United Planners Financial Services Partners with Priority Financial Group for Growth

Strategic Partnership to Enhance Financial Services

In a significant move in the financial services landscape, United Planners Financial Services has officially partnered with Priority Financial Group (PFG). This collaboration marks a notable expansion of United Planners' operations, enabling it to enhance its offerings to a network of over 80 financial advisors and more than 20 financial institution partners, reflecting approximately $5 billion in assets under administration.

United Planners has established itself in the industry by focusing on providing high-quality service and affordable, open architecture offerings. A unique aspect of their business model is their employee-owned structure, which solidifies their commitment to remaining independent and not for sale. With this partnership, United Planners is poised for substantial growth, particularly as it currently oversees a total of around $26 billion in client assets; out of which $10.6 billion is managed within their investment advisory division.

Commitment to Independence and Flexibility

Sheila Agasi, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at United Planners, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it's an exciting milestone for the organization. Agasi noted that United Planners and PFG have had a longstanding relationship that spans over a decade; during their due diligence period, the compatibility of their cultures and philosophies became increasingly evident.

“We have onboarded a significant entity like PFG without disturbing our existing high service levels,” said Agasi. This successful transition is crucial as it allows United Planners to continue delivering exceptional levels of service expected by their advisors.

Mike Baker, the CEO of United Planners, also reflected on the synergy between the two firms. “PFG has built a strong reputation in advocating for advisor independence and empowering financial institutions. Their cultural and operational norms closely align with our mission of ensuring outstanding service levels,” he shared. Baker reassured stakeholders that they would maintain prompt customer service, emphasizing their commitment to a unique 10-second hold time for calls and personal connections through their advisor hotline.

PFG's Transition and Future Prospects

The decision by PFG to switch to United Planners was primarily motivated by the need for a more supportive broker-dealer atmosphere that promotes growth, flexibility, and independence. The current environment, Baker pointed out, has seen many broker-dealers impose restrictive policies and complex protocols. United Planners stands out by offering a ‘blue-ocean’ environment where advisors can thrive without being restricted by proprietary platforms.

Mike Prior, CEO of PFG, echoed this sentiment of alignment, stating, “United Planners provides the open architecture and relationship-driven service we need for our advisors. Those values mirror our own and make for a natural partnership.” His colleague, Susi Bennett, President and COO of PFG, affirmed this connection, emphasizing that United Planners' dedication to advisor independence resonated deeply with PFG's core values.

A Forward-Thinking Approach to Financial Advisory

The partnership facilitates PFG's advisors' continued access to a valuable ecosystem that promises independence, transparency, and high service standards, while retaining strong ties with established financial entities such as Schwab Advisor Services and AssetMark. As both firms look to the future, it is clear that their strategic partnership will unfold new opportunities for both their advisor communities.

In summary, this collaboration is more than just a business arrangement; it's a commitment to enhancing the financial advisory landscape by championing independence and providing robust support systems for financial advisors. With both companies poised for continued success, clients can expect exceptional opportunities ahead as a result of this partnership. For further insights about United Planners, visit their website at UnitedPlanners.com.