In a recent Mutual Fund Monitor – Advisor Report, we explored the methods firms are employing to help advisors build their business. Overall, the limited creativity with which firms addressed the issues was discouraging. While a few offered in-person workshops, most offered only shallow resources, such as referral ideas or client meeting tips. All hope is not lost, however.

As PlanAdviser.com reported last Thursday, Charles Schwab is in the process of rolling out an “exciting” program above and beyond most practice management resources we’ve seen so far. The program aims to help the growing number of advisors interested in leaving the corporate workplace make the leap to becoming independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs).

Nearly all aspects of the transition are assessed, from start-up loans to health benefits to discounts for office furniture and supply stores. Later in the summer, the firm plans to unveil an online marketing tool to help advisors create personalized logos, business cards, brochures and other promotional stationary. The firm will even offer an online function that outsources all core back-office responsibilities.

Although Schwab’s plans revolve around a very specific advisor pool – those transitioning to an independent practice – the firm is offering a unique package of practice management tools while covering the basic needs of the self-employed. It will be interesting to see which back-office niche firms will try to corner next, and what creative measures they’ll take to capture it.