About FutureAdvice
Built by advisors. Built for advisors.
FutureAdvice was founded on a simple belief: independent RIAs deserve a partner that understands what they've built — and is committed to making it stronger, not smaller.
Our Story
We've sat on your side of the table.
FutureAdvice was founded by a team of former RIA principals, wealth management operators, and technology builders who experienced firsthand the gap between what independent advisors needed and what the market offered.
We watched great firms struggle with technology fragmentation, operational overhead, and a lack of credible succession options. We watched PE firms swoop in with capital but no understanding of the advisor-client relationship. We watched advisors sell their life's work for less than it was worth — or not sell at all because the right partner didn't exist.
So we built that partner. FutureAdvice is the platform we wished existed when we were running our own firms — vertically integrated, advisor-first, and built to amplify independence rather than erode it.
Our Philosophy
Principles that guide every partnership.
Independence First
We take minority stakes because we believe independent advisors serve their clients better when they own their firm. Control stays with you — always.
Long-Term Alignment
We're not a fund with a 5-year exit horizon. Our capital is patient, our relationships are permanent, and our incentives are aligned with your long-term success.
Operational Honesty
We tell you what we can do and what we can't. No overpromising on technology timelines, no hidden integration costs, no surprises after close.
Client Continuity
Every deal we structure is designed to protect your clients' experience. Their relationships, their portfolios, their trust — those transfer intact.
Leadership
The team behind the platform.
James Whitfield
Co-Founder & CEO
Former RIA principal with 20 years in wealth management. Previously built and sold a $1.2B AUM independent advisory firm. Passionate about preserving the independent model.
Sarah Chen
Co-Founder & CTO
Built technology platforms for two of the largest RIA aggregators before founding FutureAdvice. Architect of the integration stack that powers our platform.
Marcus Reid
Managing Director, Investments
15 years in private equity with a focus on financial services. Led over 30 minority and majority investments in RIAs, broker-dealers, and wealth tech companies.
Diana Okafor
Head of Advisor Success
Former COO of a 40-person RIA. Leads our integration and onboarding team, ensuring every partner firm is fully operational on the platform within 60 days.
Investment Approach
Selective by design. Committed for the long term.
We work with a limited number of RIA partners each year — not because we can't scale, but because deep partnership requires real attention. Every firm we invest in gets direct access to our leadership team, our technology platform, and our operational infrastructure.
AUM Range
$150M – $2B
Firm Type
Independent RIA, fee-only or fee-based
Structure
Minority investment (20–49%) or full acquisition
Geography
United States
Timeline
Flexible — we work on your schedule
Hold Period
Permanent capital, no forced exit
Let's build something that lasts.
If you're an independent RIA exploring your options — whether that's a growth partner, a succession plan, or an exit — we'd like to hear your story.