RIA Owners Can Diversify by Monetizing their Advisory Firms
Wealth advisors should follow their own advice on concentrated assets
DENVER—July 2, 2026—In an opinion piece published Thursday in industry news outlet CityWire, Uniting Wealth Partners co-founder John Phoenix makes the case that while advisors often persuade clients to diversify out of concentrated investment positions, they, in fact, are sometimes in the same situation because of the high values of U.S. advisory firms.
For some advisors, up to 90 percent of their net worth is tied to their firms because of valuations that are at, or near, all-time highs.
“Advisors who monetize a portion of their business are not necessarily giving up control or leaving the industry; in many cases, they remain deeply involved,” Phoenix writes. “They continue participating in future growth, and retain meaningful influence over the firm’s direction. They have simply converted part of a concentrated position into diversified wealth. In short, they’re taking the same advice they give their clients.”
Some advisors are reluctant to consider a partial sale of their businesses because of succession planning they have in place. However, by selling to a strategic partner, they can actually put their next generation of advisors in a stronger position for professional growth.
“When founders achieve financial independence from the business, they’re often more willing to transition leadership responsibilities,” Phoenix writes. “Younger advisors can gain a clearer path to management, ownership, and decision-making authority while the founder remains engaged as a mentor.”
Many advisors think the value of their firms will continue to increase—a risky assumption that sounds much like a retail client holding, for example, a large position in a tech stock that has climbed dramatically in value.
About Uniting Wealth Partners
Uniting Wealth Partners, (“UWP”) is a registered investment advisor (RIA) offering a differentiated model designed by and for advisors. Founded by industry veterans, UWP provides advisors with the support and resources needed to grow their practices, enhance enterprise value, and pursue succession planning on their terms. UWP advisors take a holistic approach to client service, offering financial planning, wealth management, banking and lending, insurance, trust and estate planning, and business valuation and M&A advisory services. Learn more at unitingwealthpartners.com. UWP provides investment advisory and related services to clients nationwide and maintains all required registrations and licenses in the jurisdictions where it conducts business.