STAR Magazine November 2018 | Page 8

MEDIA MENTIONS  LPL Exits Tops $13B in AUM as Securities America Grabs Hybrid RIA Financial Planning Also covered in InvestmentNews, The DIWire, Financial Advisor, Financial Advisor IQ, IREI-Real Assets Advisor, South Florida Business Journal and ThinkAdvisor. Patriot Financial Group, a hybrid RIA with $650 million in total client assets has joined Securities America. The super OSJ is the ninth major exit from LPL, after the broker-dealer made several changes to its policies. Patriot’s advisor council asked O’Donnell and CEO Mike Tashjian last year to explore options for a new independent advisory and brokerage firm. After an 11-month due diligence process, the company chose Securities America from a field of 12. “Securities America was the one broker-dealer that would really allow our advisors to maintain their independence and support our RIA,” said Tashjian. He also pointed to Securities America’s strength and stability. “So many broker-dealers seem to be scrambling just to stay alive,” said O’Donnell. He and Tashjian wanted their OSJ to affiliate with a strong, thriving broker- dealer like Securities America.  Recruiting the Children of Financial Advisors WealthManagement.com Advisory firms often use conferences as a recruitment opportunity, inviting local college students who are interested in the industry. Securities America added a unique twist to the oft-used tactic. It focused efforts on recruiting the sons and daughters of its existing advisors. Thirty college juniors and seniors, including the children of their advisors, attended the firm’s inaugural Link to the Future program at its June 2018 Connect National Conference in New Orleans. The response was overwhelmingly positive, said Janine Wertheim, president of Securities America Advisors. 7 The STAR | NOVEMBER 2018 Students attended general sessions and breakout sessions, gaining practical career advice, shadowing successful advisors and networking with industry experts. Wertheim also invited female students to Securities America’s Super Women’s Summit, now in its second decade. “That was one of their favorite things, because they got to sit next to top women advisors who are successful in this business and hear up close and personal how they got into the business,” she said.  Futurity First Sees Rapid Advisor Increases, Expands Its Footprint Midlands Business Journal Futurity First Insurance Group (FFIG) has seen strong growth recently. Over the long term, the company’s goal is to continue that strong growth and make changes to the financial services distribution space. Amazon.com and the now-defunct Department of Labor fiduciary rule have impacted advisors and financial firms. Clients now expect them to provide access to the market and the best possible products and solutions for their specific needs, said Christopher P. O’Connell, FFIG’s managing director. That was at the heart of the decision to join Securities America in August. O’Connell said advisors need a great broker-dealer to partner with and provide excellent technology, which is at the heart of today’s – and tomorrow’s – client service. Younger advisors and their client base demand it. Fellow managing director, Dustin C. Formanack, said FFIG wanted to find a Midwest or local broker-dealer that would fit its culture. Securities America is aligned with FFIG’s pillars of excellent customer service, technology and product offerings. Both companies also focus on family, business and senior markets.