First Allied Securities Kicks Off 8th Annual First Allied University Event

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- First Allied Securities, Inc. (First Allied), a leading independent broker-dealer supporting fee- and commission-based independent financial advisors across the nation, announced today that its 8th annual First Allied University educational event opened on Sunday, October 5, 2014, at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center in Atlanta, GA, and will run through Wednesday, October 8, 2014. First Allied is a member firm of Cetera Financial Group, the leading network of independent broker-dealers owned by RCS Capital (NYSE: RCAP), the full-service investment firm expressly focused on the retail investor.

First Allied University is an intense learning experience focused on helping independent financial advisors grow their practice, and features a specialized wealth management curriculum that teaches advisors to transform their practice into a complete wealth management business. Hosted at world-renowned university learning centers, the educational program is designed to improve wealth management acumen and boost advisory AUM among First Allied-affiliated financial advisors. With a focus on key business growth practices, the platform provides the tools and dedicated support to help financial advisors take immediate action to enhance their practices.

Since its inception, First Allied University has grown to be a core component of the First Allied advisor educational platform and a key differentiator for First Allied.  In 2014, participating advisors demonstrated an average individual advisor annual revenue growth rate of nearly 19%.

Kevin Keefe, President of First Allied, said, "This year, First Allied was delighted to welcome financial advisors from multiple fellow Cetera Financial Group broker-dealer firms to First Allied University, and we look forward to showcasing more of this exceptional educational platform to the broader Cetera network. Being part of an industry-leading network of firms with unparalleled resources clearly empowers First Allied University to continue to explore innovative ideas with our advisors, with the aim of introducing them to our larger Cetera advisor universe when we have proven the success of those ideas. All of this, in turn, provides an excellent example of the advantages we provide to First Allied advisors through our relationship with Cetera Financial Group."

This year, approximately 180 First Allied financial advisors, along with advisors from The Legend Group, a specialized provider of investment solutions, as well as attendees from Cetera Advisors participated in First Allied University.  All three firms are members of Cetera Financial Group.

The 2014 First Allied University curriculum covers a wide range of wealth management and practice management topics, and is also designed to provide an additional level of knowledge to enable advisors to competently serve affluent and high-net-worth clients who expect an advanced level of expertise. Upon completion of the First Allied University program, advisors have the opportunity to build upon their educational experiences at this event as a foundation towards earning the designation of Certified Wealth Strategist® (CWS®). This year, First Allied also introduced a Masters program for a select group of advanced advisors who want to learn advanced wealth management and business growth strategies.

Professional educational sessions will be led by leading First Allied professionals as well as prominent experts, practice management coaches and thought leaders from across the financial services industry, including:

• Philip Palaveev, Chief Executive Officer, The Ensemble Practice
• Phil Buchanan, Chairman of the Board, Cannon Financial Institute
• Frank Maselli, The Maselli Group
• Mitch Anthony, President, Advisory Insight, Inc.

The program will also feature peer-to-peer breakout sessions led by some of First Allied's most successful and experienced independent advisors.

About First Allied

Based in San Diego, First Allied serves as the firm of choice for independent financial advisors from across the nation who seek to grow their businesses. Our exclusive business development platform has been expertly constructed to provide entrepreneurial advisors with the industry's most comprehensive platform for growth. First Allied is a member of Cetera Financial Group, RCS Capital Corporation's (NYSE: RCAP) retail investment advice platform. As of December 31, 2013, First Allied had approximately $27 billion in assets under administration and 795 affiliated financial advisors. First Allied Securities is part of First Allied Holdings, which also includes The Legend Group, a specialized provider of investment and retirement solutions to the not-for-profit space, including 403(b) accounts.

About Cetera Financial Group

Cetera Financial Group is the retail advice platform of RCS Capital Corporation (NYSE: RCAP). Comprised of Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions), First Allied Securities, Investors Capital, J.P. Turner and Company, The Legend Group, Summit Brokerage Services, along with VSR Financial and Girard Securities following the close of their acquisitions by RCAP, the platform is the second largest independent financial advisor network in the nation by number of advisors, as well as a leading provider of retail services to the investment programs of banks and credit unions. It delivers award-winning wealth management and advisory platforms, comprehensive broker-dealer and registered investment adviser services, and innovative technology to over 9,700 independent financial professionals and approximately 500 financial institutions nationwide. Through its distinct firms, Cetera offers the benefits of a large, established and well-capitalized broker-dealer and registered investment adviser, while serving independent and institutions-based financial advisors in a way that is customized to their unique needs and aspirations. Cetera is committed to helping advisors grow their businesses and strengthen their relationships with clients.

About RCAP

RCS Capital Corporation (NYSE: RCAP) is a full-service investment firm expressly focused on the individual retail investor. With operating subsidiaries including retail advice services, wholesale distribution, investment banking, capital markets, investment research, investment management and crowdfunding, RCAP business is designed to capitalize, support, grow and maximize value for the investment programs it distributes and the independent advisors and clients it serves. Additional information about RCAP can be found on its website at www.rcscapital.com. RCAP may disseminate information about itself, including the results of its operations and financial information, via social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Media Contact:

Matthew Griffes / Joseph Kuo
Haven Tower Group LLC
206.402.5853 / 424.652.6521
[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE First Allied Securities, Inc.