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Cambridge Expands Management Team and Focus on Succession Planning for Advisors

"Succession planning and business continuity are among the biggest concerns held by Rep/Advisors and we believe Cambridge offers the most complete solution in the industry," said Jim Guy, First EVP and CMO. "Barry and Jeff are expanding our firm-wide initiative to help every Cambridge advisor have, at minimum, a personalized, written emergency succession plan in place."

Delivering a Written Plan and Funded Solution

"In addition to helping advisors execute succession plans, we are responding to the critical need voiced by our advisors seeking a written plan that includes a funded solution," said Eric Schwartz, CEO. "Through Continuity Partners, a Cambridge advisor has access to a complete succession and continuity package that we believe is not only innovative and effective, but unique across the industry."

Barry Schmidt - Vice President, Practice Management

Schmidt has over 25 years of experience spanning retail and institutional markets on both coasts. His expertise includes sales, marketing and relationship management. He leads a dedicated team of practice management consultants all focused on the development and success of independent Rep/Advisors and their independent businesses. His background includes serving as a managing director at Advisory Data Solutions and tenure as a vice president at National Planning Holdings. He attended Nassau College and holds FINRA Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses.

Jeff Vivacqua - First Vice President, Continuity Partners

Vivacqua brings over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. In this leadership role, he will manage all aspects of the Continuity Partners enterprise with his focus on helping Rep/Advisors protect their clients' investment relationships, as well as the security of the Rep/Advisor's families. He earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Southern Illinois University and has certificates in Personal Financial Planning and Facilitative Leadership Training programs. Vivacqua holds FINRA Series 4, 7, 24, 63, 66 and 79 licenses and is a member of the Financial Services Institute and has served on the FSI Marketing and Advisory Services Council.

Continuity Partners Group, LLC

Continuity Partners is a comprehensive approach to succession planning, including locating buyers if a potential internal successor cannot be identified, and providing flexible financing, structure, and expertise to help Rep/Advisors practice through all aspects of succession planning and financing. In addition, it is designed to offer opportunities and financing to assist with practice building and recruiting as Rep/Advisors seek to acquire practices. Continuity Partners is also designed to leverage the power of partnership and deliver unique services and creative growth and efficiency options through its alliance of independent financial professionals.

Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.

Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC is an independent, privately owned Broker/Dealer with 1,800 independent registered representatives. Cambridge provides innovative fee programs and a full menu of commission offerings to Rep/Advisors across the nation. Its Practice Management Team is committed to delivering a meaningful variety of programs to meet the needs of independent advisors as they build their businesses. Recognized in the industry as The Fee Experts, Cambridge has been ranked a fee leader among independent Broker/Dealers for ten consecutive years* and is a four-time honoree as Broker/Dealer of the Year**.

* Financial Planning magazine, June "FP50" , Top 50 Independent Broker/Dealer Issue, 2001-2010

**Investment Advisor magazine, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2003.

Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC and Investment Advisory Services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Both are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Cambridge Investment Group, Inc.

Continuity Partners Group, LLC is a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA.

Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.
Lindsay Lippincott, 641-472-5100 x1552
Manager, Public Relations Projects
lindsay.lippincott@cir2.com