Learn about Schwab Advisor Services™

If you are an investment advisor considering a change, this site can provide a deeper understanding of the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model and help you evaluate if it’s right for you.

Exploring: The RIA Option
A new opportunity for gaining control and better serving clients

What the RIA Model Is and How It Can Benefit You
What an RIA Custodian Is

Greater Freedom
Are you an advisor at an independent broker-dealer? Find out how becoming a fully independent RIA can bring even more freedom to run your business your way.

Discover:

What makes the RIA model different
How you can enjoy the freedom of being an RIA while maintaining traditional brokerage business

The Power of Small Business
Build the future you want for your firm—whether you’re a new RIA or a have a well-established practice. Learn more about:

Our dedication to advisors managing less than $50 million
How we support you and your business

Featured Tool:
View the RIA Tutorial to learn what being an RIA means

Considerations: You and the RIA Option
What to think about as you decide if becoming an RIA supported by Schwab is right for you

The Financial Considerations
The Legal Considerations
Managing Your Brokerage Business
Starting a Firm Or Joining One
The Transition Process

Featured Tool:
See what's involved to make the move to the RIA model

Schwab Difference: Advantages of Our Platform
Keeping the best of what you have today, serving clients better and taking more control over tomorrow

Product Selection
Client Servicing
Back-Office Support
Support To Grow Your Business
The Benefits Of Working With The Industry Leader

Did You Know?

Nearly 7,000 independent advisors use our open-architecture platform
We custody over $697 billion for independent advisors
We've been the leading custodian for over 22 years

Learn more about the rewards of becoming an RIA.

All inquiries are confidential.

Listen to Schwab’s Tim Oden, managing director, discuss trends in the RIA industry.

On demand webcast now available:
Technology: The Key to Jumpstarting Your Business

Tools and Resources
Access a comprehensive view of all resources.

Featured Tools & Events

Schwab's View on an SRO for Advisors and a Fiduciary Standard of Care

View Position Paper

Schwab's new advisor website

Learn how Schwab Advisor Center^TM allows you to explore and use client data in a more flexible way.

How some RIAs are positioning for the future

This white paper ( 259K PDF) offers insights from Schwab’s 2010 RIA Benchmarking Study.

Why are advisors going independent?

This new white paper ( 842K PDF) explains why many successful advisors are starting or joining independent firms.

Learn from advisors like you

Use this frequently asked questions tool to learn about the experiences of advisors starting their firms with Schwab.

Financial benefits of the RIA model

Use our tool to compare business models, forecast expenses and understand equity valuation.

Legal and regulatory considerations for going independent

This industry report can help advisors assess the legal and regulatory considerations involved in going independent.

Going independent planning tool

Map out the steps you'll take to launch your new independent advisory practice. Use our tool to identify some of the key tasks.