In the dynamic landscape of financial advisory services, you are constantly seeking strategies to not only navigate the complexities of the market but also to optimize your business operations. One increasingly prevalent approach that has proven to be a game-changer is outsourcing. From marketing and operations to asset management and compliance, outsourcing tasks to specialized service providers is reshaping the way you manage your practice.
The financial advisory sector has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with a growing number of independent financial advisors recognizing the value of outsourcing non-core functions. According to a report by Statista, the global outsourcing market was valued at $92.5 billion in 2020, and it is expected to reach $397.6 billion by 2025. This surge is indicative of the transformative impact outsourcing can have on the financial advisory landscape.
A study by Deloitte found that 59% of businesses outsource to enhance efficiency. For you, as a financial advisor, outsourcing allows you to concentrate on your core competencies – providing expert financial advice.
Why You Don’t Outsource
The decision to outsource key business functions is a strategic choice that many independent financial advisors grapple with. While outsourcing has proven to be a game-changer for various industries, the financial advisory sector often faces unique challenges that contribute to a reluctance to delegate essential tasks. Through a closer examination of these barriers, we aim to shed light on the factors influencing their decisions and consider whether these concerns hold up in the face of industry trends and emerging opportunities.
1. Perceived Cost Concerns
You are a small business owner and want to keep expenses low. 35% of businesses refrain from outsourcing due to concerns about increased costs1. You might be apprehensive about the potential impact on your bottom line, not realizing the potential for long-term cost savings through efficiency gains.
2. Security and Data Privacy Apprehension
63% of companies express concerns about data security when considering outsourcing2. Financial advisors, dealing with sensitive client information, may hesitate due to worries about data breaches or privacy violations.
3. Control and Quality Assurance
The desire for control over critical business functions is a common factor. This is your business and you want to oversee every decision. There is a fear of delegation and outcomes 63% of businesses worry about losing control when outsourcing3. You might be concerned about maintaining the quality of service when delegating essential tasks.
4. Lack of Trust in Service Providers
Trust is paramount in financial advisory relationships. 42% of companies hesitate to outsource due to a lack of trust in service providers4. You may be wary of relying on external entities for crucial aspects of your practice. Partnering with your RIA reduces this concern as you both are rowing in the same direction.
5. Regulatory Compliance Complexity
The financial industry is heavily regulated, and compliance is a significant concern. 49% of companies express concerns about regulatory compliance when outsourcing5. You may be hesitant due to the complexity of staying compliant with ever-changing regulation.
While these concerns are valid, it is essential for you to reassess the landscape and explore the evolving dynamics of outsourcing in the financial advisory sector. Your most valuable resource is time. Time disappears quickly and is impossible to get back. You can create time by outsourcing with trusted partners.
What You Should Outsource
You are bought in; you want time back. So, what should you delegate? In the following sections, we will address each opportunity individually and discuss how the benefits of outsourcing may outweigh the perceived drawbacks. There is untapped potential that outsourcing holds for your practice.
1. Marketing Services
28% of companies outsource content marketing6. You can leverage specialized marketing agencies to enhance your online presence, reaching a wider audience and effectively conveying their value proposition.
In an era dominated by digital marketing, crafting a compelling online presence is crucial for IFAs. Outsourcing marketing services can help you establish and maintain a strong brand image, develop effective online campaigns, and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of social media. Specialized marketing agencies can provide expertise in content creation, search engine optimization (SEO), and digital advertising, ensuring you stay ahead in the competitive financial industry.
IAA’s Solution
IAA’s Creative Capital: Our Marketing and Communications team is here to help you attract new clients and differentiate your practice. We accomplish this through strategic guidance, full assessments of your brand, and consultations. We cover everything from brand development to website design.
2. Asset Management
While asset management is at the core of financial advisory services, outsourcing this function can provide several benefits. 63% of investment professionals believe that outsourcing can enhance the quality of investment management7.
By outsourcing asset management, you can tap into specialized expertise and advanced tools. Partnering with a professional asset management firm allows you to tap into a wealth of expertise, gain access to advanced investment tools, and stay abreast of market trends. This collaboration enables you to offer diverse investment options to your clients without the burden of day-to-day portfolio management.
IAA’s Solution
IAA’s Investment Solutions: IAA gives you access to strategic investment solutions and tools to operate a more profitable practice. From investment platforms to portfolio management and research, you have the ability to utilize the best tools and services to excel and thrive.
3. Operations and Technology
Managing complex operational tasks and staying updated on the latest technological advancements can be daunting for independent financial advisors. 44% of businesses outsource to achieve cost savings3.
Outsourcing operational tasks not only streamlines processes but also allows you to allocate resources effectively and focus on client-centric activities. Outsourcing operations and technology services can include tasks like portfolio accounting, trade execution, and technology infrastructure management. By leveraging specialized firms, you can ensure seamless operations and stay at the forefront of technological innovations, enhancing both efficiency and client satisfaction.
IAA’s Solution
IAA’s Operations Solutions: IAA Onboarding provides a personalized and efficient process to new advisors, new staff members, or existing employees making a change in their careers. Full repapering services are offered to hybrid and corporate advisors utilizing LPL Financial as their custodian. We understand that your livelihood depends on the movement of assets and we take this responsibility seriously.
Independent Advisor Alliance offers programs and resources to assist with certain trading & operational tasks. These services free up your time, so you can focus on serving existing clients and developing new relationships.
4. Human Resources
Employee management, payroll processing, and compliance with labor laws are essential but time-consuming aspects of running a financial advisory practice. Outsourcing human resources functions can relieve you from administrative burdens, allowing you to focus on strategic initiatives. HR outsourcing providers can handle tasks such as recruitment, benefits administration, and employee relations, ensuring a smooth and compliant workplace environment.
IAA’s Solution
IAA’s W-2 Program: Instead of inflated costs to outsource your healthcare and retirement savings plans, this plan allows advisors to insource that expertise providing you with choice and savings through your affiliation with IAA. When it comes to offering comprehensive retirement savings and health/medical coverage to employees, small businesses often miss out on quality candidates. This is because the ability to offer comprehensive benefits packages to current and prospective employees can be time and cost-prohibitive. IAA has leveled the playing field by providing you and your practice a new competitive advantage.
5. Compliance and Regulatory Reporting
64% of companies outsource to improve compliance and risk management8. In the heavily regulated financial industry, outsourcing compliance tasks ensures that you stay on top of regulatory changes and reduce the risk of legal issues. The financial industry is heavily regulated, and compliance requirements can be complex.
Outsourcing compliance and regulatory reporting to specialized firms ensures that you stay in line with the latest regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues. These services can include monitoring regulatory changes, implementing compliance programs, and preparing necessary reports, allowing you to navigate the regulatory landscape with confidence.
IAA’s Solution
IAA’s Compliance Services: The Compliance team supports and protects each practice with ever-changing broker/dealer, RIA, and regulatory body requirements. Through dedicated analyst support, our team provides surveillance and guidance to help ensure your practice is able to thrive; in turn, providing you with more time to service your clients. Compliance benefits include proactive surveillance, a dedicated analyst, best practices and simplified document submissions.
6. Insurance
You play a pivotal role in guiding your clients through various financial decisions, aiming to secure their financial future. Offering and outsourcing insurance, including home, auto, and life coverage, is a strategic move that underscores the holistic approach to financial planning. By incorporating insurance solutions into your service offerings, you can provide comprehensive protection for their clients against unforeseen events and risks.
Outsourcing insurance tasks to specialized providers allows advisors to leverage expertise, ensuring that clients receive tailored coverage that aligns with their unique needs and circumstances. Additionally, integrating insurance services enhances client relationships by demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding their financial well-being across all aspects of life. Ultimately, by offering and outsourcing insurance, you position yourself as a trusted partner, empowering clients to navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and peace of mind.
IAA’s Solution
Sage Insurance Partners: Sage Insurance Partners (SIP) was created to support financial advisors and their holistic planning needs. Founded in 2021, we strive to provide exemplary service to financial advisors looking to add insurance and annuities to their practice. With a service-first mentality, the team at SIP is dedicated to helping you help your clients. SIP offers three ways to work with advisors: for you, by you or with you.
Conclusion
Outsourcing has become a strategic tool for independent financial advisors looking to optimize their business operations and enhance client services. By wisely choosing which functions to delegate, you can unlock new levels of efficiency and focus on building lasting relationships with your clients. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, embracing outsourcing as part of a comprehensive business strategy can position you for sustained success in a competitive market.
The statistics paint a clear picture – outsourcing is not just a trend but a strategic imperative for financial advisors looking to thrive in a competitive environment. We have explored in-depth the key areas where outsourcing can make a significant impact and how IFAs can harness its power to unlock efficiency, deliver exceptional client experiences, and drive sustainable business growth.
Download our Outsourcing Checklist to discover the aspects of your practice you should consider outsourcing.
- Deloitte. “Global Outsourcing Survey 2022.” ↩︎
- PwC. “Global PwC Service Study 2023.” ↩︎
- Accenture. “Outsourcing Trends Report.” ↩︎
- Statista. “Global Compliance Trends Survey.” ↩︎
- EY. “How Can Reimagined Mobility Help Organizations See Reward and Not Risk.” ↩︎
- MarketingProfs. “2023 B2B Content Marketing Report.” ↩︎
- CFA Institute. “Investment Professional of the Future.” ↩︎
- PwC. “Global Risk Survey Findings.” ↩︎