Unlocking Freedom & Flexibility for Independent Advisors

Discover the Benefits of an Affiliation Model with Vertex Planning Partners.

The Challenge of Going Independent

Embracing independence in financial advising brings its own set of challenges. Many advisors hesitate to leave the security and resources of traditional firms, fearing the complexities of managing their own operations, compliance, and client acquisition. The prospect of navigating these waters alone can be daunting, posing a significant barrier to realizing the full potential of independent practice.

Meet the Affiliation Model

Our personalized Affiliation model presents an ideal solution, offering a balance between independence and support. At Vertex Planning Partners, we provide a platform where you can enjoy the autonomy of your independent practice, backed by our comprehensive support structure.

This model allows you to focus on what you do best – advising clients – while we handle the operational, administrative, and compliance aspects

Why Affiliate with Vertex Planning Partners?

An Affiliation with Vertex Planning Partners means more than just operational support; it’s about enhancing your client relationships and growing your practice. 
Benefits include:

Increased time for client interaction and portfolio management.

Reduced administrative and operational burdens.

A collaborative community of like-minded professionals.

Access to advanced technology and resources.

RECENT ARTICLES

Special Update: Venezuela, Oil, and the Impact on Portfolios

The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces represents an unexpected and significant geopolitical event. As has been widely reported, the U.S. military successfully conducted an operation that detained Maduro on charges related to drug trafficking and corruption. President Trump stated in a press conference that the United...

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2025 Year in Review: A Historic Market Year for Investors

2025 was a historically strong year for markets despite the many events that took place along the way. The past year delivered no shortage of headlines including April’s tariff announcements, ongoing developments in artificial intelligence stocks, the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and more. Yet through it...

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How to Find Up-and-Coming Talent for Your Financial Services Firm

In our most recent blog post, we talked about how to attract and retain top talent for your financial services firm. One tip we kept just for our newsletter subscribers is to focus on attracting up-and-coming talent when you need to hire a new team member. The recent graduates who...

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The Future of the Fed: New Leadership and Rate Cuts

For long-term investors, the Federal Reserve plays a key role in supporting the economy and financial system. This will be especially important in 2026 since Jerome Powell’s term as Fed Chair ends in May, creating an opportunity for the White House to reshape the central bank’s leadership and direction. This...

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Is It Time to Sell My Financial Services Firm?

Determining when to sell your financial services firm is a lot like determining whether it’s time to sell your house. You need to take into account what the market is doing, what buyers are looking for, and whether you’re ready to buy. Unlike selling your house, you don’t normally replace...

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2026 Outlook: 7 Key Themes for Long-Term Investors

For the sixth time in the last seven years, the stock market is on track to deliver double-digit returns. This remarkable streak, interrupted only by the 2022 inflation-driven downturn, has left many investors in a positive financial position. It’s often said that the anticipation of something is greater than the...

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Finding Your Perfect Match

At Vertex Planning Partners, we believe in a synergy of values and vision. It’s crucial that our affiliate partners align with our culture of integrity, client-first approach, and innovative thinking. We’re not just a partner; we’re a community where your unique practice can thrive.

Contact Us For A Consultation

Key Considerations for the Affiliation Model

When considering a Affiliated Model arrangement, it’s important to weigh factors such as:

Economic benefits and compensation structures.

The degree of operational independence you desire.

Cultural fit and shared values with the host firm.

Access to technology and professional resources.

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Download Our Independent Advisors eBook

Unlock the secrets to a tailored financial future with our exclusive Independent Advisors eBook. Dive into a wealth of insights and strategies from Vertex Planning Partners, and start shaping your journey towards financial peace of mind today.

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Think Ahead: Succession & Continuity

An Affiliation with Vertex Planning Partners is not just a short-term solution; it’s a strategic move for your long-term succession and continuity planning. Ensure the longevity and stability of your practice with our structured support and resources. Our team is ready to start the conversation.

Scott A. Sandee, 
CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CEPA

Managing Partner

Christopher C. Huston,
CIMA®, CAIA®, AIFA®, AIF®

Director of Portfolio Management / Managing Partner

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling and efficient practice. Connect with Vertex Planning Partners to explore how our Affiliation Model can transform your advisory business.

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Connect

Connecting with Vertex Planning Partners is your first step towards the freedom and flexibility of independence.  Reach out to discuss how to take the first step.

Connect With Us

Schedule a meeting with a Managing Partner from Vertex Planning Partners to answer your questions. 

p: 630.836.3300 – e: in**@************rs.com

Download our Independent Advisors eBook

Enter your email to download our Independent Advisors eBook and unlock the secrets to a tailored financial future.

Scott A. Sandee CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CEPA

MANAGING PARTNER

Scott Sandee brings over 20 years of experience as Managing Partner. He is responsible for leading the firm’s efforts in assisting middle-market business owners and seven and eight-figure families to plan and realize financial goals based on their unique aspirations and situations.

With a privately held family business background, Scott has helped owners prepare for and execute a successful transition. In addition, he works with business owners and their advisors to develop financial strategies to maximize sales proceeds and minimize future taxes.

Before joining Vertex, Scott served in financial planning and investment strategy roles at Oxford Financial Group, Capital Group, and The Northern Trust Company, working with Chicago’s HNW/UHNW families clients.

Scott holds the Certified Financial Planner®, Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, Certified Investment Management Analyst®, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor designations. Scott earned his B.S. in Computer Science from Northern Illinois University, and his family resides in Wilmette, IL.

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Christopher C. Huston, CIMA®, CAIA®, AIFA®, AIF®

DIRECTOR OF PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT /
MANAGING PARTNER

Christopher Huston brings over 17 years of experience to his role as Director of Portfolio Management. He is responsible for leading the firm’s efforts in investment research, portfolio construction and design, capital markets analysis, trading, and portfolio implementation. In addition to his role as Director of Portfolio Management, Chris manages Vertex’s investment technology systems and the team supporting Vertex’s investment process.

With a background working in trust banking, Chris has brought and implemented an investment process consistent with the Code of Ethics and Standards brought forth by the CFA Institute as well as applicable Fiduciary Standards for both firm level and client level portfolios. Vertex incorporates a formalized process of portfolio construction to monitor risk, returns, taxes and expenses in client portfolios. This process consists of Investment Policy Statement construction, asset allocation and selection, quantitative and qualitative due diligence, monitoring and reporting. He is well-versed in technical and fundamental analysis, structured portfolio management, and results-driven performance analytics.

Prior to joining Vertex, Chris served in both portfolio management and investment strategy roles at the Northern Trust Company, working with HNW/UHNW families, business owners, retirement plans and foundations. Previously, at JPMorgan Chase he worked as a banker on Chicago’s North Shore.

Chris holds the Chartered Investment Management Analyst®, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst®, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, and Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst® designations. He currently is a CFA Level II candidate. Chris earned his B.A. in English from Bucknell University. He and his wife reside in Chicago, IL.

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