Case Study

Presentation

Overview

The purpose of the Case Study Presentation is to provide students with an opportunity to apply the concepts learned in this class to a possible wealth management client scenario. For this assignment, groups are asked to highlight a scenario (based on real and/or hypothetical clients) that illustrates concepts discussed in class. The situation can be based on actual experiences, completely fictional, or it can be a combination of both. Please maintain confidentiality of all client information and data, and never use a client's real name.

Groups will prepare a business plan that is no shorter than 3 pages, but likely will need to be about 10+pages. The business plan will be an exploration of a potential wealth management firm and how that firm should be structured. You should have sections that focus on the following areas:

  • Firm Name (and logo for fun)
  • What is your team vision and mission
  • How will your firm be organized (RIA, Wirehouse, etc.)
  • How will your firm earn revenue (Commissions, fees, etc.)
  • What you target market/idea client would look like
  • What are your goals over the next 10 years, 3 years, 1 year and 90 days.
  • How will you service clients (calendar of meetings, events, communication, services offered)
  • How will you win new clients (your marketing plan)
  • How will your firm be staffed?
  • What designations and training will you pursue? How will you develop yourself?
  • What technology do you need to run your firm?
  • What investments will you use in your firm and what would be a typical investment strategy for a client? (NOTE: This section should be well built out)
  • Any other parts of your plan you would like to cover? (How will you onboard new clients, will you seek client feedback, will you have a client advisory board, what would happen if you couldn't run the business anymore, etc.)

Groups will prepare and present a presentation to discuss their case. Typically presentations will be about 5-10 slides and will last about 10 minutes. Case Study Presentations will be presented during class. Each group should work together to develop and present their own case study.

Grading

Case Study Presentation

The Case Study Presentation should include the following sections, which serve as a guide for grading:

  • Summary: A summary and explanation of the relevant wealth management concept(s)
  • Overview: An overview of the case that introduces the practice and the relevant facts
  • Analysis: An analysis of the wealth management concepts that are identified in the case and how they applied to the case
    • Brand Name and Logo
    • Team Vision/Mission
    • Firm Setup (RIA, Wirehouse, etc.)
    • Business Structure and Revenue Source (S-Corp, W2 Employee, etc.)
    • Your Ideal Client and Niche Market
    • Your Team Goals - 90 days, 1 year, 3 year, 10 year
    • Team Service Plan
    • Team Marketing Plan (Events, Channels, Efforts)
    • Team Staffing Plan
    • Team Development Plan (how will you keep your saw sharp)
    • Team Tech Stack
    • Team Investment Philosophy
    • Outline of Client Onboarding (steps, timeline, etc.)
    • Process for Client Feedback
    • Succession Planning
  • Organization: Presentation is well organized and cohesive. Visual aids are used appropriately to enhance rather than detract from the presentation.

Your Case Study Writeup/Business Plan should include the following:

  • All the sections discussed above
  • You will be graded on how informative your business plan is
  • Appropriate use of charts/graphs and illustrations is encouraged
  • Proper punctuation, grammar and writing structure will be expected
  • Length - your paper should be no shorter than 3 pages, but likely should be around 10 pages.

Checkpoints

Checkpoint #1
  • Have you met as a team to review the assignment? Yes
  • Have you assigned roles? Yes
  • Have you reviewed the attached case study document? Yes

Checkpoint #2
  • Team Vision: Putting clients first and helping them create financial freedom
  • Team Mission: Lead Clients to financial well-being
  • How your Firm will be setup: RIA
  • Your Business Structure: LLC
  • Your Revenue Sources: Contract Advisors (1% AUM)
  • Your Ideal Client and Niche Market: Professionals new to their career (20s/30s)

Checkpoint #3
  • Goals
    • 90 Days: Form the RIA, set up compliance, and finalize our brand. Build a simple website and start networking for first clients.
    • 1 Year: Serve 10-20 clients and build steady AUM. Create a repeatable planning process and start getting referrals.
    • 3 Years: Scale to 75-150 clients and broaden services. Hire at least one additional team member.
    • 10 Years: Operate as a well-known regional RIA. Serve multi-generational, high-net-worth families with a full team.
  • Team Service Plan: Act as fiduciaries and always put clients first. Provide holistic financial planning and meet with clients regularly.
  • Team Marketing Plan: Grow through relationships in schools, churches, and local businesses. Share financial education on LinkedIn and host free workshops.
  • Team Staffing Plan: Start with 2-3 founders doing planning and operations. Add support staff, then more advisors as AUM grows.
  • Your Personal Development Plan: Pursue CPA, CMA, CFA, or CFP credentials. Attend conferences and workshops. Gain real-world experience and strengthen client communication skills.

Checkpoint #4
  1. Investment Philosophy: We could go with a core-satellite approach so the philosophy is 80-90% in low cost passive core. 10-20% in high conviction or alternatives
  2. Core Models:
    • Growth: 70-90% equities
    • Balanced: 60/40
    • Income/Preservation: 30-50% equities
  3. Rebalancing and Adjustments:
    • Rebalancing quarterly/semi/annually or when allocations drift +5%
    • Adjustments based on: life events/changes, tax considerations, risk tolerance change, or major economy assumptions shift
    • Decision-making based on risk modeling software, long-term valuations, and ongoing data-driven research rather than emotions.
  4. Asset Location Strategy:
    • Taxable Accounts: Tax-efficient ETFs, Municipal bonds, Avoid high turnover funds, Avoid REITs unless necessary, Harvest losses
    • Tax-Deferred (401k, IRA): Bonds, REITs, High-yield, Actively managed funds
    • Roth Accounts: Highest growth assets, Small cap, Private equity exposure, Emerging markets