Case Study · Enterprise Consulting
Building Thrivent Advisor Network: Creating a National RIA Platform from the Ground Up
Launching an RIA platform is fundamentally different from launching an advisory firm. Instead of serving one business, you're creating an ecosystem capable of supporting hundreds of advisors and billions in client assets. Fusion Financial Partners partnered with Thrivent Advisor Network leadership to help design and build the platform's strategic foundation during its formative years. Within twelve months of launch, the platform reached approximately $12 billion in assets under management and was recognized as Wealth Management Innovator of the Year.
Fusion's Role
Client Profile
Kimberly Papedis
Interim Head of Business Development / Revenue Officer
Mike Papedis
Global Strategy
Duration
Approximately two years
Scope of Engagement
Fusion provided strategic guidance across virtually every foundational component of the platform. Fusion effectively served as master builders during the creation of a national RIA platform.
- →Custody RFP
- →Broker-dealer RFP
- →Technology architecture
- →Vendor selection
- →Marketing agency selection
- →Public relations partner selection
- →Outsourced CTO recommendations
- →Market intelligence
- →Platform design
Results
- ✓Platform launched successfully
- ✓Approximately $12 billion in assets during the first twelve months
- ✓Recipient of the Wealth Management Innovator of the Year Award
- ✓Foundation established for continued national expansion
The Challenge
Launching an RIA platform is fundamentally different from launching an advisory firm. Instead of serving one business, you're creating an ecosystem capable of supporting hundreds of advisors and billions in client assets.
Enterprise transformation isn't primarily a technology problem. It's a leadership challenge.
Large organizations naturally include stakeholders with different perspectives, varying priorities, and different levels of comfort with change. Helping those stakeholders understand the future vision was every bit as important as designing the platform itself.
Mike's Perspective
"The most successful organizations are led by innovative visionaries who can clearly see the future state of the business. Innovation doesn't have to threaten people. When leaders are educated with facts instead of assumptions, transformation becomes something people participate in rather than resist."
— Mike Papedis
Lessons from the Launch
Technology alone doesn't create transformation. Leadership does.
The strongest platforms combine strategic vision with disciplined execution across every operational component of the business.
Fusion helps advisory firms, enterprises, and financial institutions build platforms designed for long-term growth — not simply launch projects.
Found this article valuable? Share it with another advisor.
From the Advisor Academy
Ready to build your firm?
Whether you're managing $250 million or several billion dollars, independence deserves more than a transition checklist. It deserves a blueprint. Every engagement is confidential.
Schedule a Confidential Strategy Session