A strategic evaluation program for accounting firms exploring wealth management expansion

Overview

The Decision to Implementation Package is a focused strategic program designed for accounting firms that are evaluating whether to expand into financial planning or wealth management.

Firms with strong tax and accounting relationships have a meaningful advantage in today’s integrated advisory landscape. The challenge is deciding how to approach the opportunity. Some firms build an internal RIA. Others partner or white label through an existing platform. Some explore TAMP solutions. Others choose to pause expansion until the timing is right. Each option carries different implications for cost, control, compliance, staffing, client experience, and long term enterprise value.

This engagement removes uncertainty. You receive a complete analysis of viable models, financial projections, operational requirements, compliance considerations, and long term strategic implications. The goal is to give leadership a clear, data supported decision before committing resources.

The outcome is a leadership ready blueprint that identifies the strongest strategic direction and what would be required to execute it successfully.

Deliverables

1. Strategic Decision Blueprint (10 to 15 Pages)

A formal, professionally designed plan that outlines:

• Current state analysis of your client base and revenue mix

• Segmentation of planning and investment opportunity across existing clients

• Evaluation of multiple business models side by side

• Financial modeling and profitability projections

• Staffing and operational implications

• Compliance considerations for each scenario

• A data supported recommendation

This serves as the foundation for all next step decisions.

2. Business Model Mapping and Scenario Analysis

Every realistic path is evaluated in detail. These include:

• Building a full internal RIA or investment division

• Partnering or white labeling with an existing RIA

• Leveraging a TAMP in the near term or long term

• Offering financial planning without investment management

• Using a phased or hybrid structure

• Electing not to proceed

Each model is analyzed through:

• Level of control compared to outsourcing

• Profitability and long term revenue impact

• Team requirements and capacity planning

• Regulatory considerations

• Client experience implications

• Complexity of operations

• Scalability over the next one to five years

• Enterprise valuation impact

This gives you a clear understanding of what each path involves and what each achieves.

3. Regulatory and Compliance Framework

Moving from tax and accounting into wealth management introduces several regulatory intersections. This section outlines:

• IRS and SEC boundaries between tax services, planning, and investment advice

• Structural and disclosure requirements

• Conflict of interest considerations

• Requirements for separation of duties

• Workflow guidance that protects both departments

This ensures any chosen path can be executed safely and responsibly.

4. Financial Modeling and Cost Analysis

A complete financial evaluation that covers:

• Startup and ongoing cost estimates

• Salary benchmarks for CIO or CFA roles, CFP roles, and client service roles

• Custodian and technology requirements

• Comparison of TAMP cost structures and internal team structures

• Three to five year revenue projections

• Profitability and breakeven timing

• Sensitivity analysis for different adoption scenarios

• Long term enterprise value impact

This clarifies the economic reality before you commit to any plan.

5. Client Segmentation and Demand Forecasting

Your existing client base is your strongest asset. This section includes:

• Identification of client segments that are most likely to adopt planning or investment services

• Expected penetration and conversion rates

• Upmarket potential for high net worth expansion

• Revenue projections by client tier

• Realistic opportunities compared to stretch opportunities

This allows you to make decisions based on actual client data rather than assumptions.

Final Deliverables

• Strategic Decision Blueprint

• Business Model Comparison Matrix

• Financial Modeling Workbook

• Client Segmentation and Opportunity Analysis

• Regulatory and Compliance Assessment

• Recommendation Summary for Leadership

This phase does not include branding, messaging, launch scripting, or rollout planning. Those items are part of implementation if selected.

Optional Implementation Phase

If you choose to move forward after the Decision Blueprint, SAI can support the execution of the selected path. This may involve building an internal wealth division, supporting a phased rollout, coaching your team, or establishing the operational structure.

Implementation is provided as a simple flat monthly retainer of $5,900 per month for an annual contract. This rate applies only if you choose the full scale internal buildout. That buildout includes our support with branding, client messaging, staffing, hiring guidance, operational setup, and training. Additional project based support is available if needed.

Your full $25,000 Decision Package fee will be applied as a credit toward your early implementation months. This significantly reduces your initial cost and allows you to transition smoothly into the build phase.

Implementation scopes may include:

• Internal division buildout

• Hiring support for key roles

• Custodian selection and onboarding

• Operational workflows and SOPs

• Investment committee development

• Training and ongoing leadership guidance

• Branding and positioning as an optional add on

Implementation only begins if and when you choose to proceed.

Timeline

The Discovery and Decision stage is typically completed within four to six weeks. This period includes information gathering, model analysis, financial and compliance review, business model comparison, and preparation of the Strategic Decision Blueprint.