As the financial advisory industry evolves, flexibility - not formulas - is becoming the differentiator. In this episode, Derek Gubala, Co-President of AlphaStar Capital Management, joins Tom to share what he's seeing across the independent RIA landscape heading into 2026. From shifting advisor demographics to customizable platforms, modern training, and the growing importance of client experience, this conversation explores what advisors must rethink to grow, and stay relevant, in a rapidly changing industry.

Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

🚀 Advisor demographics are changing and expectations are too

🧩 One-size-fits-all platforms are losing relevance

🧠 Training must go beyond products to business-building skills

🤝 Retention and client experience are becoming growth strategies

📣 Marketing still matters, but messaging and consistency matter more

Learn About FIG: https://www.figmarketing.com

800-527-1155