1. Will my clients be better served at the new firm?

This is always the first question. Because if your clients don’t win, you don’t win. Period.

Top advisors don’t switch platforms just to pad their payout. They switch because they believe they can offer more—more options, better service, improved technology, and a more customized experience.

Here’s what you want to look at:

Product flexibility: Are you limited to proprietary funds or captive platforms?

Tech & reporting tools: Will your clients have a more modern, transparent experience?

Fee structures: Can you lower costs for your clients—or increase your value while being competitive?

Data Insight: According to Fidelity’s 2023 Financial Advisor Community Study, over 40% of advisors who switched firms said that improving the client experience was their primary motivator. Not compensation. Client experience.

Mentor tip: Run a side-by-side comparison of what your clients get today versus what they could get post-move. Bring it down to service, flexibility, and outcomes—not just features.