Cerrulli data shows that 50% of principals at RIA firms are 50 and over and almost half of them do not have a [succession/continuity] agreement in place. We have also conducted our own study that shows half of our advisors plan to retire in the next 10 years, but half of them don’t have a succession plan or they don’t feel the one they have is adequate.

David Canter, executive vice president of practice management and consulting at Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services

Our Commentary

Mike thank you for writing this article. Contingency planning is a critical step in and of itself. As an advisor begins to tackle a contingency plan they become more comfortable working with the issue of succession as well. A great first step.