Future So Bright We Gotta Wear Shades

By John H. Robinson, Financial Planner (9/15/2025)

The biggest news from Kaka’ako is our recently announced plan to change Financial Planning Hawaii from a Hawaii Registered Investment Advisor to its own stand-alone  SEC- Registered Investment Advisor. Coincidentally, there was an article in Barron’s this weekend highlighting the growth trends in the independent advice industry. Here is what the article had to say about Advisor-Owned RIAs:

“Such firms provide advisors with full autonomy: They get to choose everything from their logo to the investments they offer. They can create their preferred culture—anything from workaholic to laid back… Clients of employee-owned RIAs may get a more consistent and personal experience because the firm’s owners have a deep incentive to deliver it.”

I could not have said it better.  After 37 years of adapting and evolving, I feel like I have finally figured this business out. I have an incredible team around me in Alicia, Sue, and Emily and a wonderful,  geographically diverse group of clients who are as loyal and devoted to us as we are to you. I feel like we have unique business model that is hitting on all cylinders and is positioned to grow lockstep with our clients for decades to come. As I said in the video announcement, my vision for FPH’s future is to have my children and grandchildren working to help your children and grandchildren lead fulfilling lives and achieve financial security.

Realizing this vision necessitates parting ways with our long-time friends and business partners at JW Cole. Fortunately, they are understanding and supportive in helping me realize my dream of establishing FPH as a multigenerational family business.  I could not have asked for a better business partner for the past 12+ years.

The transition itself is relatively seamless for all of you. Your accounts at Schwab remain unchanged. No new account numbers, no new passwords.  All that is needed is for everyone to sign and return the FPH Financial Planning and Investment Advisory Services agreement and the FPH fee-agreement (to replace the corresponding JW Cole Agreements) and the form to authorize Schwab to change the RIA from JW Cole to FPH. 

Judging from the response I have gotten to my video, it appears that you all are as excited for this as we are. We have big plans in store, and we cannot wait to show you.  MAHALO!!!