Focus is a forum that has enabled some of the most talented wealth management firms to bring their collective expertise together, to generate new avenues for growth and profitability. Partners continue to manage their firms independently. Focus provides synergistic value-add to accelerate growth and ensure continuity.
Independence
Focus partners continue to maintain independence, both as fiduciaries and entrepreneurs.
Only independent firms who have achieved sustainable, profitable growth, are invited to join Focus, and the partnership will never interfere with what each firm's leaders already do so well.
Focus is majority-owned by its partners, ensuring that firms maintain their identities and management styles.
Focus is not a product manufacturer or distributor, and will never ask any partner to sell a product. Roles, responsibilities, and control parameters for partners are clearly delineated in contracts.
Access
The Focus partnership offers unparalleled access to an open forum of elite firms where sharing best practices and exchanging ideas is the norm.
Focus also offers strategic and financial assistance in marketing and business development, subacquisition of smaller firms, and access to both shared resources and operational efficiencies.
Focus acts as a true partner in every sense of the word. Resources are provided to help partner firms grow faster and operate more efficiently, while at the same time continuing to manage their firms in the manner that made them successful in the first place.
Each partner has the discretion to use these resources as and when needed.
Continuity
Focus actively supports partners in ensuring that every client receives the highest quality advice for generations to come.
Unique transition and succession planning models allow each partner firm to ensure its legacy of excellence, with security for both clients and employees.
Focus provides hands-on strategic and financial support with recruitment, training, coaching, career-pathing, and retention of key employees to help broaden the leadership team. Not only does the model create value for the principals today, it enables firms to motivate and inspire the next generation of advisors.
Case study: Broadening the Leadership Team
Value
Focus partners with profitable, growth-oriented wealth managers with a demonstrated record of success.
Firms with over $400 million in AUM and a plan for the majority of current leaders to continue in their roles may be invited to join Focus Partners. Smaller firms and exit transactions can be potential subacquisitions for our partners.
Focus typically acquires 40%-70% of EBITDA in exchange for cash and an ownership position in Focus. The tax-efficient transaction model includes highly attractive growth incentives through earn-outs and the ability to participate in a future Focus liquidity event. Focus can also establish attractive incentive pools for current and future key employees.
Case study: Firm Sells Itself To Let Patriarch Cash Out