The Transition Roundtable: Merrill, UBS, Wells, and Morgan Advisors Reflect on Their Paths

Overview Four top advisors who each left a major firm share how they built successful independent businesses on their own terms. Originally recorded as a live webinar, this candid roundtable explores the real fears, challenges, and opportunities of transition, and what advisors wish they’d known before making the leap. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Advisors considering independence often ask the same questions: What finally pushes someone to leave a major firm? How do you handle the fear of losing clients? What would you do differently if you could do it again? In this special episode (a replay of one of our most engaging webinars), Louis Diamond moderates a discussion with four advisors who’ve been there and built thriving firms after leaving Merrill, UBS, Wells Fargo, and Morgan Stanley: Trent Leyda, SpirePoint Private Client (formerly of Morgan Stanley) Jordan Raniszeski, Carnegie Private Wealth (formerly of Wells Fargo Advisors) Rebecca Baker, Marble Wealth (formerly of UBS) Jerry Davidse, Presilium Private Wealth (formerly of Merrill Lynch) Together, they offer rare, first-hand insight into what independence really looks like beyond the headlines: the risks, rewards, surprises, and decisions that shaped their journeys. Listeners will learn: What drove each advisor to leave their firm—and what ultimately tipped the scales. How they managed the fear of client loss—and what actually happened next. The biggest surprises of running their own business—and the lessons they’d share with others. How independence reshaped their client relationships—and their lives. And much more from our guest-submitted questions. It’s an unfiltered, practical look at transition from those who’ve lived it and a powerful resource for any advisor exploring what could be next—whether currently at a wirehouse or already an independent business owner. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Activating Plan B: Wirehouse Breakaways Build a Legacy Family Wealth Office Trent Leyda and Kay Campione offer a unique perspective on their time at Morgan Stanley, how it had come to diverge from their vision of building a family office they would entrust with their own families’ wealth, and how they are better equipped to realize that vision as an independent firm. Outgrowing the Employee Model: How an ex-Merrill Advisor Found Autonomy & Abundance in Independence Jerry Davidse discusses his transition from Merrill to building RIA firm Presilium Private Wealth with partner Brook Hart. He shares how they gained the freedom to communicate and create an exceptional experience for their clients, their outstanding portability ratio, uptick of referrals, and more. Seeing the Future Through the Eyes of the Client: A $770mm UBS Breakaway Story Matthew Murphy and Rebecca Baker of Marble Wealth discuss their choice to leave UBS and opt for independence early in their careers, the impact of signing on to the firm’s retire-in-place program ALFA, their age as a competitive advantage, and much more. A $1B+ Wells Fargo Breakaway Team Gets Re-Energized in a New Model In building a $1B business at Wells, Angie Ostendarp and Jordan Raniszeski realized they had outgrown the model, which limited their ability to serve their clients and continue their growth trajectory. They share why supported independence was the right fit and how it’s changed their path toward the future. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites