Charles Schwab's Independent Branch franchise allows qualified financial professionals to operate branch offices under the Schwab brand as sole proprietorships. The franchise is unique in that it operates on a net payout system rather than traditional royalties, where franchisees receive a percentage of revenue generated from client assets. The initial investment ranges from $78,500 to $222,225, with Schwab providing turnkey development including site selection, construction, and technology systems. Franchisees must hold appropriate securities licenses and operate as registered representatives of Schwab. The model is owner-operator focused, requiring full-time involvement and expertise in financial services. Financial performance data shows significant variability in asset levels across branches, with median total assets around $921M for established branches.
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