Open Letter to Commonwealth Advisors

An Open Letter to Commonwealth Advisors

Commonwealth Open Letter from Todd Mackay

Dear Commonwealth Advisors,

Beyond death and taxes, I know two other things with certainty – you’re being barraged by recruiters and suitors, and change brings uncertainty and opportunity.

My personal view is that when an independent business owner is faced with the uncertainty of change, those who inventory what’s best for themselves, their teams and their clients capture the opportunity best. As you ponder what LPL’s acquisition of Commonwealth means for you and your clients, I want to personally share why in my heart I believe Cetera can be the best home for you and your team.

 
 
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“You built your career on trust, autonomy, and care for your clients. Now is the time to explore your options and I’d be honored if you would consider joining our great community.” Todd MackayPresident, Cetera Wealth Management

First, I want you to know that the entire home office team and I are devoted to helping advisors thrive in independent, community-driven environments. Before taking over wealth management for Cetera, I led Avantax, where our powerful culture was built on personal bonds and an advisor-first approach. Since the purchase of Avantax by Cetera, I have seen first-hand that this advisor-centric community approach is the cornerstone to everything Cetera stands for.

I can unequivocally say that Cetera stands for a truly independent environment, a community driven approach to our advisors’ relationships and the alignment of our purpose with the purpose of our advisors. As a result, I believe we have created the best culture for advisors in the country.

The Cetera Advantage: Why Commonwealth Advisors Are a Great Fit at Cetera

  • Independence without isolation – Like Commonwealth, Cetera champions advisor independence. You control your business. Period. We are here to provide unwavering support of your unique approach. Our purpose is to align with yours.
  • A community with thriving culture and collaboration – While Cetera has all the advantages of scale, including powerful platforms like Fidelity’s NFS, we tailor everything through our community approach. Each of our communities has dedicated home office support teams so we can make the big feel small. Whether you’re working as a stand-alone firm, sharing office space with other advisors, a financial institution, a tax-centric advisor, a large enterprise OSJ, or an ensemble firm, our teams are built to serve your type of practice. Cetera is committed to engaging with our advisors in this community-centered model, which provides incredible collaboration with peers and a dedicated home office team that will serve you and your firm directly.
  • High-touch support and seamless transition – Our concierge-level onboarding team ensures a smooth transition for your practice, so you can focus on what matters most – your clients. We believe we have the best retention of assets and clients in the industry as we welcome new advisors into our family. Once you’re here, you aren’t just another advisor. You will have a personal relationship with a dedicated growth and service team supporting you every step of the way. You will also continue to enjoy the personalized service that you have come to expect.
  • Growth resources to elevate your practice your way – We meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to go. In short: we deliver the right solutions to the right advisors at the right time. We do this through our consultative business planning and advanced advisor diagnostics to help you meet all of your professional and personal goals.
  • Your business. Your choice. – My first question to advisors considering joining us is, “What can I do to help?” Let me know what is most important to you, your team and your clients and we will make sure we align ourselves to that.

Let’s Talk

At this point, you aren’t just evaluating a platform – you’re evaluating your future. You built your career on trust, autonomy, and care for your clients. Now is the time to explore your options and I’d be honored if you would consider joining our great community.

Your next chapter should be written on your terms. We’re here to help make that happen.

Schedule a Meeting

Todd Mackay 
President, Cetera Wealth Management 

This letter is available by access through the cetera.com website and is therefore available publicly to all individuals who visit the cetera.com website. It has not been sent directly to any individuals.

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Commonwealth

What mattered at Commonwealth still matters here.

Community. Culture. Independence. You embraced these values at Commonwealth—and you'll find them thriving at Cetera.

Partnership that fits right and feels right

With a wealth of affiliation options and communities to choose from, you’ll retain the feeling of a boutique firm while gaining additional scale to grow. Dedicated community leadership and peer support ensure your voice is heard and your goals stay front and center.

“We meet advisors where they are. We don’t force you to fit into a cookie-cutter mold. It’s your business and your choice. Our structure allows you to put down the roots that help you flourish the most.” Todd MackayPresident, Cetera Wealth Management

Unwavering support for your distinct business

Whatever is most important to you, we can elevate it not only within the business models below, but as part of a distinct community served by local teams and leadership.

Commonwealth

Leverage holistic support for all your ambitions and achieve true independence.

Lose the constraints, never the control. Empower your super OSJ, broker-dealer, or producer group to thrive.

Help your clients keep more of what they earn with our tax-intelligent tools and processes.

Create the investment program you envision while retaining the culture you’re known for.

“My business has grown tremendously—I've added $116 million AUM in three years—because I’m not tied to someone else’s model.”

Mark Joyner

Mark Joyner

The Wealth Management Group

“Cetera is truly a home away from home. It's a very inclusive and supportive place to grow my business.”

Joanna Moran

Joanna Moran

Greater Nevada Financial Services

“The relationship you have with your broker-dealer is critical to the success of your program. And with Cetera, our program has reached new heights.”

Michael Simon

Michael Simon

GTE Federal Credit Union

Go RIA—and let us do the heavy lifting

Higher payout. Greater valuation. Full control. With RIA Blueprint, you get all the benefits of owning your own RIA—without the weight of creating your own tech, compliance, and operations systems. Flexible affiliation options grow with you as your business evolves.

Learn More

Clearing your path to success

Our custody and clearing options let you retain the service, control, and convenience you and your clients have come to rely on.

Our way is always your way

See why former colleagues Bruce and Dawn Cramer feel Cetera not only listened to their needs, but went above and beyond to support and honor their entrepreneurial spirit and love of innovation.

Here, you’re always the priority

Each Cetera community has its own dedicated support team, so your questions lead to follow-through, not a phone queue.

Advisor Star Rating

Over 35,000 five-star reviews in advisor satisfaction*

Onboarding that really is a win-win

Onboarding that really is a win-win

Our white-glove onboarding experience won top industry honors for the second year in a row. And by ensuring an average of 95% AUM transitioned in 45-60 days**, it’s a win for you, too.

Learn More
 
 

Your next move should be up to you. Let’s talk.

Changing firms isn’t just a decision—it’s a defining moment. Choose a firm that prioritizes peer connection, boutique support, and true independence. Speak with a Business Development Representative confidentially and discover how Cetera can help you thrive.

Matt
Matt Smith
Business Development
(848) 254-7557
Jascha
Jascha Wilson
Business Development
(657) 753-7021

*Data from Cetera’s Support Center customer experience surveys, Nov. 10, 2020 – May 31, 2025.

**Based on internal metrics for financial professionals onboarded between Jan. 2020 and Dec. 2024.

The WealthManagement.com Industry Awards program recognizes outstanding organizations and individuals that support financial advisor success. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.

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Meet Your Team

Devotion that drives results.

Meet your partners in success

Your passion for helping your clients is why they're with you. And it's fueled by the drive you bring to all areas of life. Your support team at Cetera is no different: they bring the passion that drives them to every interaction with you to energize your growth and success.

Don’t wish upon a star—plan upon a bunch of them

Our service and support for you and your team is steadfast and unwavering. We measure our success against your expectations time and time again so we can deliver reliable service you can depend on.

Advisor Star Rating

Over 35,000 five-star reviews in advisor satisfaction*

 
 

Have everything you need just the way you need it

The right tech, tools, and products at your fingertips is powerful. But when it’s all packaged by a service team that can seamlessly arrange them into a growth path? That’s priceless. See how we can make it easier to pursue your goals—and have more fun doing it.

Matt
Matt Smith
Business Development
(848) 254-7557
Jascha
Jascha Wilson
Business Development
(657) 753-7021

*Data from Cetera’s Support Center customer experience surveys, Nov. 10, 2020 – May 31, 2025.

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Your 4-Step Guide to Gaining New Clients

Get ready to grow your ideal practice! “Your 4-Step Guide to Gaining New Clients” e-book breaks down proven strategies that make growing your book of business feel effortless.

Unlock the secrets of how to:

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Succession Planning in 3 Steps

Succession Planning in 3 Steps
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Succession Planning in 3 Steps: An Essential Guide for Financial Advisors

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