RIA Edge RIA Edge Podcast: Concurrent’s Nate Lenz on True Independence at Scale
Is true independence possible at scale? In this episode of the RIA Edge podcast, host David Armstrong talks with Concurrent CEO Nate Lenz about how his fast-growing RIA platform is helping advisors stay independent while accessing the scale, capital and talent needed to grow.
From multi-custodial flexibility to a unique minority partnership model, Lenz shares what is energizing younger advisors looking to remain independent, even as pressures to scale drive business strategy and soaring RIA valuations keep many from being able to afford the benefits of firm ownership.
Key takeaways:
- Why Concurrent launched a “minority, non-control” capital program backed by capital partner Merchant to take ownership stakes in RIAs, arguing the approach aligns incentives with advisors and avoids the roll-up model that often strips away autonomy.
- How the firm’s “Basecamp” platform creates efficiencies that advisors could not achieve alone, even as they retain their own brands and client relationships, and how a “powered by Concurrent” co-branding with partner firms can preserve local culture while signaling national strength.
- How his firm is addressing the “talent wars” by turning inward and building training programs for new advisors. Lenz has a goal to train 100 new advisors over five years through a structured apprenticeship model.
- How Concurrent is using its large 401(k) plan sponsor base and partnerships with firms like TIFIN to create new organic growth channels.
- How higher interest rates have compressed valuations and raised the cost of capital in the RIA M&A market, yet not all firms will respond in the same way. Some well-capitalized firms with equity to deploy still have a strong edge even as they steer clear of auction-style deals where buyers pay unsustainable multiples.
Resources:
- Listen to the RIA Edge Podcast on WealthManagement.com
- Listen and Subscribe to the RIA Edge Podcast on Apple Podcasts
- Listen and Subscribe to the RIA Edge Podcast on Spotify
Connect With David Armstrong:
- WealthManagement.com
- LinkedIn: WealthManagement.com
- LinkedIn: David Armstrong
- Twitter: David Armstrong
- LinkedIn: Informa
Connect With Nate Lenz:
About Our Guest:
With more than a decade of financial industry experience, Nate Lenz is a leader for advisors looking to realize their potential as entrepreneurs. He is currently the CEO and Co-Founder of Concurrent, a $7 billion OSJ turned RIA that was named an InvestmentNews Best Place to Work in 2023. Concurrent is driven by partnering with advisors to help them grow their independent businesses.
Nate’s career has focused on supporting financial advisors, empowering them to succeed without the backing of big financial services companies. Prior to his work at Concurrent, he was a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at I&A Consulting, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and recruiting experienced advisors. Before that, he was VP of Succession Planning & Acquisitions at Raymond James Financial Services, where he led the in-house consulting team that provided support to 4,000+ RJ independent financial advisors. His previous work helped shape his vision for Concurrent and deepen his investment in guiding independent financial advisors through all phases of the business life cycle.
He graduated from Columbia University and was recognized in 2022 as an InvestmentNews 40 Under 40 honoree.