The Exchange: The Truth About Advisor Contingency Planning (Ep. 27)
Listen to the Episode Read the Show Notes The Truth About Advisor Contingency Planning In the first-ever episode of The SRG Exchange, the SRG consulting team comes together for a candid discussion on one of the most overlooked — and most essential — components of running a financial advisory firm: contingency planning. Drawing from real client experiences and day-to-day advisory work, the team breaks down what advisors often misunderstand, what regulators actually expect, and what a truly functional continuity plan must include. This conversation sheds light on the operational, legal, and relational challenges that surface when a plan fails — and offers practical steps to help advisors protect clients, revenue, and family long before an emergency occurs. Why Contingency Planning Still Falls Short The episode opens with a frank acknowledgment: while nearly every advisor knows they should have a contingency plan, very few have one that would actually work in practice. The team discusses common gaps they see across the industry, including: plans that exist only on paper and don’t reflect firm reality unclear successor instructions incorrectly structured agreements that fail under pressure BD or custodian forms mistaken as full-fledged plans They explain why these gaps become critical risks — not just for compliance, but for clients, staff, and family members who are left scrambling. Understanding What a Real Plan Looks Like From valuation considerations to internal decision-making authority, the team outlines the building blocks of a functional, actionable plan. Key insights include: Why a contingency plan must be tied to a firm’s legal entity structure The importance of identifying who actually has the authority to take over Why buy-sell agreements are not always enough How entity maintenance impacts continuity readiness The role of service agreements, compensation, and communication plans They emphasize that effective contingency planning is not a one-size-fits-all model — it must be tailored to the firm’s ownership, structure, and growth stage. Lessons From the Field The discussion includes stories and real scenarios drawn from SRG’s consulting work — both successes and cautionary tales. Advisors will hear: what happens when documentation doesn’t match operational reality how unexpected disability or death affects valuation and transition options why even well-intentioned plans break down during crisis how firms that plan proactively preserve value and avoid chaos These examples ground the conversation in real-world impact, illustrating how preparation (or lack of it) plays out in practice. Practical Guidance for Advisors The consultants share clear steps advisors can take to strengthen or build their plan, including: conducting a full review of current agreements validating successor roles and responsibilities documenting operational steps for continuity maintaining updated books, records, and entity documents ensuring clients know the firm has a plan in place They also discuss how often plans should be revisited — and why regular maintenance is just as important as initial creation. Conclusion: Protecting What Matters Most The episode closes with a reminder that contingency planning is not just a compliance requirement — it is a fiduciary responsibility. By proactively addressing these issues, advisors protect their clients, their staff, the value of their firm, and the people they care about. The clear takeaway: a contingency plan isn’t complete until it works in real life, under real pressure. Advisors who invest the time to get this right are better positioned to navigate the unexpected and maintain stability for their business and the people who depend on it. Related Resources 2025 Advisor M&A ReportCheck Out our Press Release→ Succession Readiness Checklist Check Out the Checklist→ Selling Your Practice with Expert Advocacy Watch the Replay →
Organic & Inorganic Growth | How to be Successful with Both with Jeff Concepcion (Ep.26)
Listen to the Episode Read the Show Notes Organic and Inorganic Strategies for Financial Advisors In the fast-paced world of financial advisory, understanding the avenues toward sustainable business growth is crucial. The Fine Print Podcast recently featured an insightful discussion between David Grau Jr. MBA, President of Succession Resource Group, and Jeff Concepcion, Founder & CEO of Stratos Wealth Holdings. Their conversation explored the dynamic interplay of organic and inorganic growth, offering strategies and perspectives that every advisor striving for long-term success should consider. Introduction to Industry Challenges David Grau Jr. opened the dialogue by underscoring the importance of leveraging both organic and inorganic growth to build durable firms. Drawing from market valuation insights and succession planning, he highlighted how striking the right balance between these two growth engines can transform a practice from a traditional advisory business into a sustainable enterprise. Understanding Organic Growth Organic growth emerges from within a firm and relies on refining internal processes, optimizing referral marketing, and nurturing client relationships. Jeff Concepcion emphasized that organic growth should not be overshadowed by inorganic efforts. Instead, it should be treated as the foundation of a healthy business, with inorganic strategies serving as a complement. He also noted that organic growth can be a relatively low-cost, high-return strategy when firms apply discipline and creativity—whether through referrals, alliances, or using technology such as data analytics to uncover new opportunities. Inorganic Growth: The Acquisition Pathway The conversation then turned to inorganic growth, including mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. While this path often promises rapid expansion, Jeff Concepcion cautioned that it requires significant resources and should not serve as a substitute for organic growth. Rather, inorganic strategies are most effective when layered onto an already thriving business. Balancing the Two Growth Engines One of the most compelling points raised was the challenge of balancing growth strategies in the context of succession planning. David described how founders frequently worry that successors lack the ability to replicate their growth momentum. The solution, he argued, lies in preparing the next generation of advisors not just to maintain the status quo, but to innovate and lead new growth initiatives. Actionable Insights for Advisors Throughout the conversation, Jeff Concepcion shared practical advice for advisors looking to compete in today’s evolving marketplace. He stressed the importance of reinvesting in the business—whether through upgrading technology, acquiring top talent, or building infrastructure that supports scalable growth. By reinvesting strategically, firms can strengthen their organic growth engines while positioning themselves to take advantage of inorganic opportunities when they arise. This dual approach, he explained, is what ultimately creates enduring enterprise value. Conclusion: The Path Forward Looking to the future, Jeff Concepcion predicted increased concentration in the industry, with a small group of firms becoming notably large and influential. At the same time, he pointed out that new entrants continue to emerge, keeping the market vibrant and competitive. For advisors, this underscores the importance of tailoring growth strategies—both organic and inorganic—to their unique business models and long-term goals. The clear takeaway from this episode of The Fine Print: the path to building a successful advisory business is paved with intentional reinvestment and a balanced approach to growth. Whether through referrals, technology, or acquisitions, advisors who embrace both strategies will be best positioned to thrive in an ever-changing financial services landscape. 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 →
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.
Balancing Act | Exploring Value and Terms in Deals (Ep. 24)
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.
What’s the Deal with PE and Aggregators! (Ep. 23)
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.
Executing A Successful Internal Succession Plan In The Private Equity Era Of Advisor M&A
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.
Carrot and the Stick | Protecting Your Advisors and Clients (Ep. 22)
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.
Contingency Planning | Death/Disability Considerations for Advisors (Ep. 21)
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.
Strategies for Building Enduring Wealth Advisory Firms With Ray Sclafani Part 2 (Ep. 20)
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.
Strategies for Building Enduring Wealth Advisory Firms With Ray Sclafani Part 1 (Ep. 19)
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.