Why Solo Advisors Are Joining Larger Platforms Like GCG — And What to Watch Out For

Running a solo advisory practice can be deeply rewarding—but it’s also increasingly overwhelming.

You're not just an advisor. You're the CEO, COO, CCO, HR, tech support, and sometimes janitor. And as client expectations, compliance demands, and overhead costs rise, many advisors are rethinking the solo model entirely.

The Shift Is Real—and Growing

The RIA channel has exploded in recent years. According to industry data, the number of investment adviser reps has nearly doubled since 2013, while solo broker-dealer reps have declined. Advisors are walking away from the burden of running it all—and moving toward platforms that offer scale, support, and structure without stripping away control.

At GCG, we’ve seen a surge of interest from solo advisors—especially those managing $100M+ AUM—who are at a tipping point. They’re growth-minded, but constrained. They love serving clients, but hate the noise. They want to own their future, but don’t want to burn out trying to do it all.

What’s Driving the Shift?

The appeal of joining a platform like GCG comes down to five core benefits:

1. Ownership Without Overhead
   Advisors retain full ownership of their book while eliminating office leases, payroll, tech headaches, and staffing risk.

2. Back-Office & Compliance Muscle
   GCG provides full administrative, operational, and compliance support—so you can focus on clients, not paperwork.

3. Marketing & Lead Gen Support
   From automated campaigns to partnerships with NerdWallet and SmartAsset, we help you grow without grinding.

4. M&A and Succession Optionality
   Whether you want to scale or step back, we provide structure, capital, and strategic guidance.

5. Equity That Actually Means Something
   Our equity isn't just theoretical. With institutional backing and a fast-growing M&A engine, our partners participate in a real "second bite of the apple."

What to Watch Out For

Not all platforms are created equal. If you’re exploring a potential partnership, ask:

• Is their equity actually worth something today—or just a future hope?

• Do they eliminate real burdens—or just offer tools?

• Will you keep control of your brand and client relationships?

• Do they have the infrastructure to help you grow, or will you just get lost in the shuffle?

Bottom Line

There’s a growing realization among top solo advisors: doing it alone doesn’t have to mean going it alone.

If you’re feeling stretched thin but not ready to sell—or if you’ve already broken away but are now overwhelmed—there’s a better way forward.

Let’s explore it together.