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The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors: How the FTC’s Rule on Non-Competes May Impact AdvisorsThe Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors: How the FTC’s Rule on Non-Competes May Impact Advisors

Attorney Matt Baum breaks down the facts on the latest FTC noncompete rule, the potential impact on an advisor’s business, current agreements, the ability to transition and more.

Louis Diamond, President

May 2, 2024

On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission announced a comprehensive “Noncompete Rule,” banning non-competes for “all workers, even senior executives,” as stated on their website.

It’s a hot topic amongst advisors, who are curious about how this ruling might impact their businesses, current agreements, and, ultimately, their ability to transition.

As advisor advocates, Diamond Consultants applauds any action that enables advisors to choose the best firm for their clients and business—without limitation or threat of litigation.

However, as it stands now, we aren’t convinced this new rule will significantly impact an advisor’s business life.

And, as with any new ruling, it begs more examination, particularly as it relates to those in the wealth management industry.

So, we asked attorney Matt Baum to join Louis Diamond on this special episode. Matt is a partner at the law firm Fox Rothschild and specializes in the financial services industry.

In this episode, Matt breaks down the facts around the current FTC ruling and offers his thoughts on the most common concerns we’re hearing from advisors, including:

  1. When this rule will go into effect and the impact on existing agreements.

  2. Whether certain elements of an advisor’s current employment agreement may ultimately be non-enforceable.

  3. How this might impact non-solicit agreements.

  4. What this might mean for garden leave provisions.

  5. The impact on business owners.

  6. And, most importantly, what advisors need to do to protect their business and livelihood.

Related:FTC Issues Worker Non-Compete Ban as Chamber Lawsuit Looms

As firms continue to find new ways to stave off attrition, topics like this are critical to the employee advisors who are most impacted by regulatory changes. Likewise, business owners need to understand their responsibilities when it comes to provisions that may affect their practices.

While not intended to replace the advice of counsel, this episode seeks to break down the facts and provide general guidance on an evolving topic.

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About the Author

Louis Diamond

President, Diamond Consultants

Louis has guided many of the top teams in the industry as they’ve transitioned to other employee-model firms or launched RIA firms. And as a next-gen leader himself, Louis has a passion for representing complex multi-generational teams. His strong business acumen, refined analytical skills and objectivity also make Louis an ideal advisor to independent business owners who want to accelerate growth via mergers, acquisitions and recruiting.

A George Washington University magna cum laude graduate with a BBA degree in Finance and International Business, Louis’s resume includes roles at Ernst & Young, Morgan Stanley and UBS.

For more information, visit: https://www.diamond-consultants.com/team/louis-diamond/