Breaking Away Takes Courage and Expertise
We specialize in the hardest moves: Advisors leaving captive firms like Edward Jones and standing up their independent businesses.
Breaking away is more than a career move—it’s a transformation.
Advisors leaving captive firms like Edward Jones, Merrill Lynch, UBS, and certain RIAs face unique challenges when making a career move. Many encounter higher obstacles to client retention. Some have been siloed by their firms, limiting their knowledge of industry options. Others wrestle with feelings of disloyalty to the firm that gave them their start, creating doubt in the decision-making process.
We specialize in working with breakaway advisors and provide the strategic coaching and decision support you need to take the leap with confidence. And our work doesn’t stop there. We also bridge the gaps between the broker-dealer or RIA platform and what’s truly needed for a smooth, successful launch—offering expert strategy and hands-on support in business entity formation, client communication, marketing, HR, and more.
Challenge No. 1: Knowing what you can legally say to your clients and how to avoid litigation
Attorney Kimberley Cronin is a leading attorney who has helped 800+ Edward Jones advisors plus thousands from others firms make their career move. She spent 45 minutes with Muriel Consulting Founder Shelby Nicholl.
What does it mean to have a non-solicit? Can you contact your clients? Attorney Kimberley Cronin dispels the myths.
Don’t be caught flat-footed. Attorney Kimberley Cronin shares what happens when facing an unexpected change.
Challenge No. 2: Knowing Your Industry Options
Every firm wants to add advisors to their team, so you have a lot of choices about where to move to. We work with you to find your perfect fit firm, which could be an employee model, wirehouse, independent broker-dealer, joining an RIA or creating your own RIA.
RIAs are a frequent blind spot for many wirehouse and brokerage advisors. Chuck Failla, CFP and founder of his own RIA and RIA platform shared his perspective on “going RIA.”
One key benefits of going RIA only? Tech innovation! Chuck Failla, CFP and RIA owner shares his perspective.
Another set of choices is what technology to choose. For many break-away advisors, it’s the first chance you’ve had to choose amongst the incredible fintech providers, enabling you to customize your client experience and operational processes. Muriel Consulting watches the tech landscape.
Our advice: land your custodian/platform, CRM and planning toolset. These form the core of your new business.
Challenge No. 3: Knowing if you are making the right choice
It’s always helpful to know how others came to their decisions and what they have benefitted from. These case studies tell the story of advisors who have walked your path previously (with the help of the Muriel team).
Both of these cases moved to LPL but we match each person to their unique Perfect Fit Firm. In 2024, we showcased 5 or more firms to every advisor we worked with. For one advisor, we showcased 12 different RIA firms where she could join as a 1099 independent advisor with 100% ownership of her book of business.
Wondering if it’s time to explore new horizons?
Download The Fit Test: A self-assessment designed to help you determine whether you’re in the right place or if it’s time to explore the possibilities.
Is the firm you’re with underperforming?
Making a career move as a financial advisor is one of the most consequential decisions you’ll face. It’s not just about finding a new firm; it’s about finding the firm—one that aligns with your goals, serves your clients, and positions your practice for long-term success.
