The Financial Planning Association announced a partnership with TIFIN, a venture-backed fintech startup that develops software for wealth management companies, on Wednesday. FPA members who manage less than $100 million in assets will have access to TIFIN’s personalized investment platform, TIFIN Wealth, at no cost.
“We recognize the vital role that financial planners play in the industry, and we are dedicated to supporting their growth and success,” AJ Boury, chief operating officer at TIFIN Wealth, said in a statement. “By providing FPA Members under $100M in AUM with complimentary access to our platform, we aim to level the playing field and create opportunities for them to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.”
TIFIN said it is committed to democratizing access to advanced financial technology. “By eliminating the financial barrier, TIFIN Wealth opens doors for a wider range of planners to leverage capabilities proven to enhance client experiences and elevate investment strategies,” the company said in the statement.
TIFIN also partnered with the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors in May to provide free access to TIFIN’s AI-driven platforms to NAPFA-affiliated advisors who had less than $100 million in assets under advisement.
Smaller RIAs often struggle to compete with larger RIAs in terms of asset growth.
While RIAs with more than $5 billion in assets under management grew at a 24.7 percent five-year compound annual growth rate in 2021, firms managing less than $100 million shrunk, according to research by wealth and asset management consulting firm Cerulli Associates. Cerulli analyst Stephen Caruso told RIA Intel that the negative growth for smaller RIAs was likely due to the ongoing competition for assets, the impact of advisors retiring, and the increasing consolidation of RIAs across all AUM levels.
FPA Members who meet the AUM criteria will have access to a suite of tools that enable them to “assess risk, develop micro-plans, and match clients and prospects to investment strategies that align with their unique financial goals.”
“FPA endeavors to be the partner in planning to our members where we provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in this ever-evolving financial planning profession,” Patrick Mahoney, FPA chief executive officer, said in a statement. “This partnership with TIFIN will further enable our valued members to continue providing outstanding services to their clients.”
TIFIN also manages Magnifi, a consumer-focused, AI-driven marketplace for investments, TIFIN AMP, a distribution platform for asset management firms, and TIFIN.AI, a J.P. Morgan-backed platform that debuted in July.
