About Corey Walen

I’ve spent more than 15 years inside the broker-dealer and RIA ecosystem, helping advisors make some of the most important decisions of their careers, where to build their business, how to structure it, and what comes next. Over that time, I’ve personally helped more than 1,000 financial advisors and advisor teams transition between firms, platforms, and business models.

About Corey Walen

My Background

I began my career at LPL Financial, where I spent nearly six years helping advisors explore independence and the RIA landscape. I later moved to Ameriprise, gaining experience on the employee and independent side of the business. Those roles gave me a front-row seat to how firms recruit, how offers are structured, and where the fine print lives.

Over time, I became uncomfortable having only one solution to offer advisors. Every firm can look like the perfect fit when you’re hearing one pitch at a time, but real clarity only comes from understanding the entire landscape.

That’s what led me to build an independent advisory recruiting practice in partnership with Bridgemark Strategies.

Why Bridgemark Matters

Through Bridgemark, I’m backed by a national team of experienced consultants with 200+ years of combined experience working inside wirehouses, independent broker-dealers, RIAs, and leadership roles across the industry. We maintain deep relationships with more than 150 BD and RIA firms, and we understand how those firms actually operate, not just how they market themselves.

200+ years

combined experience

150+

BD and RIA firm

Who I Work With

I typically work with experienced, high-performing advisors and teams who feel constrained, uncertain, or misaligned with their current platform.

That includes:

Wirehouse advisors exploring independence
Advisors comparing RIA, hybrid, and employee models
Independent advisors considering a new platform or structure
Teams navigating growth, succession, or M&A decisions

Some advisors are just beginning to explore their options. Others are already preparing to move. I help at every stage of readiness, whether the transition happens in three months or three years.

Ready to start?

If you’re standing at the edge of the bridge, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

I offer a complimentary conversation to help you understand what crossing to independence really involves, and whether it’s the right move for you.

Your search will always be treated with 100% confidentiality.

Insights and Tips

You don’t cross the bridge alone. We walk it together, every step of the way.

Firm Transitions Podcast

Changing Firms — Will My Clients Will Come With Me?

What Financial Advisors Should Expect From the First Call

When Should You Call a Recruiter?

“Cruise Control” Wasn’t Enough for This Edward Jones Advisor

The Actual Payout Independent Advisors Take Home

The Questions Financial Advisors Are Always Asking—My Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if it’s the right time to consider a move?

You don’t know if it’s the right time until you get the right information. Advisors don’t just take a blind leap of faith, they get the information they need to make this decision for themselves. Our firm has most likely helped many advisors from you firm and can help you understand what you would be gaining by moving or leaving behind so you can make a smart decision.

What usually causes advisors to regret a transition?

Making an emotional decision or one based off economics almost always leads to mistakes. Moving firms can be very emotional and many advisors are in a prime position to make a decision off of emotions and not logic. Having an objective soundboard like myself can help you stay you stay focused on things that are important to you and not be strayed by shiny objects or things that aren’t relevant to you long term success.

Can I explore my options without committing to anything?

Yes! There is not commitment whatsoever. Whenever you want to stop working together or speaking to different firms, we can simply just postpone the search. There is no contract when working with me.

What if I’m just curious and not ready to move?

This is how many of my relationships have started. I have been working with some advisor for 10+ years educating them on the exponentially changing marketplace with no expectations. The smartest advisors in the industry are always looking for the next competitive edge from a tools, technology, and resources standpoint.

What does the advisor transition process actually look like?

It all starts with an initial phone call to learn more about you, the characteristics of your business, and what your goals, wants and needs are. If you don’t know the answers to these questions yet, its ok. I can educate you on industry offerings to help identify your wish list.