Broker-Dealer & RIA Platform Search for Financial Advisors
Every firm will promise you the world. Our job is figuring out which one can actually deliver it. We work with 50+ BD and RIA platforms and aren't beholden to any of them.
Most advisors explore platform options the same way: they get a call from a firm's recruiter, hear a pitch, and try to evaluate a 10-year decision in 90 minutes.
The problem isn't the firms. Most of the platforms CSG works with are genuinely good. The problem is that every conversation you have is filtered through someone whose job is to get you to sign - not to find you the right home.
We built CSG to fix that. Our 6C Framework evaluates every firm across six dimensions that actually predict long-term success. Weighted based on what matters to your practice, not what looks best in a pitch deck.
“Our fee is the same no matter which firm you choose. That one sentence changes every conversation we have.”Rick Kerstiens, Founder
What platform-agnostic actually means
CSG earns a placement fee from the receiving firm when a transition completes - and it's the same fee regardless of which firm you choose. We have no economic reason to steer you anywhere, which is the entire point.
That independence is also why you see the whole market. We maintain active relationships with 50+ independent BDs and RIAs; most advisors evaluating a move only ever hear two or three pitches, each from someone paid to close them.
And it costs you nothing. No retainer, no consulting fee, no split of your transition package. Our fee comes from the receiving firm, after your first day.
How We Evaluate Platforms
The 6C Framework starts where advisor satisfaction actually comes from.
Culture
What it feels like to work there. Leadership philosophy, autonomy, values alignment.
Community
Who surrounds you. Peer collaboration, training resources, practice management support.
Compatibility
How well the firm's strengths map to your practice. Client demographics, niche expertise.
Capability
The operational infrastructure behind the promise. Technology, back-office, compliance.
Compensation
Total economics - not just payout. Transition structure, ongoing grid, hidden costs.
Capital
Succession programs, equity opportunities, acquisition financing, growth investment.
What Working With CSG Looks Like
Discovery
A private 30-minute call. We learn your practice and priorities.
Your 6C Profile
We map your priorities and weight them to filter every firm we evaluate.
Curated Introductions
You meet firms that align - and talk to real advisors at each one.
Decision + Transition
Economic modeling, negotiation, and 180 days of post-placement support.
Broker-dealer and RIA transition questions
Short answers for advisors comparing platforms, economics, and transition support.
What is a broker-dealer transition consultant?
A broker-dealer transition consultant helps a financial advisor compare broker-dealer options, transition economics, client impact, technology, operations, compliance fit, and long-term platform alignment before changing firms.
Can Continuum help compare RIA and broker-dealer options?
Yes. Continuum helps advisors compare independent broker-dealer, hybrid RIA, corporate RIA, and independent RIA options using the 6C Alignment Framework.
How should an advisor evaluate transition compensation?
Look beyond the headline check. The better comparison includes total economics, note terms, hurdles, platform costs, growth support, succession flexibility, and the likely 3-, 5-, and 10-year outcome.
Does Continuum charge advisors for platform search?
No. Continuum does not charge advisors a retainer, consulting fee, or percentage of the transition package for platform search. The receiving firm pays Continuum after a completed transition.
Ready to see the full picture?
Five minutes. Instant results. 100% anonymous. No email required.
Start the 5-Minute Alignment Check