Through a unique approach, First Allied has integrated a suite of proprietary systems with some of the industry’s leading technologies. All systems are designed with one thing in mind—creating more sales and marketing opportunities for the independent business owner. iStation serves as the advisor’s portal to First Allied’s vast resources. The system provides immediate access to everything needed to operate a successful practice. CONTACT allows the advisor to track all requests and inquiries from the home office. These systems free up the advisor to focus on other things—like gathering assets and building client relationships.
Additional systems unique to First Allied include the Advisor Marketing System (AMS) and the Single Office Imaging Solution (SOIS). The AMS is an advanced Web-based application that enables advisors to brand, customize, print and deploy professionally designed, compliance-approved marketing communications. The SOIS allows advisors to streamline communications between their branch and the home office. It also allows advisors to take control of document archiving needs from their branch offices.
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You will be an independent contractor and in business for yourself.
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First Allied recently launched the Advisor Benefits Program which gives our independent business owners access to a portfolio of group health and other benefits specifically designed to help them identify cost-effective and comprehensive health plan coverage for themselves and their employees. First Allied is utilizing the consulting services of an outside, third-party provider who is administering the plan, which offers medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary coverage, flexible savings accounts, life plans and long-term care. In addition, the program offers a variety of ancillary benefits including travel and entertainment and other discount opportunities.
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Your clients’ assets will be held at one of our clearing firm partners. First Allied and our clearing partners are members of the Securities Investors Protection Corporation (SIPC), which protects securities customers of its members up to $500,000 (including $100,000 for claims for cash). Explanatory brochure available upon request or at www.sipc.org. [ back ]
Yes, and we will encourage and support you in the process as it will assist you in differentiating yourself in your specific market.
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Yes. First Allied does offer E&O coverage to our independent business owners at the current cost of $2,500 per year. This cost is deducted from your commission run in four installments. This policy renews annually and the cost is subject to change.
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An individual producer doing $350,000 in gross dealer concessions can expect up to a 90% payout. Your Business Development Associate can provide you with additional details.
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We have three primary—and unique—avenues through which you can expand your business efficiently and quickly:
Alternative Investments
Through its parent company Advanced Equities Financial Corp., which was ranked number 11 on the 2006 Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America, First Allied offers financial advisors unique access to alternative investments.
The products, relationships and solutions that Advanced Equities has forged are available to all members of the First Allied family. Please ask for someone on the First Allied team to discuss the nature of these investments.
Expansion through Acquisition
Purchasing a book of business is a fast and proven way of building an enterprise. Through First Allied’s relationship with FP Transitions, a firm that specializes in putting buyers and sellers together, independent business owners have access to a range of tools that can help model the business and structure cash flows, down payments, and earn-outs. After a due diligence process, First Allied will finance a significant portion of the down payment through a loan, which will be forgiven over time.
By acquiring an existing client base from someone who has already invested many years and resources, independent business owners can pick up where the seller left off with little or no interruption in revenues. Instead of marketing, you can focus on your clients, both existing and recently acquired. It frees you up to engage in a service process rather than a sales cycle.
Turnkey Strategies
Advanced Equities Wealth Management (AEWM) is the newest member of the Advanced Equities family. AEWM’s delivery of integrated financial planning is based on a platform of Structure, Risk Management, Portfolio Design, and Asset Protection. Their unique business attracts high-net-worth individuals who are interested in sophisticated qualified plan design and administration capabilities, as well as robust in-house discretionary and third-party money management offerings. AEWM is also a leading distributor of life, disability and long-term care insurance as well as fixed and equity-indexed annuities (CA Insurance License #: 0E44266).
The First Allied independent business owner has complete access to valuable in-house expertise, which enhances an already robust menu of financial planning capabilities. The addition of AEWM has made a significant contribution to the growth and diversification of the overall business, offering you yet another opportunity to further develop and expand your independent businesses.
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The majority of our 200 employees are located at our headquarters in San Diego, California. We also have offices in northern California and Chicago. Regional supervisors and recruiters are located throughout the U.S.
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If you utilize our Advisor Marketing System to brand, customize, print and deploy professionally designed marketing communications, the turnaround is practically instantaneous. All of the pieces are pre-approved by our Compliance Department to save you time, effort and money. If you submit pieces outside of the Advisor Marketing System, the typical turnaround time is 24 to 72 hours; however, items requiring FINRA approval may take longer. First Allied also boasts turnkey seminar marketing services that include compliance-approved seminar invitations covering a wide variety of subjects.
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Although there are many reasons a financial advisor decides to become an independent business owner, autonomy is the most frequently cited motive. Financial advisors want the ability to make strategic choices about who their clients are, what products they sell, who they work with, and how they market their businesses. The other most common reason is business ownership, enabling a financial advisor to build equity. And when it comes time to consider retirement, it is their business to sell. Finally, of course, there is the opportunity for a higher payout when a financial advisor goes independent. For those who have a true entrepreneurial spirit, independence is the only way to go.
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