RIA Collective

Are you a financial advisor stuck with a firm that no longer serves your needs, fits your ideals, or gives you the flexibility to serve your clients as a true fiduciary? That is a tricky place to be, but rest assured, you’re not alone. RIA Collective Podcast is created with you in mind. We interview leaders at Registered Investment Advisory firms to learn from their wisdom and experience. It is our goal to take the fear and mystery out of going independent.Most of the industry leaders we talk with were in the exact same place you find yourself today. They too saw themselves as entrepreneurs. They became an advisor to create flexibility in their lives and help many others create financial security and peace of mind. Like you, those professionals become stifled by their captive environment. Sales quotas, proprietary products and services, the firm’s agenda, compliance, and other factors can make it difficult to grow and to act as a true fiduciary to your clients. RIA Collective podcast is hosted by Charlie Van Derven, an industry veteran who has been serving the advisor community for almost 25 years. During his time working in Financial Services, Charlie has seen trends come and go. One trend that continues with no end in sight, is the migration of advisors from the captive wire-house space to independence.The move to independence can go smoothly, or it can be a battle. Tune in to RIA Collective podcast to learn from industry leaders how to set your practice up for a smooth transition. Learn important things to consider and actions to take 3, 6, 12, or 18 months ahead of your move. Learn how to solidify key client relationships so you can retain the assets you’ve built.If you are an advisor considering a change or an industry leader who is building their firm and has wisdom to share, we would love to talk to you.Visit RIAcollective.com for more information or reach out to Charlie directly on LinkedIn. Thanks for being here.If you'd like to be a guest or connect directly with Charlie, visit https://www.riacollective.com.

All Episodes

RIA Collective

The Deeper Purpose of Financial Advisors | Darren Hinshaw on RIA Collective

December 01, 2025 • Charlie Van Derven • Episode 60

In this episode of RIA Collective, host Charlie Van Derven sits down with Darren Hinshaw, Managing Director at NBC Securities, to discuss the often-overlooked impact financial advisors have on the stability and wellbeing of society.

Darren shares why he believes financial services rank among the most important professions - alongside doctors and spiritual advisors. From helping clients navigate volatile markets to guiding them through life’s biggest transitions, advisors provide the steady hand that keeps families financially grounded.

Drawing on decades of experience at firms like Merrill Lynch, Darren reflects on how the industry has evolved, the trust it must uphold, and the deeper purpose behind every advisor-client relationship.

In this episode:
00:00 – Why financial services are vital to global wellbeing
03:10 – The role of advisors in providing stability through uncertainty
07:45 – Lessons from working at Merrill Lynch and other major firms
12:30 – How NBC Securities helps clients stay consistent in volatile times
18:20 – Why the advisory profession matters more than ever

This episode is a reminder that what advisors do isn’t just about money - it’s about meaning, discipline, and the ripple effect of helping people live with confidence and clarity.

🎧 Watch, learn, and subscribe to RIA Collective for more conversations that elevate the independent advisor profession.

Connect with Darren Hinshaw:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-hinshaw-cfa-34413323/

Connect with Charlie Van Dervenn:
🌐 Social Advisors: https://www.social-advisors.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlievanderven/

#RIACOLLECTIVE #FinancialAdvisors #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #RIA #AdvisorGrowth #ClientTrust #NBCSecurities #AdvisorLife #IndependentAdvisors #PurposeDrivenAdvisors

Charlie Van Derven

Host