If you’re looking to register a new Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in the nation’s most populous state, from Southern California to Wine Country, or are expanding your core business to include fee-based securities in the San Francisco Bay area, our experienced team and broad network of industry-leading partners are here to help you achieve your goals and navigate California’s state regulatory hurdles, all while allowing you to focus on what you do best.
We are committed to helping California advisors by providing true simplicity. We ensure that we thoroughly understand your business’s foundation today and goals for tomorrow before beginning our work. This approach forms the foundation of our “we-do-the-heavy-lifting-for-you” service style and ensures our custom work aligns perfectly with your intentions.
To register an RIA in California in 2024, you will need to submit the documents listed below and pay an initial firm filing fee to California’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. Please verify the current fee structure, as it may have changed.
These documents are required whether you’re filing a new RIA for the first time or expanding into California:
If you are seeking approval as a state RIA for the first time, you will also need to complete the following:
These documents and processes guide your RIA and ensure adherence to regulations. Although these documents will not be reviewed or approved by California regulators during the application process, your RIA is expected to develop, maintain, and adhere to adequate standards, including:
If you’re interested in learning more about successfully filing a new California RIA or need to register an existing RIA in California to comply with De Minimis rules, you can reach us by phone at (810) 227-2549 or submit our contact form. Learn more about our turn-key New State RIA Registration services or explore our additional state filing services.
In 2024, each California RIA must pay state firm annual renewal fees via FINRA’s IARD system. Within 90 days of the new year, each California RIA must file its annual amendments, indicating material changes and certifying complete disclosure provenance, in addition to executing the renewal process for each firm’s IARs. Verify the current renewal fees and deadlines for 2024.
Whether you need a cost-effective solution for your annual compliance requirements that can scale to meet your needs on demand or require a comprehensive compliance program and officer, we have the experience, know-how, and resources to protect your firm in an evolving regulatory climate.
Becoming an IAR licensed in California requires meeting the licensing requirements or waivers detailed below and payment of an initial registration fee. The current fee may have changed, so please confirm with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
If you are becoming a California Solicitor, the same registration fee applies, even though you don’t have to meet the IAR-specific licensing requirements otherwise detailed herein. Once licensed, California IARs must be registered with an approved RIA firm within two years to maintain their license, which involves updating the Advisor’s Form U4 and creating a Form ADV Part 2B brochure supplement. Registration with an approved investment advisor firm is required before conducting any investment advisory business.
To be licensed as an IAR in California, an individual must meet and/or maintain one or more of the following criteria:
If you are interested in becoming a Series 65 Licensed IAR in California, want to learn more about California Solicitors, or are looking for a turn-key solution to process your inbound IAR’s and Solicitor’s U4s and creation of ADV Part 2B Brochure Supplements, contact us today by calling (810) 227-2549 or submit our contact form.
Each year, an IAR must successfully complete the requirements of their firm’s compliance program, certify and acknowledge the firm’s policies and procedures, and ensure the ongoing accuracy of their Form U4 and ADV Part 2B Brochure Supplement. They must also pay their annual renewal fees for continued registration in California. Verify the current renewal fees for 2024.
If you are a California Solicitor, you will also be subject to the renewal charge to maintain your registration.
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Starting a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm can be a transformative move for experienced financial advisors seeking greater control over their practice, enhanced client relationships, and increased financial rewards. Unlike the traditional broker-dealer model.
Whether you're planning to start your own RIA firm, transition from a broker-dealer, or need a fresh start in building your independent advisory practice, we understand the challenges involved. Breaking through that glass ceiling and creating a "lifestyle" practice.
Historically, the broker-dealer model has dominated the investment advisor industry. In recent years, however, the RIA or registered investment advisor model has become increasingly popular with both advisors and investors. The approximately 14,800 RIA firms in the.
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