LPL-Affiliated Group Adds 50-Plus Reps From Departing OSJ

By Janet Levaux

News December 10, 2018 at 03:09 PM

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Every cloud has a silver lining.

LPL Financial-affiliated Independent Advisor Alliance says it has added 51 advisors and $2.3 billion in assets this year from Independent Financial Partners, a group ending its relationship with LPL. Plus, it expects 17 more representatives to commit to making a similar move in the first quarter of 2019.

"IFP advisors choosing to partner with IAA, and in turn continuing their relationship with LPL, are being proactive," according to IAA founder and CEO Robert Russo. "They're looking ahead … and determining that the resources we offer combined with our strong relationship with LPL is the best long-term solution for them and their clients."

IFP, which does business as an RIA and office of supervisory jurisdiction (OSJ) with over 500 advisors, said in April that it was cutting its decade-long ties to LPL. It hopes to open its own broker-dealer by early 2019 and plans to partner with Pershing.

In speaking with IFP advisors, "They're looking for innovation and the latest in fintech, transparency and a culture of collaboration and support," said Michael Gordon, head of business development for IAA, in a statement. "We deliver on every one of those needs."

IAA says its advisors benefit from a 5:1 staff-to-advisor ratio, different business models for advisors and other options. The firm has hired 10 new staff members this year to boost recruiting and maintain strong client service.

Established in 2013, IAA works with more than 150 independent advisors with over $5 billion of client assets (as of March).

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