Managing device security without micromanaging your team
Imagine one of your advisors immediately responding to an urgent client email from their personal smartphone while attending their child’s weekend game. This level of flexibility is a hallmark of modern client service, especially for smaller, agile registered investment advisory (RIA) firms. Yet, this convenience brings up a significant question: how do you protect sensitive […]
Why legacy systems are a risk for RIAs and financial advisors
Legacy systems might feel like an old, reliable friend, but for registered investment advisors (RIAs) and financial advisors, they can be a ticking time bomb. These outdated hardware and software systems, often lacking integration and modern updates, pose significant risks. From cyberattacks to compliance failures, the dangers of sticking with old IT systems far outweigh […]
Are your contractors a security risk? How to protect your RIA firm
Your RIA or financial advisory firm thrives on agility. You bring in specialized talent — paraplanners, marketing whizzes, compliance consultants, even fractional IT support — often as independent contractors. This model offers fantastic flexibility and access to top-tier expertise. But as you build this modern, efficient practice, have you considered the security implications? While your […]
How to protect your RIA firm from insider threats
It only takes one seemingly small mistake or a single disgruntled employee to expose your registered investment advisory (RIA) or financial advisory firm to security risks. Imagine an employee accidentally sending sensitive client information to the wrong email address. Your firm could face regulatory fines, reputation damage, and legal action from affected clients. Unfortunately, these […]
Protecting client data while outsourcing noncore tasks
Outsourcing has become a lifeline for many registered investment advisors (RIAs) and financial advisors. By handing off noncore tasks such as portfolio management, compliance, or marketing to specialized vendors, advisors can focus on serving their clients. However, this convenience comes with certain risks. Entrusting sensitive client data to third-party vendors introduces the potential for security […]
Protecting your RIA: Could your firm survive a major IT failure?
No one wants to think about their IT systems going down. It’s the kind of thing you hope you never have to deal with. But the reality is that unexpected system failures do happen, and they can throw a major wrench into your operations, impacting everything from client service to your bottom line. For registered […]
Why proactive IT monitoring matters for RIAs
As a registered investment advisor (RIA) or financial advisor, you probably already know your clients expect seamless service and airtight security. your IT setup can make or break your ability to deliver on those expectations? Fortunately, proactive IT monitoring exists to make your life easier. From wresting control over unexpected outages to staying compliant with […]
Simplifying RIA recordkeeping compliance with Microsoft 365
Running a registered investment advisory (RIA) or financial advisory firm is no walk in the park, and when it comes to recordkeeping compliance, it can feel more like scaling a mountain. Between the exacting standards of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the staggering amount of data you’re handling, staying compliant may present an […]
How RIAs can stay prepared with effective incident response and reporting
Managing sensitive client information is at the core of what registered investment advisors (RIAs) and financial advisors do every day. But what happens when that information is compromised? Imagine a scenario where you discover a phishing attack targeting your team’s email. Without an incident response plan, your employees may not know how to handle it. […]