Advisor Registration Process

Why Join Riafin?

Riafin connects qualified financial advisors with pre-screened, motivated Indian investors actively seeking professional guidance. Our platform helps you:

• Grow Your Practice: Access quality client leads matched to your expertise
• Save Time: Focus on clients, not marketing
• Build Trust: Verified credentials and client reviews
• Expand Reach: Connect with investors across 25+ Indian cities
• NRI Market: Access Non-Resident Indian clients seeking Indian advisory

Eligibility Requirements

Basic Requirements

To register as a Riafin advisor, you should have:

• ✅ Valid professional certification (SEBI RIA, FPSB CFP, CFA, CA, or equivalent)
• ✅ Financial advisory experience
• ✅ Professional standing with no disciplinary actions
• ✅ Commitment to fiduciary standards

Accepted Certifications

• SEBI Registered Investment Adviser (RIA)
• FPSB India Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Chartered Accountant (CA)
• Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) licensed
• Other recognized financial certifications

Registration Process

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit the registration page and provide the following information:

Account Details:

• Username
• Password (minimum 8 characters)
• Password confirmation

Personal & Company Information:

• Full name
• Company name
• Email address (required for confirmations and communications)
• Phone number

Professional Designation:

• Service Type: Select your primary designation from the dropdown:

  • Financial Advisor
  • Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Estate Planner
  • Retirement Adviser
  • Debt Planner
  • Wealth Advisory Firm
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
  • Insurance Agent
  • Chartered Accountant
  • Tax Consultant
  • Other

• Pricing Type: Automatically selected based on your service type, but you can override:

  • Fee-only
  • Fee-based
  • AUM (Assets Under Management)
  • Commission-based
  • Other

Primary Location:

• Select your registered office location from the dropdown
• If your location is not listed, contact us

Step 2: Email Confirmation

After submitting the registration form:

1. Check your email for a confirmation link
2. Click the confirmation link to verify your email address
3. Account created with free subscription plan

You cannot access the Pro Dashboard until your email is confirmed.

Step 3: Admin Review & Approval

Once your email is confirmed, your application enters the approval queue.

What Happens During Review:

Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation based on our 6-point vetting process:

1. Verification of Credentials & Professional Designations

We validate the authenticity and validity of your degrees, licenses, and certifications from accredited institutions. Key designations verified include:

• SEBI Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Chartered Accountant (CA)
• Other relevant certifications

2. Comprehensive Background Checks & Regulatory Compliance

We conduct thorough background checks, including:

• Verifying regulatory standing with SEBI and other relevant bodies
• Checking for disciplinary actions
• Ensuring clean professional record
• Confirming adherence to financial regulations

3. Assessment of Experience & Specialized Expertise

We evaluate:

• Years of experience in financial advisory sector
• Diversity of client base
• Areas of specialized expertise
• Track record of delivering quality financial advice

4. Commitment to Fiduciary Standard & Transparent Ethics

We assess:

• Explicit commitment to placing clients' best interests first
• Fee structure transparency
• Freedom from conflicts of interest
• Client-first approach

5. Interview Process & Communication Proficiency

Prospective advisors may participate in an interview to evaluate:

• Communication style
• Ability to articulate complex financial concepts clearly
• Client-centric approach
• Interpersonal skills

6. Ongoing Monitoring & Quality Standards

Our commitment extends beyond initial onboarding:

• Continuous monitoring of regulatory compliance
• Integration of client feedback
• Peer feedback mechanisms
• Maintaining high-quality standards

Timeline:

• Standard Processing: 10-15 business days
• Additional Information: May extend timeline if documents/clarifications needed

Step 4: Approval Notification

Once approved:

• Welcome email sent to your registered email
• Profile access granted to Pro Dashboard
• Subscription options available (upgrade from Free plan)

If additional information is needed:

• Specific request sent via email
• Documents or clarifications requested
• Review continues once submitted

If declined:

• Reason provided via email
• Can reapply after addressing issues
• Appeal process available

Setting Up Your Profile

Once approved, complete your profile in the Pro Dashboard.

Required Profile Sections

Basic Information

• Professional photo (JPEG/PNG/GIF/WebP, max 1MB)
• Name and company name
• Contact information (email, phone, address)
• Website (optional but recommended)

Service Designation (Pre-selected, not editable)

• Service type (Financial Advisor, RIA, CFP, etc.)
• Pricing type (Fee-only, Fee-based, AUM, Commission-based)
• Service options (Remote advisor, NRI advisor)

SEO & Intent Fields (Max 1000 characters each)

• Best suited for: Describe your ideal clients
• Problems solved: What specific issues you address
• Services not offered: What's outside your scope

Professional Bio

• Rich text editor for detailed bio
• Cannot include URLs, emails, or phone numbers
• Minimum 200 words recommended

Locations & Licenses

• Service locations (limited by subscription plan)
• Professional licenses with registration numbers
• Location/license limits: 1 (Free), 2 (Bronze), 3 (Silver), 5 (Gold)

Media (Paid plans only)

• Video URL (YouTube or Vimeo)

Profile Best Practices

Photo Guidelines:

• Professional headshot, JPEG/PNG/GIF/WebP format
• Maximum file size: 1MB
• Neutral background, business attire
• Recent photo (within 2 years)
• Friendly, approachable expression

Bio Writing:

• Lead with expertise and credentials
• Mention years of experience
• Highlight specializations (especially NRI, tax, retirement)
• Include your planning philosophy and process
• Add a personal touch
• Professional but approachable tone
• Write in third person (use "the advisor" instead of "I", "the practice" instead of "my practice")
• Important: Do not include contact information (URLs, emails, phone numbers)

Examples by Advisor Type:

For SEBI RIA:

"A SEBI Registered Investment Adviser and FPSB Certified Financial Planner with over 12 years of experience helping Indian professionals and business owners achieve their financial goals. The practice focuses on creating comprehensive wealth strategies aligned with Indian tax laws and regulations.

Specialization includes working with young professionals aged 25-40, families planning for education expenses, and business owners seeking succession planning. The approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of each client's unique situation, goals, and concerns.

The process begins with discovery to understand your complete financial picture, then builds a customized roadmap that evolves as your life changes. Transparency, ongoing education, and proactive communication ensure you feel confident about your financial decisions.

As a fiduciary advisor, the advisor always puts clients' interests first. Fee-only advisory services are offered, ensuring incentives are always aligned. Based in Mumbai, the advisor serves clients across India through both in-person and virtual consultations. Outside of work, the advisor is an avid reader and volunteer with financial literacy programs for underserved communities."

For Certified Financial Planner (CFP):

"A FPSB Certified Financial Planner with over 10 years of experience specializing in comprehensive financial planning for young professionals and families. The practice focuses on goal-based planning including retirement, education funding, and tax optimization strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances.

The advisor works extensively with IT professionals, doctors, and entrepreneurs aged 28-45 who are building wealth and planning for major life milestones. The approach integrates investment planning, risk management, and tax-efficient strategies to create holistic financial roadmaps.

The planning process starts with understanding your goals, analyzing your current financial position, and creating actionable steps to achieve financial independence. Regular reviews and adjustments ensure the plan evolves with your changing needs.

Based in Bangalore, the advisor serves clients across India through virtual consultations and periodic in-person meetings. In addition to financial planning, the advisor conducts workshops on financial literacy for working professionals."

For Chartered Accountant (CA):

"A Chartered Accountant with 15 years of experience in tax planning and wealth management. The practice specializes in helping business owners, professionals, and high-net-worth individuals navigate complex tax scenarios while building long-term wealth through strategic financial planning.

Expertise includes corporate tax planning, business succession strategies, and optimizing tax efficiency for salaried executives and entrepreneurs. The advisor has extensive experience working with clients in manufacturing, technology, and professional services sectors.

The approach combines deep tax knowledge with practical financial planning to minimize liabilities while maximizing wealth creation. The advisor stays current with changing tax regulations to ensure clients benefit from all available opportunities.

Based in Delhi, the practice serves clients across North India with both in-person consultations and virtual meetings. The advisor is a regular contributor to financial publications and conducts seminars on tax planning for business associations."

For Insurance Advisor:

"An IRDA-licensed insurance advisor with expertise in risk management and protection planning. The practice focuses on helping families secure their financial future through customized insurance solutions integrated with overall financial planning.

Specialization includes term life insurance, health insurance planning, and creating comprehensive protection portfolios for families at different life stages. The advisor works with clients to ensure adequate coverage while optimizing premiums and benefits.

The process involves analyzing your family's financial needs, existing coverage gaps, and future obligations to recommend appropriate protection strategies. The advisor also helps with claims assistance and policy reviews to ensure continued relevance.

Based in Chennai, the advisor serves clients across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. The practice emphasizes educating clients about the importance of risk management as a foundation of financial security."

Subscription Plans

Choose from four subscription tiers:

Starter Plan (Free)

• Basic profile listing & marketplace visibility
• Profile widgets for your website
• Add up to 1 service location
• Add up to 1 license/certification
• Reviews and ratings (up to 5)
• View system-matched prospects
• View up to 20 unmatched prospects to buy
• Kanban-style CRM for managing connections
• Email support

Bronze Plan (₹9,990/year + GST)

• Enhanced profile listing & visibility
• Add up to 2 service locations
• Add up to 2 licenses/certifications
• Reviews and ratings (up to 25)
• View up to 40 unmatched prospects
• 1 free prospect buy per month
• 5% discount on additional prospect purchases
• Priority email support

Silver Plan (₹19,990/year + GST)

• Advanced profile listing & visibility
• Add up to 3 service locations
• Add up to 3 licenses/certifications
• Reviews and ratings (up to 100)
• View up to 60 unmatched prospects
• 3 free prospect buys per month
• 10% discount on additional prospect purchases
• Phone & chat support
• Featured on Blog/Newsletter

Gold Plan (₹39,990/year + GST)

• Premium profile listing & visibility
• Add up to 5 service locations
• Add up to 5 licenses/certifications
• Reviews and ratings (up to 300)
• View up to 100 unmatched prospects
• 6 free prospect buys per month
• 20% discount on additional prospect purchases
• Dedicated account manager
• Exclusive features

Getting Your First Leads

Lead Delivery

Once your profile is complete and approved:

• Matches appear in your dashboard automatically
• Email notifications sent for new prospects
• 72-hour cooling-off period before contact (system-matched leads)

Lead Response Best Practices

• Contact within 24 hours for best results
• Personalize your outreach based on their questionnaire
• Reference their specific situation
• Suggest clear next steps

Common Reasons for Delay

Avoid these common issues that can delay approval:

• Incomplete profile information
• Missing contact details
• Unclear or vague specialization
• Missing professional licenses
• Professional photo not uploaded

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register if I'm a mutual fund distributor?

Mutual fund distributors (MFDs) who also have SEBI RIA, FPSB CFP, IRDA, PRFDA and other licenses can join, but your service type should accurately reflect your business model. Transparency about your fee structure is required.

What if I have both SEBI RIA and MFD registrations?

You can register. Select the service type that best represents your primary practice. Disclose your affiliations clearly in your bio.

Do I need a website?

Not required, but recommended. You can link to your firm's website in your profile.

Can I change my subscription plan?

Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade at any time from the Pro Dashboard billing section. Both changes take effect immediately:

• Upgrades: Prorated pricing applies. You'll pay the difference between your current and new plan for the remainder of your billing cycle.
• Downgrades: Non-refundable. Your plan will downgrade immediately, but no credit is provided for the difference.

What if I move cities?

Update your profile immediately. You can add multiple service locations based on your subscription plan. You can also contact us by sending us an email to help you update your primary location in case you moved out from that too.

How long does approval take?

Standard processing takes 10-15 business days. Complex cases requiring additional information may take longer.

What happens after I register?

1. Confirm your email
2. Wait for admin approval (10-15 business days)
3. Receive welcome email with dashboard access
4. Complete your profile
5. Start receiving leads

Support During Registration

Need Help?

• Application Questions: prosupport@riafin.com
• Technical Issues: prosupport@riafin.com
• Approval Status: prosupport@riafin.com