Missed our 30-minute expert panel? No worries, catch the full recording below and skim the highlights to get the key takeaways in minutes. The session, “Expert Panel: Choosing the Right RIA Compliance Partner in 2025,” ran on August 20, 2025 and brought together Mimi LeGaye (President & Co-Founder, MGL Consulting) and Sid Yenamandra (Founder & CEO, Surge Ventures) for a practical, no-fluff briefing on how RIAs should evaluate compliance partners this year.
What we covered (at a glance)
- A clear decision framework for assessing compliance partners in 2025 - what truly matters vs. nice-to-have features.
- Red flags before you sign: warning signs to spot in contracts, service models, and vendor claims.
- Platforms vs. consultants: where each model shines (and doesn’t), plus how to match the approach to your firm’s stage of growth.
- ROI beyond the feature list: what actually drives outcomes when you deploy a compliance solution.
- “Exam readiness,” demystified: what a real partner provides so you’re prepared for scrutiny.
- Tech must-haves for 2025: the integrations and workflows your firm should demand.
Speakers
- Mimi LeGaye - President & Co-Founder, MGL Consulting. Decades of experience guiding firms through SEC, FINRA, and state actions; a practical perspective on building resilient compliance programs.
- Sid Yenamandra - Founder & CEO, Surge Ventures. Compliance-tech and AI leader; previously founded cybersecurity platform Entreda (acquired by Smarsh), bringing hands-on insight into scaling solutions that work in the field.
Key takeaways for busy RIAs
- Start with outcomes, not optics. Define the compliance results you need exam readiness, risk reduction, and operational efficiency - then score vendors against those outcomes, not just features.
- Match partner model to firm stage. Earlier-stage firms may benefit from higher-touch advisory; growing firms often need platform capabilities with strong workflows and integrations. Many RIAs will blend both.
- Vet for real exam support. Ask how the partner prepares you for exams: documentation standards, evidence trails, and response workflows not just “checklist” features.
- Demand integration depth. In 2025, siloed tools are costly. Look for integrations that actually move data through your workflows to reduce manual effort and audit friction.
- Watch for vendor red flags. Vague SLAs, limited data portability, or lack of transparency on mapping your current processes are signals to slow down.
What’s next
If the webinar sparked questions specific to your firm, we’d love to continue the conversation. Book a demo or reach out to our team to map the framework to your environment.
