Established
1894
Franchise Units
3850
Minimum Investment
$12,098
Franchise Fee
$1,500
Total Investment Range
$130,363
Home Based
No
Description
Ameriprise Financial Advisors Inc., formerly known as American Express Financial Advisors, is a distinguished financial services firm headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With a legacy dating back to 1894, Ameriprise offers a comprehensive suite of services, including wealth management, asset management, insurance, annuities, and estate planning. The company operates under the Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, and RiverSource brands, serving clients across the United States and globally.
As a franchisee, you gain access to a robust business model that combines the strength of a reputable brand with the autonomy of independent operation. This unique structure allows you to leverage Ameriprise's extensive resources while building your own client base and practice.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Established Brand Legacy: Benefit from over a century of industry experience and a trusted reputation in financial services.
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Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training, marketing resources, and back-office support to help you succeed.
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Flexible Business Models: Choose from various business models that align with your professional goals and preferences.
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Growth Opportunities: Engage in practice acquisition programs to expand your client base and business reach.
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Competitive Compensation: Earn through a combination of fees, commissions, and potential bonuses, with opportunities for significant income growth.
Background
- Founded: 1894 (Originally as Investors Syndicate)
Founder: John Elliott Tappan
Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Franchise Active Units: Over 3,850+ independent franchise locations (part of a broader network of 10,000+ advisors).
Company Journey: What began as a small investment firm in Minneapolis evolved into Investors Diversified Services (IDS) and was later acquired by American Express in 1984. In 2005, the company spun off to become the independent, publicly traded entity Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP).
Market Presence: A dominant force across all 50 U.S. states, managing over $1.4 trillion in assets.
Support Training
Ameriprise is renowned for its "Always Learning" culture, offering one of the most comprehensive training pipelines in the industry.
Initial Orientation: A deep-dive program covering the Ameriprise advice process, compliance standards, and software mastery.
Practice Management Coaching: Access to dedicated Franchise Consultants who provide customized coaching on leadership, client acquisition strategies, and operational efficiency.
Marketing Powerhouse: Franchisees receive turnkey marketing materials, social media support, and national advertising airtime to drive local leads.
Academic Advancement: Extensive support for advisors pursuing advanced designations, including CFP (Certified Financial Planner) certification.
Operational Back-Office: A centralized "Home Office" handles the heavy lifting of trade executions, regulatory filings, and complex product due diligence.
Ideal Candidate
Ameriprise is selective, looking for professionals who view financial planning as a calling rather than just a business.
Professional Background: Ideally, candidates are licensed financial advisors (Series 7 and 66) or experienced professionals from the financial services, insurance, or banking sectors.
The "CEO Mindset": The firm seeks individuals with a strong work ethic who want to lead a team and manage a sophisticated office environment.
Ethical Standards: A clean compliance record and a commitment to a "fiduciary-first" approach are non-negotiable.
Investment Capability: Candidates should have a minimum net worth of $100,000 and liquid assets of at least $10,000 to manage initial overhead.
Location Preference: While no exclusive territories are granted, Ameriprise works with you to identify high-opportunity markets in suburban and urban professional hubs.
Financial Detail
| Category | Details |
| Total Investment Range | $12,098 – $130,363 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $1,500 |
| Minimum Cash Required | $10,000 |
| Royalty Fees | Typically 0% (The firm earns through a split of GDC/revenue) |
| Technology/Association Fee | Approx. $290 - $575 per month |
| Marketing Budget | Varies; many turnkey programs are included |
| Working Capital (3 Months) | $0 – $3,000 per month (excluding staff) |
| Break-even & ROI | Highly dependent on existing "book of business" and client retention |