Ameriprise Financial: A Legacy of Comprehensive Financial Services

Founded in 1894 as Investors Syndicate by John Tappan in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ameriprise Financial has grown into a prominent and diversified financial services company. The firm is headquartered in the Ameriprise Financial Center in Minneapolis and operates with a strong heritage of helping clients achieve their financial goals.

Ameriprise began franchising in 1999, opening the door for financial advisors to operate independently under the strength and recognition of its established brand. The company offers a wide range of financial services, including wealth and asset management, insurance, annuities, and estate planning, making it a one-stop shop for clients seeking comprehensive financial advice and solutions.

What distinguishes Ameriprise is its deep commitment to personalized financial planning. The firm prioritizes long-term client relationships and provides its franchisees with extensive resources such as integrated technology platforms, ongoing training, marketing support, and business consulting.

Training

Ameriprise Financial provides a comprehensive training structure to its franchisees to ensure operational and compliance excellence. Here are the main types of training and educational programs offered by the franchisor:

1. Initial Orientation Program
   Before opening the Independent Financial Advisor Business, franchisees are required to complete an initial orientation program designed specifically for Independent Advisors. This program is mandatory and must be completed to Ameriprise’s satisfaction.
2. Regulatory Compliance Training
   Franchisees must attend seminars or courses on regulatory compliance, as outlined in the company's official Manuals, including the Compliance Policy Manual.
3. Continuing Education Programs
   Ameriprise offers continuing education programs that are fee-based and provided as deemed appropriate by the franchisor. These programs help keep franchisees updated on industry practices and regulations.
4. Advanced Education Programs ("Advanced Programs")
   These optional, fee-based programs may cover various areas such as customer service, client marketing, product promotions, and obtaining necessary certificates or licenses. Attendance may be required to meet regulatory requirements or to participate in certain internal programs such as the Platinum Financial Services and Private Wealth Advisor.

Territory Protection

Ameriprise Financial does not offer territory protection to its franchisees. The franchise agreement explicitly states that franchisees will not receive an exclusive territory, meaning that Ameriprise retains the right to compete directly or indirectly within any geographical area. This includes competition from the company itself, its employees, other franchisees, or affiliated distribution channels.

Furthermore, the franchisees have no claim to protected areas, client exclusivity, or any special rights to acquire additional territories. Ameriprise reserves broad discretion in determining how and where it operates or licenses other advisors. This non-exclusive model underscores the importance of individual franchisee performance and competitiveness within shared markets.