Note: All new advisor documentation is proprietary and should not be shared externally.

GVA Transition Timeline

Marketing Launch Strategy

When Great Valley Advisor Group (GVA) was founded, it was built from the ground up with purpose. And at the forefront, the premise that collaboration drives success. As a GVA advisor you are part of a team, a family, and you are never alone.

GVA offers best-in-class solutions to support you through your transition to independence. Our dedicated Transition Team is focused on YOU, working effectively and efficiently to launch you on our platform as quickly and smoothly as possible.

The GVA Transition Team handles your change of custodian so you can continue to focus on your clients and growing your business. A typical transition takes 4-5 weeks; however, we understand that no two transitions are alike, and, as such we take a personalized approach to each.

GVA Compliance does the
paperwork for you and ensures
you’re up-to-date on the latest
industry and compliance news.

GVA Asset Management manages
client asset allocation, integrates
industry-leading research, and
reports audited performance.

GVA provides options for advisors
to choose their desired exit
approach, all while supporting
the client relationship.

GVA Insurance Brokers offer
full-service security beyond
financial planning and
asset management.

GVA Technology suite provides
effortless integration and
support, tailored to your
business needs.

GVA Virtual Admin removes
the burden of everyday
tasks so you can focus on
clients and assets.

Is Great Valley Advisor Group (GVA) an SEC Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)?
A. Yes. GVA is an SEC RIA. For RIA/Hybrid advisors, you would be an Investment Advisory Representative (IAR) of GVA.

How long will my transition take?
A. Each transition is different, but on average, we expect a transition to take 4-5 weeks.

What support is available to me during transition?
A. Each transitioning advisor is given a dedicated GVA transition specialist to ensure all business and clients move to the GVA platform smoothly. Additionally, if establishing a new DBA, GVA Marketing can provide branding, website build-out, and print collateral support and assistance (additional fees may apply to the latter).

What custodians are available?
A. GVA is multi-custodial providing access to LPL Financial, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab.

I need guidance on whether I should register as RIA-Only or Hybrid.
A. This is a big decision, and GVA is happy to discuss this with you! There are pros and cons to both. For example, when working with a Broker-Dealer, you may experience slightly higher costs for things such as E&O insurance and platform fees. Plus, there are the additional regulatory requirements. Whereas RIA-only may provide more flexibility and lower fees.

Does LPL Financial offer Transition Assistance (TA)/Working Capital Loan? Is this predicated on assets custodied at LPL?
A. Yes, LPL Financial will provide TA. It is in the form of a forgivable loan and split between an up-front and back-end amount at your 6-month mark. The Verifiable AUM (VAUM) you bring to LPL’s Platform will impact this amount.

What if fewer or more assets migrate, will this affect my Transition Assistance (TA)?
A. Your TA is broken into two deposits – up-front and back-end. When we work through your onboarding kit, we will discuss the different options and decide the best solution for you.

What type of advisor receives Transition Assistance (TA) money?
A. When joining GVA as a financial advisor you will receive TA money no matter if you choose Hybrid or RIA-only.

Are Automated Customer Account Transfer (ACAT) fees my cost to bear?
A. In most cases Advisors offset ACAT fees with a portion of their Transition Assistance. In certain circumstances, the custodian will issue credits to help offset the fees associated with your transition.

What are the start-up costs to integrate GVA’s technology stack?
A. GVA’s Tech Stack includes GVA Salesforce, GVA SecureOffice, and AdvisorBOB for each licensed advisor. Additionally, GVA offers access to dozens of additional technology solutions that we can easily integrate; we will work with you to decide, based on your business and affiliation type, what additional technology, if any, should be implemented.

What are my Licensing Fees?
A. The initial onboarding process will identify which states require registrations, and the fees associated with it.

Does GVA offer consolidated reporting?
A. Short answer is yes – we will recommend the best consolidated reporting platform depending on the platform you plan to use.

Does GVA offer 401(k) solutions/services? Does such a role necessitate dual registration with LPL?
A. Yes, GVA has an in-house 401k consulting program for our advisors. You may act as a 3(38) or 3(21) advisor.

Is there a contract in place between Great Valley Advisor Group (GVA) and the Advisor (me)?
A. Yes, as an IAR you will sign the IAR Agreement and IAR Addendum.

How does Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance work?
A. If you choose the Hybrid Advisor model, LPL will auto-enroll you into their E&O platform; or if you choose to be an RIA-Only Advisor then GVA will auto-enroll you into our E&O Insurance and provide a certificate of insurance.