Institute of Financial Wellness

No. IFW operates as an educational platform and client-referral engine rather than a discretionary asset manager. It does not file a Form ADV as a single entity managing client assets on a discretionary basis. End-client portfolios are managed by the individual advisors within its network, who operate under their own regulatory registrations.

Employers typically sponsor IFW's financial wellness programs as an employee benefit, paying a fee for access to workshops, webinars, and planning tools. Revenue also flows from advisors who affiliate with the network — either through desk fees, revenue-sharing arrangements, or lead-generation costs for program participants who convert into advised clients.

Mid-sized to large corporate employers, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations sponsor IFW programs. The firm markets its educational content as a complement to existing retirement plan offerings, helping employees understand their 401(k), pension, and insurance options. Sponsors are predominantly US-based entities with 500 or more employees.

Advisor fiduciary status depends on each professional's individual registration and the specific engagement. IFW's educational programming itself does not constitute fiduciary advice. When a participant enters a planning relationship with a network advisor, that advisor's regulatory status — whether as an RIA fiduciary or a broker-dealer representative — governs the standard of care.

As of the most recent public filings, IFW is an independent entity founded and managed by Erik Sussman. It is not a subsidiary of a bank, insurance carrier, or asset manager. The firm does, however, maintain referral and product-distribution relationships with financial institutions, though these partnerships are not equity-based.