Independent Advisors Embrace New Possibilities for Continued Growth and Development in Virtual Environment

Rhea-AI Summary

SAN FRANCISCO--Independent advisory firms are leveraging strategies for growth in a post-pandemic environment, according to Schwab Advisor Services' Independent Advisor Outlook Study. Key insights include:

• 56% of advisors predict a decreased need for office space.
• 49% expect more remote work.
• 47% believe client video conferencing will persist.

Schwab's consulting initiatives, such as the COVID-19 Resource Hub and Talent Resource Center, are designed to address the evolving needs of independent advisors.

Positive

• Independent advisory firms are adapting strategies for growth in a post-pandemic environment.
• 56% of advisors predict a reduced need for office space, indicating a shift in operational efficiency.
• Schwab's consulting initiatives have seen increased demand, showing their effectiveness in supporting independent advisors.
• New resources like the COVID-19 Resource Hub and Talent Resource Center are aimed at helping firms attract diverse talent.

Negative

• None.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Independent advisory firms have moved beyond adapting to the virtual work environment imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and are actively embracing strategies and opportunities for continued firm growth, according to a range of data released by Schwab Advisor Services.

According to Schwab’s latest Independent Advisor Outlook Study, released during this week’s virtual IMPACT event, advisors expect many of this year’s workplace changes to persist in the future. More than half (56%) of advisors expect that the pandemic will lead to a reduced need for office space and 49% expect an increase in staff working remotely. In addition, 47% of advisors believe that the increased use of video conferencing with clients and prospects will continue.

“In the beginning of 2020, we saw independent advisory firms adapt to the new normal to be able to effectively run their businesses in the remote environment. This shift took place rapidly, and most advisors changed gears, enabled remote working, and continued delivering an exceptionally high level of service to clients during what has been a volatile and uncertain economic period,” said Lisa Salvi, vice president, Business Consulting & Education at Schwab Advisor Services. “Over the summer, we saw a mindset shift as advisors recognized the new possibilities that come with the virtual and digitally-enabled business model, and now they are thinking ahead to how this will shape the long-term trajectory of their firms.”

This mindset shift is also reflected by demand from firms of all sizes for Schwab’s Business Consulting & Education solutions, such as several new online resources that were launched this year. Highlights include:

• Virtual Consulting Touchpoints: Schwab completed in-depth multi-week 1:1 business and technology consulting engagements with 100 firms, in addition to over 700 other touchpoints including roundtable conversations, coaching calls, and consultations on timely topics such as cybersecurity, strategic planning, marketing strategy, creating a referral culture, and mapping the ideal client journey.
  
  Schwab Advisor Services’ Business Consulting & Education team offers an array of actionable consulting programs focused on the key business and technology challenges facing RIAs. The consulting programs help RIAs address core challenges of starting, building, and growing their firms.

• COVID-19 Resource Hub: This hub pulls together timely Schwab resources for independent advisors from across the firm, including best practices for digital workflows and resources to help advisors navigate uncertainty and cultivate virtual relationships.

• Virtual Practice Management: Virtual Practice Management (VPM) programs are on-demand guided learning experiences, supplemented with virtual workshops that provide an opportunity to engage with Schwab experts and fellow advisors. Currently, VPM programs help guide advisors through the critically important processes of strengthening their cybersecurity program, building their strategic plan, and establishing an ideal client persona and client value proposition. According to Schwab’s 2020 RIA Benchmarking Study, firms that documented their ideal client persona and client value proposition attracted 28% more clients and 45% more new assets than firms without these frameworks in 2019.

• Talent Resource Center: The Talent Resource Center (TRC) launched earlier this year and includes online self-service tools and resources that help RIA firms continue to evolve their talent strategies and attract new and diverse talent. According to the 2020 RIA Benchmarking Study, “Recruiting staff to increase firm’s skill set/capacity” is in the top five strategic priorities for firms. TRC also offers timely guidance related to managing talent in the current environment, including educational materials on cultivating virtual relationships and conducting effective virtual meetings.

“Firms of all sizes have grappled with the new realities of the workplace this year, and we are committed to making sure every client has ongoing support to maximize growth, achieve their goals, and gain competitive advantage, even as the world around us changes,” said Salvi. “The need for independent advice continues to grow, and we are excited to continue to support advisors as they not only face the challenges of running their businesses in the current environment, but also seize new opportunities that are unfolding.”

About Charles Schwab

At Charles Schwab we believe in the power of investing to help individuals create a better tomorrow. We have a history of challenging the status quo in our industry, innovating in ways that benefit investors and the advisors and employers who serve them, and championing our clients’ goals with passion and integrity.

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Disclosures

Through its operating subsidiaries, The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) provides a full range of securities brokerage, banking, money management and financial advisory services to individual investors and independent investment advisors. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (member SIPC, www.sipc.org), and affiliates offer a complete range of investment services and products including an extensive selection of mutual funds; financial planning and investment advice; retirement plan and equity compensation plan services; compliance and trade monitoring solutions; referrals to independent fee-based investment advisors; and custodial, operational and trading support for independent, fee-based investment advisors through Schwab Advisor Services. Its banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank, SSB (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender), provides banking and lending services and products. More information is available at www.schwab.com and www.aboutschwab.com.

Past performance is not an indicator of future results. 2020 RIA Benchmarking Study from Charles Schwab, fielded January to early April 2020. Study contains self-reported data from 1,010 firms. Participant firms represent various sizes and business models categorized into 12 peer groups—7 wealth manager groups and 5 money manager groups—by AUM size.

Schwab Advisor Services™ serves independent investment advisors and includes the custody, trading, and support of Schwab.

Independent investment advisors are not owned by, affiliated with, or supervised by Schwab. For informational purposes only.

©2020 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) All rights reserved. Member SIPC.

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