Training for Financial Advisors: 5 Proven Strategies to Drive Growth in 2025

Empowering advisors through training is essential for fostering growth and development.

Sarah, an RIA founder, lost a key client to a tech-savvy competitor due to her team’s outdated skills. Sound familiar? With 65% of advisors undertrained in digital tools, RIAs risk falling behind. Discover five actionable strategies to help your advisory team increase AUM, strengthen client retention, and grow with confidence—using Dimensional Delta’s GROWTH Model.

This guide blends structure, strategy, and simplicity to help you build training for financial advisors that actually works—and drives ROI.

“Training is no longer optional—it’s the backbone of RIA growth in a digital-first world.” — Michael Kitces, industry thought leader (Kitces Report, 2024).

Why Most Training for Financial Advisors Falls Short

Too many firms rely on one-off workshops or outdated slide decks. Here’s what usually goes wrong:

• It’s reactive: Training only happens when there’s a problem.

• It’s narrow: Technical knowledge gets attention, but communication, compliance, and growth skills don’t.

• It’s disconnected from outcomes: No one tracks if training improves AUM or retention.

Top-performing firms see training as a strategic investment. According to Cerulli (2023), RIAs with structured training programs see 32% higher revenue growth.

5 High-Impact Strategies for Training Financial Advisors.

1. Digital Marketing Mastery

Why it matters: 68% of high-net-worth prospects research advisors online before reaching out (J.D. Power, 2023). Yet only 24% of advisors feel confident online (Fidelity).

What to cover:

• Build a LinkedIn profile that balances compliance and personality.

• Teach SEO basics and blog strategy.

• Show how to engage—not just post—on social.
  

Quick win: Run a one-hour LinkedIn workshop. Give each advisor a checklist and peer review partner.

Advisors often lack the digital marketing skills to attract tech-savvy clients, limiting growth. The GROWTH model emphasizes digital skills as essential for growth. Teach advisors to optimize LinkedIn, create relevant content, and run targeted prospecting campaigns.

• Social Media Strategy Fundamentals: Build a LinkedIn presence with thought leadership.

• Content Creation Frameworks: Create blogs or videos for high-net-worth prospects.

• Digital Prospecting Techniques: Leverage SEO, emails, and webinars for leads.
  

Metrics to track: Inbound leads, website traffic, profile views.

2. Client Communication Excellence

Why it matters: 62% of clients who leave a firm cite communication problems (Spectrem Group, 2023).

What to cover:

• How to run better virtual meetings with strong visuals.

• Writing clear, confident emails and video updates.

• Handling tough questions and emotional cues.
  

Quick win: Use a self-assessment scorecard after each client meeting. Rate clarity, listening, and next-step follow-up.

Pro tip: Record client calls (with permission) and use them in training.

3. Turn Technology from a Hurdle into a Growth Engine

Why it matters: RIAs use 8–12 systems, but only 17% of advisors say they’re fully confident using them (T3 Survey, 2023). Tech struggles create bottlenecks—58% of RIAs cite adoption as a challenge. Training for financial advisors in the GROWTH Model streamlines workflows for better efficiency.

• CRM Optimization Training: Maximize Salesforce for client tracking.

• Financial Planning Software Mastery: Streamline planning with eMoney.

• Integrating Tech Stacks: Connect tools for seamless efficiency.

  
  

Key Tools to Use

• Salesforce: Automate client follow-ups and track interactions.

• eMoney: Create comprehensive financial plans with ease.

• Zapier: Integrate tools for automated workflows.

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Quick win: Start “Tech Tuesdays.” Each week, cover one underused feature in your core tech stack.

Results to aim for: Increased CRM usage, less admin time, faster client onboarding.

4. Compliance Confidence

Why it matters: SEC regulations are rising, and compliance anxiety kills momentum. The average advisor spends 15 hours a week on compliance (FPA, 2023). Compliance anxiety stalls growth—61% of advisors stress over regulatory changes. The GROWTH Model’s compliance training for financial advisors builds confidence.

What to cover:

• Compliance-by-design: integrate rules into daily workflows.

• Efficient documentation.

• RegTech tools that simplify recordkeeping.

Quick win: Launch a 10-minute weekly quiz using real scenarios.

Result: Fewer errors, faster reviews, and reduced advisor stress.

5. Develop Advisors Who Drive Revenue, Not Just Maintain It

Why it matters: Client acquisition costs are up 38% in five years (PriceMetrix). Yet only 29% of advisors get formal sales training (Kitces, 2023). 

Traditional training overlooks growth—firms with growth-trained advisors grow AUM 15% faster (Cerulli, 2023). The GROWTH Model prioritizes revenue through targeted training for financial advisors.

• Business Development Skills: Pursue high-value prospects.

• Cross-Selling Techniques: Offer services without sounding salesy.

• Client Expansion Strategies: Deepen relationships for referrals.

  
  

ROI Measurement: Track AUM growth (e.g., 10% increase) or referrals (e.g., 25% more).

Quick Implementation Tip: Role-play a referral conversation in your next meeting.

Case Study: A 50-client RIA we coached adopted our communication training, increasing retention by 12% in six months. Advisors reported stronger client rapport, crediting role-playing exercises.

Result to expect: More meetings, better conversion, stronger pipelines.

Creating a Culture of Financial Advisor Education

A 2024 Deloitte study found learning cultures boost engagement by 30% and client outcomes by 20%. The best training programs do three things:

• Make time sacred: Block recurring sessions on the calendar.

• Track impact: Monitor metrics like AUM, client retention, and training completion.

• Recognize wins: Publicly celebrate learning milestones.

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Also, involve advisors in shaping the training plan. Ask what they need. Build feedback into every module.

Ready to Transform Your Team with Better Training For Financial Advisors? Let’s Talk.

Don’t let outdated skills cost you clients. Schedule a free 30-minute Training Needs Assessment with Dimensional Delta to build a tailored GROWTH plan. Act now—slots are limited, and competitors are gaining ground.

FAQs About Training for Financial Advisors

What’s the biggest training gap for RIAs today?

Digital skills, with 65% of advisors undertrained. Marketing and tech training drive impact. Try our Digital Marketing Skills Assessment.

How long does training take to show results?

Firms see improvements in 3-6 months, with 10-15% AUM growth in 12 months (Cerulli, 2023).

How do I get advisors to embrace training?

Tie training to benefits like commissions. Involve them in planning. Start with our Communication Training Framework.

What’s the cost-benefit of advisor training programs?

Training boosts retention by 20% and AUM by 15% (Schwab, 2024). Assessments prioritize spending.

How do I budget for RIA training?S

tart with low-cost options like internal workshops or free online tools. Scale with ROI, like 25% more leads from digital training (Kitco, 2023).

Final Thought About Training for Financial Advisors And RIAs

Training isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a growth lever. Treat it that way.

Want help? Schedule a free 30-minute Training Strategy Session with Dimensional Delta.

About The Author: Dawn Drewitz – An Expert In Advisor Development And RIA Growth Strategies

Dawn Drewitz has helped hundreds of RIAs improve advisor performance, strengthen communication, and increase AUM through customized coaching and development. Having coached hundreds of advisors to master digital skills, compliance, and growth strategies, she’s passionate about empowering RIAs to thrive digitally. A frequent speaker at Schwab IMPACT, Dawn blends data-driven insights with a commitment to advisor success. Connect on LinkedIn.