The Single-Tier Revenue-Based Partnership: Why It Works, and Why Few Do It
What Is a Single-Tier Partnership?
A single-tier partnership is a business structure where all partners have equal authority in managing the firm, but compensation is based on the revenue each partner or firm generates.
Rather than equally dividing profits, each partner’s share is determined by their specific contribution to fee revenue.
Key Features:
- Equal Authority: All partners have the same rights in management and operations. Decisions are made collectively.
- Revenue-Based Sharing: Profits and losses are allocated based on each partner’s fee revenue, according to the operating agreement.
- Simplicity: A straightforward structure, with no complex hierarchy or partner classes.
- Limited Liability: In certain jurisdictions, partners may benefit from limited liability protections.
- Flexibility: The partnership agreement can be easily updated to reflect changes in the business or partner arrangements.
Why United Advisor Group Chose a Single-Tier Revenue-Based Partnership
United Advisor Group’s model is designed to align the interests of partners, foster autonomy, and drive collaborative growth.
Revenue-based partnerships offer several distinct advantages:
Alignment of Interests:
Since earnings are directly linked to revenue generation, all partners are motivated to collaborate and grow together.
Reduced Financial Risk:
Focusing on revenue instead of profit minimizes the unpredictability associated with business expenses and investments.
Simplified Distribution:
Revenue sharing eliminates the complexities of deducting operational costs, taxes, and overhead from partner distributions.
Investment Appeal for Individual Firms:
The "pass-through" model enhances the profitability of each partner’s brand or firm, making them more attractive to investors.
The RIA itself is not treated as a profit center — ensuring that advisor and client interests come first.
Operational Flexibility:
Partners can selectively use shared services that fit their business models without being burdened by irrelevant offerings.
Stronger Collaboration:
Revenue-driven success encourages creativity, knowledge-sharing, and a true team mentality.
Robust Compliance Solutions:
The partnership structure allows partners to benefit from large-scale, cost-efficient compliance systems while maintaining individual input and avoiding unnecessary audits.
Lower Barriers to Entry:
New partners can join without the heavy capital requirements often found in traditional RIA models.
How Voting Works at United Advisor Group
Voting within United Advisor Group follows a model of true partnership and equal representation:
Equal Voting Rights:
Each partner (as an individual, not an entity) receives 10 shares to allocate among themselves and, optionally, within their firm/DBA.
Majority Rule:
Decisions are typically made by a majority vote, with the operating agreement specifying which matters require a simple majority or a super-majority.
Key Areas Subject to Voting Include:
- Admission of new partners
- Changes to the partnership agreement
- Major financial decisions
- Business strategy and direction
Monthly Meetings:
Partners meet monthly to discuss issues and cast votes on key decisions.
Governance Committee:
A five-member Governance Committee, with staggered two- to five-year terms, plays a key role by:
- Developing policy with the Director
- Conducting deep evaluations of initiatives
- Reporting transparently to the partnership on findings and recommendations
This structure ensures partners have real input while balancing efficient management with strong governance.
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Why Other Independent RIAs Avoid Single-Tier Revenue-Based Partnerships
Despite the clear benefits, few independent RIAs adopt this structure because it typically lowers their revenue valuation multiple.
Revenue-Based Valuation Explained:
An RIA’s valuation is often calculated by applying a multiple to its annual revenue — with 3x revenue being a common starting point.
However, to boost this multiple, many RIAs design their structures to maximize the RIA’s profit, often at the expense of the advisor and the client.
Common (but avoided) Practices Include:
Mandatory investment strategies
- Limited selling agreements
- Fee markups and creation of unnecessary fees
- Affiliation and tech fees
- Inflated trading and platform fees
- Branding that elevates the RIA over the individual advisor’s firm
United Advisor Group’s model deliberately rejects these tactics, prioritizing advisor independence and client trust over inflating corporate valuations.
See our main article here: Why Independent Broker-Dealer Advisors Are Moving to the Independent RIA Model
Ready to take control of your future?
Download the free Transition Roadmap for Advisors and see exactly how you can break free without breaking stride: Download Here
