Episode 248: Why RIAs Are Reconsidering Annuities (For Real)

What if the annuity conversation your clients avoid is actually the simplest way to lower costs, maintain liquidity, and unlock advisory revenue you’re currently missing out on? In this episode of The Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, host Seth Greene interviews Tom McCarthy, Chief Distribution Officer at DPL Financial Partners. He discusses the quiet yet powerful shift transforming the RIA space through the modernization of annuities. They explore how 1035 exchanges are unlocking billions in legacy commission assets, how advisors can convert outdated products into recurring advisory revenue, and why education remains the biggest barrier to adoption. For RIAs navigating independence, mergers and acquisitions, or enterprise valuation, this conversation provides timely insights into how annuities are evolving into strategic planning tools instead of traditional sales products. Key Takeaways: → The advisory model is no longer limited to investments. Modern annuities now support fee billing, liquidity, and tax efficiency, aligning with the RIA model. → Through 1035 exchanges, advisors can convert commission-based annuities into advisory-fee structures. → Commission revenue can complicate valuations and M&A deals. Converting legacy commission books into advisory assets enhances firm valuation and deal flexibility. → Many RIAs still associate annuities with high costs, illiquidity, and a sales culture, not realizing the product has significantly modernized. → DPL allows advisors to fully detach from broker/insurance licenses while maintaining advisory economics on legacy annuity books, removing a major barrier to independence. Tom McCarthy is the Chief Distribution Officer at DPL Financial Partners, where he leads sales and distribution strategies to drive growth in advisory-focused insurance and structured solutions within the RIA and wealth management sectors. Previously, he served as EVP and Head of Wealth Sales at Orion Advisor Solutions, overseeing significant asset growth, doubling RIA adoption of wealth services, and securing key enterprise integrations. Before that, he spent over 20 years at AssetMark, helping grow the firm from $1B to more than $100B in AUM and guiding it through a successful IPO. Connect With Tom: Website: https://www.dplfp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwmccarthy/