Products September 28, 2011

Schwab Aims to Raise Awareness of RIAs

Schwab Advisor Services has launched a campaign called “RIA Stands for You,” a multi-media initiative to help attract affluent investors to the independent RIA category.
Reported by

Part of the campaign includes a consumer-facing Web site (www.riastandsforyou.com) that features video vignettes of advisers telling their story and highlighting their independence, their approach, and their commitment to their clients. The site also includes questions investors should ask when choosing an adviser.

“We see the RIA as the best solution for affluent investors with complex needs looking for customized advice. Despite this, we often hear from advisers that prospects don’t understand the RIA category,” said Bernie Clark, executive vice president and head of Schwab Advisor Services. “This campaign focuses on the independent RIA as a provider of independent investment advice and personifies how many of these advisers stand up for their clients every day.”

Want the latest retirement plan adviser news and insights? Sign up for PLANADVISER newsletters.

The RIA Stands for You campaign officially launched on September 21, 2011 with digital banner ads on WSJ.com, Bloomberg.com, Forbes.com, Economist.com and TheAtlantic.com.  Advertising in a national print publication is planned for October.

Collateral pieces and a new toolkit on Schwab Advisor Center also support the campaign; the toolkit helps advisers use the campaign as part of their own marketing effort.

Products September 28, 2011

FSI Revamps Web site

The Financial Services Institute (FSI), an advocacy-driven organization for independent financial services firms and independent financial advisers, has redesigned its Web site.
Reported by

FSI explained that on the old site, the home page was difficult to navigate and visitors didn’t know where to find the information they were looking for. Therefore, the home page has been entirely redesigned, as have internal pages.   

“This new and improved site will enhance our members’ ability to forcefully advocate in Washington, D.C. and in the states,” said Dale E. Brown, FSI President & CEO. “Our new site leaves nothing to chance – visitors know without a doubt where to look to find the latest industry news, issues, Calls to Action, FSI events and ways to donate to the cause.”

Want the latest retirement plan adviser news and insights? Sign up for PLANADVISER newsletters.

FSI reports that so far this year, more than 2,000 letters were written by California financial adviser members through the site. These letters helped take advisers out of the California Assembly’s independent contractor legislation, which FSI says would have been detrimental to its members.

In addition, this summer FSI unveiled a new Twitter page: @FSIwashington.  FSI says it will continue to accelerate its online efforts ahead of the upcoming election year.

«