The Broken Dealer's Guide to Independence (And When to Stay Put)
Mar 7, 2025
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The journey of an advisor breaking free from corporate constraints is explored in depth. Insights from Carmine Corino, a seasoned CEO, reveal the trials of embracing independence in financial advising. The discussion helps listeners assess their motivations and options, whether to venture into independence or stay with their current practices. Personal stories and expert advice guide aspiring advisors, making it an invaluable listen for anyone considering a shift in their career.
Carmine Corino's journey emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and self-reflection for advisors contemplating the transition to independence.
The podcast outlines the risks and rewards of moving from brokerage firms to independence, stressing the need for informed decision-making tailored to individual situations.
Deep dives
Transitioning to Independence
The podcast delves into the journey of transitioning to independent advising through the lens of Carmine Carino's experiences and his book, 'Broken Dealer.' Carmine highlights how personal integrity and a desire for autonomy led him to leave a long-term position at a brokerage firm, despite facing significant repercussions like a prolonged FINRA action. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the trade-offs in advisory channels, advocating for a culture that prioritizes support over mere performance metrics. This notion is echoed in the critical question posed by his wife: would advisors still make their current decisions if they knew then what they know now, which serves as a call for self-reflection among advisors contemplating similar transitions.
Understanding Risks and Rewards
The discussion also addresses the potential risks and rewards associated with leaving established brokerage channels for independence. Carmine illustrates that while many advisors do leave without issues, those considering such a move should be aware of the often harsh realities and make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances. An essential takeaway is the reminder that recruiting incentives, often viewed as advantageous, come with strings attached and should be approached with caution. The podcast suggests that younger advisors should weigh the benefits of the support provided by brokerage firms against the freedoms of independence and be honest about the roadblocks they encounter in their current roles.
In this week's Follow Up Friday, Amber Kuhn highlights one advisor’s journey going independent. On Monday, Matthew Jarvis welcomed Carmine Corino, CEO of Cornerstone Planning Group and author of the Amazon bestseller "Broken Dealer." Their conversation dove deep into the complexities of transitioning from traditional broker-dealer channels to independence in the financial advisory world. The discussion offered crucial insights for advisors contemplating independence and an inquiry that can serve as a compass for advisors evaluating their current situation, regardless of their channel.