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LPL Welcomes Pilot Financial

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LPL Financial announced that Pilot Financial, a network of 105 advisors managing $4.6 billion in assets, has joined its broker-dealer, RIA, and custodial platforms. Pilot Financial moved from Lincoln Financial to enhance service efficiency and leverage LPL’s digital capabilities. Pilot Financial, led by Chris Roney, Greg Smith, Daryl E. King, and Bill Harnden, aims to expand its national footprint. LPL, hosting nearly 23,000 financial advisors, emphasizes personalized support and strategic resources to foster growth. LPL Executive VP Scott Posner highlighted the partnership's potential to deliver increased value to clients.

Positive
  • Pilot Financial's integration adds $4.6 billion in assets under management (AUM) to LPL Financial.
  • LPL’s digital capabilities and strategic business resources offer enhanced service efficiency for Pilot Financial.
  • Pilot Financial plans to expand its advisor network nationally, indicating growth potential.
  • LPL's platform is designed to support the success of advisors with flexible solutions and dedicated customer service.
Negative
  • The transition involves significant changes, which can lead to initial disruptions and adjustment periods for advisors and clients.
  • No immediate financial gains or cost savings from the integration were outlined in the PR, which might concern short-term investors.

Insights

Financial Analyst Perspective:

The transition of Pilot Financial, managing approximately 4.6B in assets under management (AUM), to LPL Financial has significant implications for both entities. For LPL Financial, this acquisition potentially enhances its scale and market reach, allowing for greater economies of scale and improved financial performance over time. The increase in AUM can positively affect LPL’s revenue through advisory and brokerage fees, contributing to a more robust balance sheet.

Moreover, this move underscores LPL Financial's strategy to consolidate its position as a leading wealth management firm. The inclusion of 105 advisors from Pilot Financial could lead to increased client acquisition and potentially attract more high-net-worth individuals, further driving revenue growth. However, integration challenges and the cost of onboarding a sizable team should be monitored closely as these factors can impact short-term profitability.

From a retail investor's perspective, this development is promising as it signals LPL's capability to attract and integrate substantial advisory teams, suggesting a strong operational foundation and growth potential. In the long term, this strategic expansion could enhance shareholder value if executed effectively, providing stability and growth in LPL’s financial metrics.

Market Research Analyst Perspective:

This move positions LPL Financial to cater more effectively to a growing market demand for personalized financial services. The emphasis on vertical integration of digital capabilities indicates a strategic attempt to stay ahead in an increasingly tech-driven industry. The digital transformation in the financial advisory market is critical for scalability and customer retention, as clients now expect seamless digital interactions.

The partnership with a firm like Pilot Financial, which values entrepreneurial-minded advisors, aligns with the broader market trend of providing more flexibility and personalized services to attract high-quality advisors. This is important in an industry that is built on relationships and trust. LPL's strong focus on enhancing service levels and customization can help differentiate it from competitors, potentially leading to increased market share.

For investors, this indicates that LPL is not just growing in size but also innovating in service delivery, which is essential for sustaining long-term competitive advantage. This strategic alignment with market trends can drive future growth and investor confidence.

The N.C.-based team manages approximately $4.6B AUM across 105 advisors

SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial” or “LPL”) announced today that Pilot Financial, a large network of 105 advisors nationwide, has joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms. The advisors reported serving approximately $4.6 billion in advisory and brokerage assets* and join LPL from Lincoln Financial.

“LPL is a stable partner, Fortune 500 company and leading wealth management firm with a proven track record as a preferred service provider for financial professionals,” Pilot Financial Partner and Manager Chris Roney said. “This move will greatly enhance our ability to service accounts more effectively, resulting in more convenience for clients and easy account access at their fingertips. Our advisors are also highly interested in the vertical integration of LPL’s digital capabilities, along with the flexibility to develop more personalized financial strategies.”

Headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., Pilot Financial’s history can be traced back to the turn of the 20th century when three small firms — Pilot Life Insurance, Lincoln National Life Insurance and Jefferson Standard Life Insurance — began to put their marks on the financial services industry. After a series of mergers, Pilot Financial was founded in 2001 to support entrepreneurial-minded independent advisors with strategic planning, coaching, compliance and administrative assistance to help them succeed. In addition to Roney, the firm is led by Partners Greg Smith, Daryl E. King and Bill Harnden.

The Pilot leadership team’s due diligence process led them to LPL, which “checked all the boxes” for what they were looking for in a new wealth management firm, including strategic business resources, marketing capabilities and a dedicated customer service team. They plan to further expand their footprint across the nation as they build the team and attract new clients.

“We are looking to grow our network thoughtfully and believe that working with LPL puts us on a better trajectory to attract like-minded, quality advisors to Pilot Financial,” Smith said. “This industry is built on relationships, and we have a wonderful culture here where we wrap our arms around every single advisor in the Pilot family to support them and make it easier for them to do business. This move is the next step in that commitment to their success.”

Scott Posner, LPL executive vice president, Business Development, said, “Pilot Financial is a highly successful firm with a rich history and advisor-centric culture, and it is an honor to be their choice for enhanced services and strategic support as they seek new ways to deliver more value to their clients. We will continue to invest in our platform and provide flexible solutions to help firms design the perfect offering for their business and clients. We look forward to supporting Pilot Financial’s growth and success for generations to come.”

Related

Advisors, find your perfect fit at LPL.

About LPL Financial
LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that the firm should work for advisors and institutions, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader in the markets we serve, serving nearly 23,000 financial advisors, including advisors at approximately 1,100 institutions and at approximately 570 registered investment advisor ("RIA") firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-mediated model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial professional. At LPL, independence means that advisors and institution leaders have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services, and technology resources that allow them to run a thriving business. They have the flexibility to do business their way. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships, because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors and institutions, so they can take care of their clients.

Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC ("LPL Financial"), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. Pilot Financial and LPL Financial are separate entities.

Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the "Investor Relations" or "Press Releases" section of our website.

*Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2023.

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FAQ

What is the asset value of Pilot Financial joining LPL Financial?

Pilot Financial manages approximately $4.6 billion in assets.

When did Pilot Financial join LPL Financial?

Pilot Financial joined LPL Financial on May 22, 2024.

How many advisors are part of Pilot Financial?

Pilot Financial has 105 advisors.

What are the strategic benefits for Pilot Financial moving to LPL Financial?

The move enhances service efficiency, leverages digital capabilities, and provides strategic business resources.

What is the stock symbol for LPL Financial?

The stock symbol for LPL Financial is LPLA.

What potential growth does Pilot Financial foresee with LPL Financial?

Pilot Financial plans to expand its advisor network and attract new clients nationally.

Who are the leaders of Pilot Financial?

Pilot Financial is led by Chris Roney, Greg Smith, Daryl E. King, and Bill Harnden.

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