLast Phone Work Email *How Did You Hear About SRG? *— Select Choice —ConferenceDirect MailExisting/Past ClientGoogle AdWordsOtherReferralSocial MediaSeminar/WorkshopWebinarWebsite Download What’s the real ROI of hiring SRG? Our latest infographic breaks down why firms choose SRG, not just for answers, but for outcomes. From saving time and streamlining execution to gaining strategic clarity and confidence, SRG’s process is designed to reduce friction and deliver high-impact, sustainable results. Discover: Why SRG replaces the need for multiple consultants How we cut down delays and drive momentum What makes our deliverables actionable and built to last The ROI you gain from hiring a neutral, industry-savvy partner Whether you’re navigating a valuation, acquisition, succession or other transition, this visual guide shows how SRG helps you act decisively and move forward smarter. Download the infographic to see how we deliver real ROI at every step of your journey.
When Your Key Stakeholders Want to Help You Sell: 4 Things to Watch For
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * FirstLast Phone Work Email *How Did You Hear About SRG? *— Select Choice —ConferenceDirect MailExisting/Past ClientGoogle AdWordsOtherReferralSocial MediaSeminar/WorkshopWebinarWebsite Download When your successor, internal buyer or home office wants to “help you sell,” it can be a win or a warning sign. Our latest infographic breaks down four critical considerations every advisor should weigh: Valuation – Will it be fair and accurate or biased toward the buyer? Structure – Are the deal terms designed to protect your best interests? Process – Who’s leading the timeline, and are they moving too fast or too slow? Representation – Do you have someone advocating solely for you? Whether you’re exploring internal succession or weighing a third-party offer, this infographic highlights the hidden risks and the steps you can take to protect your legacy. Download the infographic now to learn how SRG helps you navigate the sale on your terms.
Legal/Tax/M&A: Where Your Professionals Fit Into Your M&A and Succession Plan
Discover how to align the right professionals with the right phase of your M&A or succession plan — without wasting time or money. This session delivers hard-earned insights from hundreds of real-world advisory firm transitions. Watch the Replay Host Kristen Grau, CPA, CVA, CEPA Executive Vice President Paper-plane Linkedin-in Host Todd Fulks, JD, BFA
Contingency Planning FAQ
What is a contingency plan? A contingency plan is an agreement between two or more advisors designed to protect your business in case of your death, disability (temporary or permanent), loss of license, and possibly even retirement (although most plans do not deal with succession planning). There are a variety of plan types to solve for these issues:
Year End
Strategy Starts Early Strong outcomes start earlier than most advisors expect. Many SRG clients engage in multiple projects because our work is strategy-centered and sequential—each phase builds on the last. We don’t just produce documents; we guide informed decisions that carry through to execution. Engaging early gives you more than time—it gives you options. It creates room to align priorities, pressure-test decisions, and connect individual projects to broader business goals, leading to clearer direction and stronger outcomes over the year ahead. What Affects Your Timeline To keep your project moving, early engagement and active participation are essential. Key factors that influence your timeline include: Calls & Meetings: Most projects require multiple scheduled calls, including a final review to ensure you have the information you need to make decisions and move forward. Decision-Making: Delays in selecting strategies can slow progress. Third-Party Reviews: Broker-dealers, custodians, lenders, attorneys, tax advisors, and compliance teams may require several weeks for document review and approval. Regulatory Review: Agencies like FINRA, the SEC, and state regulators may experience year-end backlog, seasonal delays or closures which can slow momentum. Internal Coordination: Gaining alignment with business partners, staff, family members or other key stakeholders can add time. Your Role: Timely submission of questionnaires, financials, and other documentation is critical. Other factors such as business restructuring, holiday schedules, technology transitions, or extended negotiations can also affect the pace of progress. Starting early and staying engaged helps ensure your project progresses smoothly and avoids common year-end bottlenecks. Need help prioritizing? Let’s chat. Plan to Finish by Year-End. Engage & Submit Questionnaires By… Service Avg # of Calls Estimated Timeline To Completion* Questionnaire Must Be Submitted By Merger 10 4 Months 5/18/26 Succession Plan 10 4 Months 5/18/26 Equity Sharing 6 90 Business Days 6/29/26 Entity 6 90 Business Days 6/29/26 Deal Support 7 90 Business Days 6/29/26 Compensation Design 4 45 Business Days 8/31/26 Enterprise Value 3 30 Business Days 9/21/26 Contingency Plan 2 30 Business Days 9/21/26 Employment Agreements 2 30 Business Days 9/21/26 Practice Value 2 20 Business Days 10/5/26 Core Value 0 7 Business Days 10/22/26 *The work outlined is estimated to be completed within the timeframe shown, excluding weekends and federal holidays. The timeline begins once the intake call has been completed and SRG has received the Client’s completed questionnaire and all other required information in complete and accurate form, to be verified by SRG. The project timelines are inherently collaborative and may be influenced by factors such as Client availability and responsiveness, SRG’s receipt of necessary information, third-party vendors, required approvals, and other factors outside SRG’s control, which may extend the anticipated timeline. SRG does not guarantee a specific completion date, but will work proactively with the Client to maintain momentum, adjust timelines as needed, and provide regular updates throughout the engagement. Benefits of Priority Access ForYour Project Our Priority Access option is designed for clients who want to move quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality. By choosing this option, you gain access to distinct advantages: Flexibility in Scheduling: Greater control over appointment times that fit your calendar. Proactive, Advanced Scheduling: We pre-schedule 2–3 calls in advance to keep momentum and ensure on-time completion. Same-Day / 24-Hour Response: Enjoy prioritized responses so your questions and needs don’t wait. VIP-Only Content & Resources: Get exclusive access to templates, guides, and strategic tools curated for fast-track clients. Concierge Experience: White-glove service with increased attention to detail and efficiency. Enhanced Onboarding Experience: A smoother, faster start designed to set your project up for success from day one. Timeline Transparency:What You Should Know We understand the urgency many clients feel around year-end timelines. If you engage and submit your completed questionnaire by the specified deadline, we will make every effort to complete your project by year-end. However, final delivery is subject to factors outside our control, including third-party availability (e.g., lenders, attorneys, regulators), required approvals, and timely execution or decision-making on your part. To increase the likelihood of meeting your timeline, we strongly encourage early engagement, quick responsiveness, and consistent participation throughout the process. Please note that timely submission alone is not enough—questionnaires must be complete and accurate. If responses are missing or vague, we will not have the necessary information to move forward, and your project may be delayed beyond year-end as a result. Ultimately, the question is this: Do you want your project done fast, or done right? While speed may feel important, our goal is to ensure your outcome is strategic, thorough, and aligned with your goals—not just completed by an arbitrary date. Book a Discovery Call to Learn More Schedule an appointment to learn how SRG can help you! Days Hours Minutes Seconds
A Legacy Preserved Under Pressure
When Time Is Short, the Right Partner Makes All the Difference Succession planning after advisor death is one of the most urgent and complex challenges a firm can face. When a long-time Hawaii-based financial advisor unexpectedly passed away, their family was left with a major challenge: how to transition a complex, high value practice in under 60 days while mourning the loss of their loved one. Without a succession plan in place, the estate faced potential client attrition, lost value, an employee in limbo, a lease payment, and industry regulated complications. That’s when the family reached out to the deceased advisors’ Practice Management Consultant who referred to them to Succession Resource Group for help. The Challenge Following the sudden death of the advisor, the estate was left without a succession plan or an interim servicing advisor in place. The practice itself had a strong revenue base, generating $684,227 in revenue (79.0% recurring) and serving 248 households. However, it faced several immediate and significant challenges. Among these was an active lease obligation with 33 months remaining, adding financial pressure during a time of uncertainty. Coordination with the broker-dealer and regulatory compliance were urgently needed, further complicating the estate’s efforts to stabilize the business. The most pressing concern was the urgent value risk—without swift action and a clear strategy for succession planning after advisor death, the estate stood to lose everything. Compounding the situation was the vulnerability of a key, loyal employee, whose future with the practice was uncertain and at risk. These factors combined to create a highly complex and time-sensitive situation for the estate in identifying and implementing a succession solution. The Strategy In the wake of a sudden death, SRG launched its Seller Advocacy Program to guide the estate through the transition. Despite having limited data and no prior valuation available, SRG quickly created a prospectus that allowed the estate to take immediate action. Through targeted outreach, the team sourced 32 qualified buyers—specifically focused on local options—to ensure continuity and client familiarity. 10 finalists were interviewed and negotiated offers were considered, giving the estate meaningful choices rather than a rushed exit. Importantly, SRG positioned the practice for maximum value—not just a fast transaction—helping preserve the seller’s legacy while protecting long-standing client relationships. By applying their expertise in succession planning after advisor death, SRG brought structure, strategy, and compassion to the business transaction at a time when the family, employee, and clients needed it most. The Results 12% Over asking price 100% Cash down upon closing 3.1% Over industry recurring revenue multiples 33-Month lease obligation assumed by buyer 100% Fee to SRG paid by buyer 100% Staff retained by buyer Don’t Wait for the “What If” Be Prepared. Be Protected. What happens if life throws a curveball? Illness, injury, or worse—none of it waits for the right time. And when the unexpected hits, your clients, staff, and family may be left with more questions than answers. That’s why succession planning after advisor death is essential—not just for business continuity, but to protect everything you’ve worked so hard to build. Secure Your Legacy with SRG’s Contingency Retainer SRG’s Contingency Retainer is a proactive planning service empowers you to make critical decisions while you’re alive and well. You authorize a strategy to protect your business, define your wishes, and ensure your practice is positioned to transfer smoothly—no matter what happens tomorrow.
New York State Entity Publication Guide
Overview Congratulations on forming your LLC with the New York Secretary of State! To help you meet the state’s requirements, we’ve outlined the steps below to guide you through the mandatory publication process. Legal Requirement Under New York Limited Liability Company Law §206, within 120 days of formation or authorization, an LLC must publish a notice once each week for six consecutive weeks in two newspapers—one daily and one weekly—designated by the county clerk of the county in which the LLC’s office is located. A list of available publishers can be obtained from the county clerk’s website. Publication Timeline Within 120 days after filing the Articles of Organization or Application for Authority with the New York Department of State, the entity must publish a notice in two newspapers. These newspapers are designated by the county clerk of the county where the entity’s office is located, as stated in the Articles or Application. Newspaper Specifications One daily and one weekly newspaper must be used Publications must run for six successive weeks. The content must be either a copy of the Articles of Organization or Application for Authority or a notice containing its substance. Proof of Publication Obtain affidavits of publication from both newspapers. Complete a Certificate of Publication, which can be found on the following website: Link to Certificate of Publication Form. Mail these affidavits along with the Certificate of Publication and a check of $50 for the filing fee to: New York Department of State Division of Corporations One Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Avenue, Suite 600 Albany, NY 12231 For further details, visit the New York Department of State Division of Corporations website. Are you interested in entity support? Let’s Talk. SRG handles this entire process: setting up the publications, securing affidavits, and preparing the Certificate of Publication form, so all you have to do is submit it to the NY Department of State. Book a consultation with our team today and let’s get started.