Capping Alternative Investments: What Every RIA Should Know
In our latest Compliance Tip of the Week, Sam Carter, Director of Registration and Compliance at Advisor Guidance, walks through why setting a cap on alternative investment exposure isn’t just good risk management — it’s an exam question firms need to be ready for. Should Your RIA Set a Cap on Alternative Investments? Short answer: […]
How to Choose the Right Custodian for Your RIA Firm
One of the most common questions we receive from advisors during the initial registration process is simple: Do I need to have a custodian in place before I can register my RIA firm? The short answer is no. In most cases, regulators do not require a newly forming RIA to have a custodial relationship finalized […]
What Breakaway Advisors Need to Know About Non-Competes
Employee Agreements and Non-Competes: What Investment Advisors Should Know Before Starting an RIA Firm As momentum behind the RIA model continues to accelerate, next-generation advisors and seasoned professionals alike find themselves weighing the pros and cons of launching solo practices or joining boutique firms in pursuit of greater independence and control. For the right advisor, […]
How Will the SEC’s Proposed AUM Threshold Increase Affect my RIA?
In early April 2025, acting U.S. Securities and Exchange (SEC) Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda raised the possibility of increasing the asset threshold required for investment advisor registration with the SEC. With the confirmation and tenure of new SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins on April 21st, it is unlikely this idea will be withdrawn. This potential change […]
How Investment Advisers Can Avoid RIA Firm Compliance Conflicts
RIA Compliance: The Conflicts Resulting from Wearing Multiple Hats Many Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms offer insurance, tax and accounting, legal, business consulting, and other services to their investment advisory clients. Some registered Investment Advisor Representatives (IARs) are also Registered Representatives at broker-dealers, or are registered with more than one RIA in order to provide […]
The Importance of Building a Rock-Solid Compliance Program for Your RIA Firm
The Importance of Building a Rock-Solid Compliance Program for Your RIA Firm Since going into effect in the early 20th century, the state and federal securities laws and regulations have constantly undergone revision and updating to address emerging risks and changing business practices. As a result, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms are held to an […]