Turnkey RIA Registration 
Services
The Easiest Way to
Register Your RIA Firm
Registering an RIA firm means filing Form ADV with either the SEC or your state securities regulator, building a compliance program, and meeting your state’s specific licensing requirements — and getting any of it wrong can delay your launch by weeks or months.
Since 2006, Advisor Guidance has helped hundreds of financial planners, investment advisors, and wealth managers navigate every step of the registration process correctly the first time. We draft and file all required documents, communicate directly with your regulators, and have your compliance program ready before your firm is approved — so you can start working with clients from day one.
Common RIA Registration Questions
What does it mean to start an RIA firm?
Starting an RIA means forming an independent investment advisory business that provides advice directly to clients under a fiduciary standard and regulatory oversight. This involves forming a legal entity, filing Form ADV with the SEC or your state regulator, building compliance policies and procedures, and establishing custodial and operational relationships before you can begin working with clients.
Learn the full process → Top 10 Questions About RIA Registration
What credentials do I need to start an RIA?
An advisor typically qualifies by passing the Series 65 exam or holding an approved professional designation that waives the exam requirement — common qualifying credentials include the Series 7 + Series 66 combination, or designations like CFP®, CFA®, ChFC®, PFS, or CIC. Some states also accept CAIA/CAIC equivalents, so exact requirements can vary by state.
See qualification details by state → Top 10 Questions About RIA Registration
Should I register with the SEC or a state regulator?
Registration eligibility is determined by assets under management and business structure, not preference. Firms with roughly $100M or more in AUM, or with a multi-state presence, generally register with the SEC; firms below that threshold typically register with their state securities regulator, though projected growth and client geography can also affect eligibility.
Determine your required regulator → Top 10 Questions About RIA Registration
How long does it take to get an RIA approved?
Timelines depend on the reviewing regulator once a complete filing is submitted — SEC review typically takes about 4 weeks, while state regulators generally take 4–16 weeks. Most delays come from unclear disclosures or regulator workload backlogs rather than the filing itself, so a clean, complete application is the biggest factor in staying on the faster end of that range.
View the full timeline → Top 10 Questions About RIA Registration
Can I start an RIA while working at a broker-dealer?
Yes — you can prepare and structure your new firm while still employed, but you generally can’t begin operations or client servicing until after you leave. Along the way, you’ll need to review your employment restrictions, avoid using your current firm’s data or resources, maintain confidentiality, and complete your filings correctly to stay clear of conflicts during the transition.
See transition precautions → Top 10 Questions About RIA Registration
How much does it cost to register an RIA?
Advisor Guidance charges a flat fee for its turnkey registration service, which covers all compliance program documents your firm needs — including Written Supervisory Procedures, Code of Ethics, Privacy Policy, and Cybersecurity Policy, regardless of how many are required. On top of that flat fee, you’ll also pay regulator filing fees directly: SEC IARD filing fees range from $40 for firms managing less than $25 million in assets, up to $150 for $25–100 million, and $225 for $100 million or more, plus any state notice filing fees for states where you register. Speak with a Registration Expert for your firm’s flat-fee quote.
Have A Question About Registering Your RIA?
Check Out >> Top 10 Questions About RIA Registration
Our Turnkey Registration Services
Start Your RIA Firm with Confidence.
Whether you’re required to register with the SEC or state, our comprehensive, turnkey registration process helps you remove the guesswork and stress associated with starting your RIA firm.
Onboarding & Discovery
During the onboarding and discovery phase, your dedicated registration and compliance lead will take the time to gain a comprehensive understanding of your RIA firm’s business model and walk you through the FINRA Entitlement process.
Key Actions & Outcomes
- Initial business consultation and discovery call
- Preparation of Entitlement forms for you to gain access to the IARD/CRD systems
- Assistance with the funding requirements for your Flex Funding Account in FINRA’s E-Bill system
- Confirmation of applicable federal/state filing requirements
- Collect all applicable legal entity documents
Drafting & Filing Registration
After you’ve completed your onboarding and discovery call, our registration and compliance team will draft and file the proper registration documents on your firm’s behalf.
Key Actions & Outcomes
- Confirmation of intended business model of your RIA firm
- Draft, review, and file Form ADV Part 1
- Draft, review, and file Form ADV Part 2A and 2B plain English Brochure and Brochure Supplement
- If required, draft, review, and file Form ADV Part 3 Customer Relationship Summary
- If necessary, draft, review, and file Form ADV Part 2A Appendix Wrap Fee Brochure
- Draft, review, and file Form U-4 (Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer) for each Investment Advisor Representative
- On your behalf, liaise directly with SEC and state securities regulatory agencies
- If required, participate in discussions with your counterparts, including attorneys, accountants, or insurance carriers, to ensure consistency and understanding
Customizing Compliance Program
Once we’ve filed your registration, your dedicated registration and compliance lead will draft a customized compliance program for your firm. Out team will have your compliance program ready to go before you get approved so you can start working with clients the day your firm is approved.
Key Actions & Outcomes
- Draft and review all applicable Client Investment Advisory Agreements
- If requested, provide Investment Policy Statement/Investor Questionnaire
- If required, provide Solicitor/Promoter Agreement and Disclosure Documents
- Prepare written Compliance Program documents, tailored to firm’s business model, including:
- Written Supervisory Procedures
- Code of Ethics
- Privacy Policy
- If applicable, Massachusetts Identity Theft Program
- Cybersecurity Policy
- Proxy Voting Policy If applicable, ERISA DOL PTE 2020-02 documents
- Draft Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan
Firm Approval & Launch
Once your firm is approved, you will have all the necessary compliance documents in place, including the final version of your Client Investment Advisory Agreement, so you can start onboarding clients to your firm.
Key Actions & Outcomes
- Finalize all Compliance Program documents and Client Investment Advisory Agreements
- We will provide you with a list of ongoing compliance requirements for your new RIA firm
- Further discussions and assistance as necessary as you begin to grow your new RIA firm
- You can elect to use Advisor Guidance for ongoing compliance support.
Check Out Your State's
Registration Requirements
An Introduction to the
RIA Registration Process
Starting an RIA Firm?
If you’re thinking about starting an RIA firm we’d encourage you to check out our Ultimate Checklist for Starting an RIA to help you set your firm up for success.
