WA MAGAZINE JanFeb PDF A - Flipbook - Page 20
PLATFORM PROFILE
New Name, Same Vision:
“Buckingham” Is Now Focus
W
hen news broke that
the legendary advisor
network Buckingham
Strategic Partners had
changed its name to
Focus Partners Advisor Solutions
(FPAS), few in the industry did more
than nod at the cosmetic pivot. After all,
the vision remained as vibrant as ever.
And the advisors who run more than
$40 billion on the platform didn’t experience a single glitch. Now that they’ve
updated their business cards, the work
of building a better financial landscape
continues without missing a beat.
But back up. If you didn’t know Focus
in the Buckingham days, you can rightfully ask what exactly this is all about.
Why does the firm attract such a passionate following, no matter what you call it?
We talked to Jonathan Scheid, FPAS
president, about the firm’s distinct
service-driven model, which emphasizes
human relationships and comprehensive support over technology-driven
efficiency alone.
And FPAS is not alone here. According to a recent McKinsey & Company
report, firms that successfully combine
technology and personalized service
see significantly higher client retention
and satisfaction rates. Clients value
technological efficiency but prioritize
human advice when making complex
financial decisions.
“The tech lane is tough,” he says.
“It’s constantly evolving, with new
players bringing innovative solutions
to the table. Instead of competing in
that space, we chose to focus on what
clients really demand.”
Two decades ago, FPAS made the
strategic decision to outsource its
THE SERVICE TAMP PHILOSOPHY
Jonathan Scheid says that while some
firms excel by creating cutting-edge
tech solutions, FPAS focuses on the
areas where they believe they can add
the most value: coaching, community
building, investment strategies, and
content delivery.
20 | JAN/FEB 2025
Buckingham Strategic
Partners has become Focus
Partners Advisor Solutions,
carrying forward a legacy
of holistic, high-touch,
solution-centric service.
technological development, choosing
instead to concentrate on building a
robust service-oriented infrastructure.
This solution-centric model includes
operational essentials such as billing,
trading, and compliance support, but
the true differentiator lies in the human
relationships it fosters. Advisors who
partner with FPAS gain access to a network of specialists, ensuring that every
interaction is grounded in expertise and
tailored guidance.
The wealth management industry
is experiencing a seismic shift in client
expectations. Gone are the days when a
diversified portfolio alone was enough
to justify a 1% advisory fee, especially
with robo advisors offering automated
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