--- title: Thinking About Starting Your Own RIA? Here's What You Need to Know description: Considering starting your own RIA firm? Learn about the benefits of independence, compliance essentials, and key steps to successfully launch your advisory business. image: https://blog.stpis.com/hubfs/shutterstock_2458826729-1024x683.jpeg --- [![STP\_header\_logo](https://blog.stpis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/STP%20Growth%20Child/STP_header_logo.png?width=75&height=94&name=STP_header_logo.png "STP_header_logo")](http://stpis.com) - [FAQs](https://stpis.com/faqs-fund-administration-compliance-managed-services/) - [About](https://stpis.com/about/) - [About STP](https://stpis.com/about/) - [History](https://stpis.com/history/) - [Team](https://stpis.com/people/) - [STP Careers](https://stpis.com/careers/) - [STP Culture](https://stpis.com/careers/culture/) - [Benefits](https://stpis.com/careers/benefits/) - [Diversite, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)](https://stpis.com/careers/deib/) - [Hiring Process](https://stpis.com/careers/hiring-process/) [Portal Login](https://portal.stpis.com/) [Connect With Us](https://stpis.com/connect-with-us/) - [Who We Serve](https://stpis.com/who-we-serve/) - [Institutional Managers Investment operations services and innovative software for the front, middle, and back office.](https://stpis.com/who-we-serve/institutional-managers/) - [Wealth Managers Custom and turnkey asset management programs to grow assets and support clients.](https://stpis.com/who-we-serve/wealth-managers/) - [Emerging Managers Best-in-class full service solution to springboard your startup to the next level.](https://stpis.com/who-we-serve/emerging-managers/) - [Private Fund Advisors Comprehensive suite of fund administration, compliance, account and investor reporting services](https://stpis.com/who-we-serve/private-fund-advisors/) - [What We Do](https://stpis.com/services/) - [Investment Operations Outsourcing End-to-end investment operations and trading services.](https://stpis.com/services/investment-operations-outsourcing/) - [Fund Services Complete suite of services that deliver best-in-class fund administration.](https://stpis.com/services/fund-administration-services/) - [Compliance Services Get oversight that keeps you compliant and ready for changing regulatory requirements.](https://stpis.com/services/compliance/) - [Managed Services Designed to reduce operational burden, streamline workflows, and help you scale without adding headcount.](https://stpis.com/services/managed-services/) - [Trade Settlements Streamline processes, increase efficiency, and mitigate risk with post-trade settlement services.](https://stpis.com/services/trade-settlements/) - [Reconciliation Services Automate reconciliation tasks and strengthen oversight with reconciliation dashboards.](https://stpis.com/services/reconciliation/) - [BluePrint](https://stpis.com/blueprint/) - [Why STP](https://stpis.com/why-stp/) - [STP Knowledge Hub](https://stpis.com/stp-knowledge-hub/) - [Perspectives Fresh, original STP content written by members of our team, covering a broad range of topics.](https://blog.stpis.com/blog) - [STP in the News Our take on industry articles and topics written by our colleagues across the financial services space.](https://stpis.com/stp-knowledge-hub/in-the-news/) - [Case Studies Explore real-world success stories that highlight how we've helped clients overcome challenges, drive growth, and achieve their goals.](https://stpis.com/stp-knowledge-hub/case-studies/) - [Strategic Insights Stay ahead of regulatory changes, operational challenges, and industry shifts. Download our strategic insights to equip your firm with expert guidance on compliance, operations, and growth strategies.](https://stpis.com/stp-knowledge-hub/strategic-insights/) Apr 2025 # Thinking About Starting Your Own RIA? Here's What You Need to Know [Lori Weston](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/author/lori-weston) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.stpis.com/blog/thinking-about-starting-your-own-ria-heres-what-you-need-to-know) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.stpis.com/blog/thinking-about-starting-your-own-ria-heres-what-you-need-to-know) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.stpis.com/blog/thinking-about-starting-your-own-ria-heres-what-you-need-to-know) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://blog.stpis.com/blog/thinking-about-starting-your-own-ria-heres-what-you-need-to-know) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.stpis.com/blog/thinking-about-starting-your-own-ria-heres-what-you-need-to-know) Thinking About Starting Your Own RIA? Here's What You Need to Know 3:07   Over the past decade, there’s been a steady rise in advisers going independent and launching their own Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firms. Whether markets are volatile or calm, the need for personalized investment advice has remained strong. If you’re considering starting your own investment advisory firm, here are some considerations. ### **Why Go Independent?** Independence offers freedom, control, and a higher share of your revenue. As the owner of your own firm, you decide how to serve clients, what fees to charge, and which technology and partners to use. Many advisers also go independent to build a legacy, offer niche services, or supplement existing tax and insurance practices. ### **What You Need to Establish an RIA** Unless you are a sole practitioner, you’ll need a legal entity like an LLC or S-Corp that can be registered as an investment adviser. Registering your advisory practice involves multiple decisions and puts you in control of your service offerings, your fee structure, and who your ideal clients are. These choices impact your operations, disclosures, and compliance obligations. **Should You Register with the SEC or a State?** Most of the time, this depends on the amount of assets you will manage. Generally, firms with under $100 million in assets under management register with their home state, while those with more register with the SEC. If your firm is state-registered and offers advice to clients in other states, your firm may need to register in these other states, as well.  **What You Should Know about Compliance** Compliance isn’t optional, and a strong compliance program is essential. It should reflect your services and client base—not just boilerplate policies. The SEC and states have adopted rules and regulations applicable to advisers under their jurisdiction.  Some requirements include maintenance of books and records, conducting compliance reviews, monitoring staff activity, and submitting regulatory filings. Don’t underestimate the value of a compliance consultant—they will help you navigate complex requirements and avoid costly errors. **Tech and Conflicts of Interest** Regulatory technology can streamline compliance tasks, but it can’t replace expert advice. The need for regulatory technology grows as a firm grows.  The more staff it has and the more clients it takes on is commensurate with the need to find efficient ways to remain compliant. Just remember that understanding how the rules apply to your business is the first critical step to running a compliant firm. Starting with a compliance consultant can help you determine which regulations impact your practice so you can consider the need for investment in technology. **Final Thoughts** Starting your own RIA can be a fulfilling path, and there are great resources out there to support you. From experienced consultants to platforms and providers that cater to independent advisers, help is available. With the right planning and support, you can build a firm that’s truly your own—and thrive doing it.   [![compliance ebook cta\_NEW](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20095280/interactive-181920641044.png)](https://blog.stpis.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLz%2FPebJrm%2F%2Fx4PQIOJkaKAY8GaOtc7a%2BFJLPCCv8uOoOWXacdq1%2FsvYHww2hSYTt9PsH6eJGaP9U1aLSMTV9AkITHMScrADo%2F9JTS6IZPDQQN%2Ff%2FykuuTkt65SEe69Nqswx%2FUeFGMjLvGkFIC0kYOqM8eN%2FtglPOM%2BRMKzCaJQrI6baE0YS5NRbQAvEBwOhhpVxkYBtO5FGZMIyH8q%2B5J%2F9HEcruvD2C4EvJ28lTYkymBwWdsGf5sszXibEgFlba8EepTBGAa5gbZpSL4fjUYcgMGZXRz%2B%2BP8qJjrM&webInteractiveContentId=181920641044&portalId=20095280) ## Related posts [![](https://blog.stpis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_2460004779-1024x630.jpg?height=200&name=shutterstock_2460004779-1024x630.jpg)](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/ready-to-launch-your-own-ria-avoid-these-common-mistakes) [Compliance](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/tag/compliance) ## [Ready to Launch Your Own RIA? Avoid These Common Mistakes](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/ready-to-launch-your-own-ria-avoid-these-common-mistakes) [Lori Weston](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/author/lori-weston) Jun 2025 Establishing your own practice can be lucrative and extremely rewarding. If you’re serious about... [Read more](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/ready-to-launch-your-own-ria-avoid-these-common-mistakes) [![](https://blog.stpis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_2125920413-scaled.jpg?height=200&name=shutterstock_2125920413-scaled.jpg)](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/the-biggest-compliance-traps-you-dont-even-know-are-happening-at-your-firm) [Compliance](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/tag/compliance) ## [The Biggest Compliance Traps You Don’t Even Know Are Happening at Your Firm](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/the-biggest-compliance-traps-you-dont-even-know-are-happening-at-your-firm) [Lori Weston](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/author/lori-weston) Oct 2025 Investment Adviser Compliance risks don’t announce themselves. Even firms with robust programs may... [Read more](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/the-biggest-compliance-traps-you-dont-even-know-are-happening-at-your-firm) [![](https://blog.stpis.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_2475089779-1024x638.jpg?height=200&name=shutterstock_2475089779-1024x638.jpg)](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/stp-more-than-a-vendor-why-were-your-true-partner) ## [STP: More Than a Vendor—Why We’re Your True Partner](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/stp-more-than-a-vendor-why-were-your-true-partner) [Jeff Hooks](https://blog.stpis.com/blog/author/jeff-hooks) Apr 2025 In 1998, while I was a college student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, I became... 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