- Marketing Financial Services to Women: What Advisors Need to Know
Financial advisor marketing has traditionally centered on investing, performance and wealth accumulation, but that approach may not always align with what women are looking for from financial advice. Women are already primary decision-makers on investment choices in 69% of households surveyed by CFP Board, and their financial influence is expected to grow as wealth changes… read more…
- CPA Exam Questions: Sample Problems to Test Your Knowledge
Passing the Uniform CPA exam is a requirement to become a certified public accountant. This rigorous exam, developed by the Association of International Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), is a four-section, 16-hour assessment that’s designed to test your knowledge of accounting practices. Reviewing CPA sample questions can help you prepare for exam day. Add new clients… read more…
- Financial Services Thought Leadership: How Advisors Build the Credibility That Wins Clients
Attracting clients in a competitive landscape means advisors must do more than offer services; they must also establish themselves as credible, authoritative experts. Applying thought leadership strategies can create opportunities to share knowledge and unique insights that speak to the needs, goals and interests of ideal clients. Financial services thought leadership is a form of… read more…
- Series 7 Exam Questions: Sample Problems to Test Your Knowledge
Financial advisors who recommend specific securities to clients must pass the FINRA Series 7 exam. This multiple-choice exam features 125 scored questions and 10 unscored pre-test questions covering core securities concepts. Completing Series 7 sample questions as part of your study prep can offer insight into what to expect when it’s time to sit for… read more…
- Lead Generation for Financial Services: Strategies to Fill Your Pipeline Without Cold-Calling
Leads can come from different sources, but the quality of those leads and their potential to convert isn’t always equal. If you have limited time or resources to invest in lead gen, it makes sense to focus on the highest ROI channels. Should you need some inspiration for your marketing strategy, the following lead generation… read more…
- What Should a Financial Advisor’s Website Include to Generate Leads?
A financial advisor website can support lead generation by quickly explaining who the firm serves, giving visitors a reason to engage and providing a clear path to a consultation. Many advisor websites function primarily as digital brochures, describing the firm without helping prospects determine whether its services fit their needs. Clear positioning, relevant content, credible… read more…
- Event Marketing Automation Tools for Financial Advisors
Hosting events offers an opportunity to market your business to prospective clients or deepen relationships with existing clients in an informal, low-pressure environment. You can tailor events to your target audience and use the time to share some of your expertise and knowledge. Just over a quarter of advisors use these types of events to… read more…
- 12 AI Productivity Solutions for Financial Advisors
Artificial intelligence is increasingly making inroads in the financial services space. Among advisors, 70% say they use at least one AI tool in their practice, according to an April 2026 Pulse Survey conducted by InspereX.1 Technology can help you run your business more efficiently, and there are a variety of options to choose from. Some… read more…
- Content Marketing for Financial Services: Strategies and ROI
Content marketing for financial services spans a broad range of activities. Whether you’re a financial planner, an insurance agent, CPA or a wealth manager, you may be using blog and social media content, videos, podcasts, newsletters and other content creation channels to promote your business. Developing a content marketing strategy that produces the results you… read more…
- How to Use AI Lead Scoring as a Financial Advisor
AI lead scoring for financial advisors uses artificial intelligence to help identify which prospective clients are most likely to become clients. Rather than treating every inquiry the same, AI analyzes data from marketing campaigns, websites, email engagement and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to estimate which leads deserve the highest priority. For advisory firms looking… read more…
- How Financial Advisors Can Leverage Client Testimonials in Their Marketing Strategy
Client testimonials can be a powerful marketing tool for advisors, but they remain underutilized. A 2025 survey of 500 investors conducted by Wealthtender found that 83% of prospective clients want to read reviews of an advisor before contacting them.1 Leveraging financial advisor testimonials could help level up your marketing efforts and establish trust before you… read more…
- Digital Marketing for Financial Services: Strategies and ROI
Digital marketing for financial services extends beyond investment advisors. Tax preparers, insurance agents and financial planners are among the professionals who can benefit from a unified marketing plan. Much of the advice shared online centers on the same set of tactics, but financial professionals who find fresh angles in the digital space may be better… read more…
- Financial Services Marketing: Strategies, Examples and Guides
Financial services marketing encompasses the strategies banks, investment advisors, insurance agencies and other financial firms use to attract prospective clients, strengthen relationships and grow their businesses. Successful marketing often combines digital channels like search engine optimization (SEO), email campaigns and social media with referrals, educational content and community engagement. The right mix depends on a… read more…
- Form 13F Filing Requirements for Registered Investment Advisors
Some investment advisors have to report certain portfolio holdings to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 13F. The filing applies to institutional investment managers that exercise investment discretion over securities above a specified threshold. For registered investment advisors, understanding when Form 13F applies and how the filing process works can help avoid missed… read more…
- How to Calculate an RIA’s Revenue Per Advisor
Revenue per advisor measures the revenue each advisor generates for a firm over a specific time period. To calculate this number, subtract a firm’s non-recurring revenue from its gross revenue, then divide by the number of advisors in the firm. While it’s helpful to know how to calculate an RIA’s revenue per advisor, it’s more… read more…
- How Advisors Can Attract More High-Income Clients Through Niche Marketing
Niche marketing targets a specific segment of a broader audience with narrow, focused campaigns. This approach offers multiple advantages: less competition, increased engagement and a higher probability of converting prospects to clients. Financial advisors who want to grow their practices may benefit from implementing niche marketing strategies. Add new clients and AUM at your desired… read more…
- RIA Growth Strategy: Organic Growth vs. M&A
By the numbers, smaller firms dominate the registered investment advisory landscape. In 2024, approximately 93% of SEC-registered firms had 100 or fewer non-clerical employees, and nearly 70% had less than $1 billion in assets under management, according to the Investment Adviser Association.1 Organic and inorganic RIA growth strategies provide advisors with the fuel to move… read more…
- How Financial Advisors Can Identify and Revise Hedge Clauses
A hedge clause is a liability disclaimer often found in advisory agreements that’s designed to shield advisors from legal claims related to client losses. Hedge clauses have come under increasing scrutiny from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) due to concerns that they might mislead clients or conflict with fiduciary standards. If your firm uses… read more…
- What Clients Expect From Financial Advisors in 2026
What do clients want from their financial advisor? Sound financial advice and excellent service are a given, but that only scratches the surface of what advisors are expected to deliver. Providing a superior experience that’s tailored to the needs of your target market or niche is fundamental to both client acquisition and retention. SmartAsset’s Advisor… read more…
- Marketing Strategies for Independent RIAs
Going independent as a registered investment advisor can open the door to greater freedom and flexibility in the way you do business and the clients you serve. It’s also an opportunity to acquire new skills if you’re doing all of the behind-the-scenes work yourself, including marketing your new firm to attract clients. Independent RIA marketing… read more…
- How Financial Advisors Weigh Lead Quality vs. Lead Quantity
Many advisors subscribe to the idea that more leads naturally translate to more growth. However, volume alone doesn’t guarantee results if you fail to convert leads into clients. Balancing lead quality vs. lead quantity could help you scale more efficiently if you’re connecting with prospects who align with your ideal client profile. Are you looking… read more…
- What Is the Kitces Advisor Services Map?
The Kitces Advisor Services Map is a comprehensive list of financial advisor outsourcing and service providers. The map is a collaborative effort between Michael Kitces and Joe Moss of Advisor Tech Book. If you’ve considered outsourcing operations for your advisory firm, you may find this tool helpful as you research service providers. Add new clients… read more…
- Do Financial Advisors Need Annuity Suitability Training?
Annuities may prove a valuable addition to a client’s portfolio if they’re interested in guaranteed income for retirement. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) requires insurers and agents who recommend annuities to consumers to ensure that they’re aligned with client needs. Annuity suitability training, or equivalent best interest training, is required in every state… read more…
- How Advisors Expand Their Business Through Centers of Influence
Centers of influence can help you grow your business if you’re making professional connections that lead to more referrals. Centers of influence marketing is something 62% of advisors rely on for referral generation, according to a 2024 Kitces report on how financial planners market their services. If you’re not utilizing this strategy yet, you may… read more…
- Tax Planning Software Options for Financial Advisors
Tax planning software can help you create a more holistic view of your clients’ financial plans, making it easier to identify opportunities for optimization. With so many different tools on the market, some research is necessary to choose a suitable option for your needs. As you compare tax planning software for financial advisors, consider the… read more…