Making the Decision to go Independent
Tools Tailored to Meet Your Needs
The RIA Handbook
Dedicated Support Teams

New Opportunities in a Changing Profession

You may have noticed that over the last decade investors have been increasingly shifting their investments from full-commission brokers to fee-compensated investment advisors. This shift reflects investors' preference for open access to a wide range of investment vehicles as well as for objectivity in the advice they receive.

Investment advisors working on a fee basis do not have the same incentive as brokers to recommend that clients buy and sell assets, since they are paid a fixed fee for their services rather than sales commissions. This trend in investor preferences has spurred thousands of men and women to start their own firms as Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs).

Making the Decision to go Independent

Have you made the decision to become an independent RIA? If the answer is "yes," look to Schwab Institutional to help you successfully make the transition.

Over the years, we have provided support to a multitude of start-up investment managers from all backgrounds, including portfolio managers, brokers, trust officers, financial planners and accountants.

Today over 5,600 independent investment managers have chosen Schwab as their primary source for back office support, custodial services, institutional trading, and technology solutions.

Tools Tailored to Meet Your Needs

With Schwab Institutional at your side, you will have access to the know-how and tools required to successfully plan and launch your business. We can provide access to the information you need such as.

• Understanding the initial steps toward launching an independent investment management practice;
  
  
• Writing a business plan;
  
  
• Securing staff and office space;
  
  
• Choosing portfolio management and performance reporting systems;
  
  
• Finding the appropriate information technology solutions;
  
  
• How long it will take to attract new clients.

Your Schwab Institutional Sales Relationship Manager will conduct a business needs analysis to assist you in identifying your business goals and the appropriate implementation strategies.

The RIA Handbook - A Step-By-Step Guide for Independent Investment Managers

For those individuals who are serious about becoming an RIA, we will provide you with a practical, "how to" reference guide. The RIA Handbook will give you information on key issues such as:

• SEC and state requirements
  
  
• Creating a business plan
  
  
• Acquiring an office, furnishings and equipment
  
  
• Staffing your company and providing benefits
  
  
• Selecting the right bank and accountant
  
  
• Utilizing leading information technology
  
  
• Marketing and advertising to build your business
  
  
• Managing investment activities, including research, client counseling, and client relationships

In addition, there is a timeline to help you plan the launch of your business and valuable reference materials on registration, compliance consultants, securities exam preparation books, publications and industry organizations.

Dedicated Support Teams

Throughout the transition process, your Sales Relationship Manager is available to assist you - whether it is providing knowledge on specific products, arranging discounts on software and office equipment or providing research on key industry trends and best practice ideas. With our extensive experience in working with RIAs, we can tailor solutions to fulfill your business requirements.

Once your practice is underway, Schwab Institutional continues to support your success with dedicated support teams who help you streamline your back office administration. In addition, we have an institutional trading desk and experienced specialists to help you manage your account administration and trading activities.

If you're serious about becoming an RIA, it's time to call Schwab Institutional. 1-800-648-6021