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Transition To RIA Podcast

Transition To RIA Podcast

Written by: Brad Wales
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The Transition To RIA Podcast was named to the first ever Top Podcasts for Financial Advisors list by Kitces. Brad Wales, founder of Transition To RIA (TransitionToRIA.com) discusses WHY and HOW to transition your financial advisory practice to the Registered Investment Advisor ("RIA") model. This question/answer style podcast pulls directly from the hundreds of RIA related questions Brad has been asked over the years. With 20+ years industry experience, including direct RIA related roles in compliance, finance and business development, Brad has become the go-to expert for everything financial advisors want to learn and understand about the RIA model. Transition To RIA is completely independent of any one solution, thus Brad is able to provide impartial advice and guidance across all of the possible pathways into the model.Copyright 2026 Transition To RIA Podcast Careers Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Finance Personal Success
Episodes
  • Q140 - How Does Transitioning To Another Wirehouse Compare To Transitioning To The RIA Model?
    Jan 22 2026

    Every year many financial advisors transition their practice from one wirehouse to another.

    Provided they’ve done their research and concluded that such a path was best for them, their practice, and their clients, there is nothing wrong with that.

    All too often though, that research does not include understanding all potential options.

    Thus, they end up making a less than informed decision about something that will impact the balance of their career.

    In this episode of the Transition To RIA question & answer series (#140) I work to expand such knowledge by explaining how transitioning to another wirehouse compares to transitioning to the RIA model.

    Come take a listen!

    P.S. Prefer video? You can find this entire series in video format on Youtube. Search for the TRANSITION TO RIA channel.

    Show notes: https://TransitionToRIA.com/how-does-transitioning-to-another-wirehouse-compare-to-transitioning-to-the-ria-model/

    About Host: Brad Wales is the founder of Transition To RIA, where he helps financial advisors between $50M and $1B understand everything there is to know about WHY and HOW to transition their practice to the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model. Brad has 20+ years of industry experience, including direct RIA related roles in Compliance, Finance and Business Development. He has an MBA and has held the 4, 7, 24, 63 & 65 licenses. The Transition To RIA website (TransitionToRIA.com) has a large catalog of free videos, articles, whitepapers, as well as other resources to help advisors understand the RIA model and how it would apply to their unique circumstances.

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    33 mins
  • Q139 - What Time Of Year Should I Transition To The RIA Model?
    Jan 6 2026

    If you were to transition your practice to the RIA model, is there is an ideal time of the year to make the change?

    Before considering calendar variables, though, you first want to consider factors pertinent to your unique scenario including potential vesting cycles on deferred comp, tranches on forgivable loans, etc.

    It is then important to be aware of, and understand why there are certain times of year that advisors/teams generally seek to avoid making a transition during.

    On this episode (#139) of the Transition To RIA question & answer series I address these variables and discuss what goes into a timing decision on when to make a transition.

    Come take a listen!

    P.S. Prefer video? You can find this entire series in video format on Youtube. Search for the TRANSITION TO RIA channel.

    Show notes: https://TransitionToRIA.com/what-time-of-year-should-i-transition-to-the-ria-model/

    About Host: Brad Wales is the founder of Transition To RIA, where he helps financial advisors between $50M and $1B understand everything there is to know about WHY and HOW to transition their practice to the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model. Brad has 20+ years of industry experience, including direct RIA related roles in Compliance, Finance and Business Development. He has an MBA and has held the 4, 7, 24, 63 & 65 licenses. The Transition To RIA website (TransitionToRIA.com) has a large catalog of free videos, articles, whitepapers, as well as other resources to help advisors understand the RIA model and how it would apply to their unique circumstances.

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    26 mins
  • Q138 - What Is A 1099 RIA Model?
    Dec 16 2025

    While it is not always referred to as a "1099 model", there is a type of RIA platform offering that many advisors find to be an attractive alternative to running their own RIA.

    These "1099 models" come in various flavors but they typically share the following (among other things):

    • Retain 100% ownership of your practice;
    • Use your own brand;
    • Control your local expenses;
    • Access a suite of technology and solution provider resources;
    • If applicable, provide solutions for your remaining legacy commission assets; etc.

    If considering starting your own RIA, it's worthwhile understanding how these models compare.

    In this episode (#138) of the Transition To RIA question & answer series I explain what these models are and why they’re worth considering for your practice.

    Come take a listen!

    P.S. Prefer video? You can find this entire series in video format on Youtube. Search for the TRANSITION TO RIA channel.

    Show notes: https://TransitionToRIA.com/what-is-a-1099-ria-model/

    About Host: Brad Wales is the founder of Transition To RIA, where he helps financial advisors between $50M and $1B understand everything there is to know about WHY and HOW to transition their practice to the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model. Brad has 20+ years of industry experience, including direct RIA related roles in Compliance, Finance and Business Development. He has an MBA and has held the 4, 7, 24, 63 & 65 licenses. The Transition To RIA website (TransitionToRIA.com) has a large catalog of free videos, articles, whitepapers, as well as other resources to help advisors understand the RIA model and how it would apply to their unique circumstances.

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    18 mins
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