Frequently asked questions.
Considering a move is a serious decision. These are the questions experienced advisors ask us most about transition, autonomy, compensation, and building a practice here. Every answer is straight, and every conversation is confidential.
Start a Confidential ConversationStraight answers about building your practice at William Joseph.
We know that exploring a new firm raises real, practical questions about your independence, your compensation, and your future. Below, we’ve answered the ones advisors ask us most.
Don’t see your question? Every conversation begins in strict confidence, so you can ask anything, openly.
Transition & Confidentiality
From your first conversation to your first day, we protect your privacy and manage every detail.
How long does the transition actually take?
Every transition is different, but our structured three-phase process is designed to move you from initial conversations to fully integrated as efficiently as possible. Our dedicated transition specialist manages every detail of the process so you can spend your energy on clients, not paperwork. Want to walk through what a timeline might look like for your specific situation? Let’s talk.
How do I start this conversation without it getting back to my current firm?
We understand this concern, and we take it seriously. Every initial conversation with our leadership team is strictly confidential. We do not share the names of advisors we are in discussions with, and we never contact your current firm or colleagues without your explicit permission. You are in control of the timeline and what gets shared. Reach out whenever you are ready.
Compensation, Practice & Technology
Transparent compensation, entrepreneurial freedom, and the tools to build on from day one.
What does the payout actually look like after expenses?
We believe in transparent compensation with a clear path to equity. As an RIA, we do not have the grid reductions and platform fees that compress payouts in a broker-dealer environment. What you keep is what you earn. The specifics depend on your practice profile and partnership structure, and we walk through that openly during our discovery process.
How much control do I have over my practice?
Our firm was built specifically to give advisors the infrastructure of a large firm without sacrificing the entrepreneurial freedom of independence. We provide compliance oversight, operational support, dedicated marketing resources, and technology so you can focus on what you do best.
Do I have to be W2 or can I stay independent?
We offer both. You can join as an employee partner or structure your affiliation as an independent business partnership. We walk through both options during our discovery conversations so you can choose the path that fits your goals.
What technology do I get and do I have to pay for it?
You get a full technology stack from day one, including CRM, portfolio management, and the tools you need to run your practice. Our team handles onboarding and training so you are not starting from scratch.
Licensing
Registrations, what travels with you, and what we help you navigate.
What licenses do I need?
We are a fee-only RIA, which means the primary requirement is your Series 65 or equivalent state investment adviser representative registration. If you are currently Series 7 registered under a broker-dealer, we can discuss what that transition looks like for your situation. Our team walks you through every registration step.
What happens to my insurance license if I move?
Your state insurance license is held independently of your broker-dealer or RIA affiliation, so it travels with you. You will need to update your appointments with any insurance carriers you work with, and our team helps facilitate that process during onboarding.
Women Advisors
Community, flexibility, and building a career on your terms.
Are there other women advisors here?
Yes, and it matters to us that it stays that way. We are actively investing in building a firm where women advisors are supported, visible, and set up to grow.
Is there flexibility in how I work?
We do not believe there is one right way to build a strong practice. Whether you want a structured office environment, a remote-first setup, or something in between, we build the arrangement around what lets you show up best for your clients and your life.