The Financial Architects

What The Financial Architects does

The Financial Architects (legal entity: Financial Architects Insurance Inc.; DBA: TFA) is a privately held financial services firm founded in 2015 by Manuel Soto and headquartered in Chino Hills, California. The firm delivers comprehensive financial planning to working families, pre-retirees, retirees, and small-business owners through a network of 300+ licensed advisors across 32 office locations in California, Arizona, Oregon, Ohio, and additional states. Its core offering is organized around three pillars: wealth protection (life insurance, annuities, disability, long-term care, business insurance, health insurance), wealth building (investment management, retirement planning, 401(k) rollovers, group retirement plans), and legacy planning (living trusts, estate planning, Medicare planning).

The technology stack is relatively light and advisor-centric: an advanced client portal launched in 2023 with real-time portfolio tracking and financial planning tools, a Signal Advisors portal for CRM and carrier appointment management, and a multi-step online life insurance application with 256-bit SSL encryption. No public API, mobile app, or AI/ML capabilities are disclosed. The platform is built around third-party carrier partnerships rather than proprietary financial technology.

The business model is primarily commission-based: insurance and annuity commissions from 15+ top-tier carriers (including Allianz, Athene, Corebridge, Lincoln Financial, MassMutual, Prudential, and others) account for the bulk of revenue, with additional streams from 401(k)/group retirement plan services, premium 1-on-1 coaching with the founder at $500/hour, and a franchise/licensing model that charges agents a $49.99 one-time membership fee plus $29.99/month for Skool community access. Distribution is hybrid — direct-to-consumer via education-first workshops, webinars, and free consultations, alongside a franchise/agent network compensated on tiered commission schedules (50%–100% for agents, up to 120% for top franchise tiers). The firm is privately held with no external institutional investment identified, and operates a subsidiary (TFA Wealth Planning, LLC) for investment advisory services.

Name

The Financial Architects

Legal name

Financial Architects Insurance Inc.

Website

https://tfawealthplanning.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Financial Architects is a privately held financial services firm founded in 2015 that delivers commission-based financial planning—including life insurance, annuities, retirement planning, and estate services—to working families and small businesses through 300+ licensed advisors across 32 U.S. office locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Financial Planning & Wealth Management Services

NAICS

Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (523940), Finance and Insurance (52)

SIC

Investment Advice (6282), Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411)

akta.pro primary industry

Comprehensive Financial Planning (FSAEAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Estate & Legacy Planning Advisory (FSAEAAAG), Employer Retirement Plan Advisory (401(k)/Pension) (FSAEABAE), Retirement & Pension Planning (401(k)/IRA) (FSAEAAAD)

Keywords

• Financial planning services
• Wealth management advisory
• Life insurance brokerage
• Retirement income planning
• Estate planning services

Headquarters

HQ city

Chino

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices22 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Insurance Commission Revenue: Commission-based revenue from sale of life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care products through partnerships with 15+ insurance carriers. Agents earn tiered commissions from 50-100% based on production levels.
2. Annuity Sales Commissions: Commissions from fixed indexed annuities, multi-year guaranteed annuities, and income riders through carrier partnerships including Allianz, Athene, Lincoln Financial, and others.
3. Group Retirement Plan Services: 401(k) and retirement plan design, fiduciary services, and administration for business clients including plan setup, employee education, and ongoing compliance.
4. Advisory Coaching Fees: Premium 1-on-1 coaching sessions with founder Manny Soto at $500 per hour for comprehensive financial reviews and personalized action plans.
5. Franchise Revenue: Franchise opportunity with membership fees including $49.99 one-time TFA membership and $29.99/month Skool community access. Franchisees can earn up to 120% commission based on cumulative production.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Financial Architects delivers comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services to families and small businesses through 300+ licensed advisors across 32 nationwide locations. Core offerings span insurance brokerage (life, disability, long-term care, final expense, annuities), retirement and investment planning, 401(k) rollovers and group retirement plan design, estate planning with living trusts, Medicare/healthcare planning, business insurance, and tax planning. Revenue is generated primarily through carrier commissions on insurance and annuity placements, advisory fees, group plan services, and premium 1-on-1 coaching engagements.

Product overview

The Financial Architects offers a comprehensive suite of financial planning products and services organized around three core pillars: wealth protection (life insurance, annuities, disability insurance, business insurance), wealth building (investment management, retirement planning, 401(k) services), and legacy planning (living trusts, estate planning, Medicare planning). The firm provides both direct digital products (online life insurance applications, advanced client portal) and advisor-assisted services through its network of 300+ licensed advisors across 32 locations. Insurance products are distributed through partnerships with 14 major carriers (Allianz, Athene, Corebridge, F&G, Foresters, Lincoln Financial, MassMutual, Midland National, Mutual of Omaha, National Life, North American, Prudential, American National, Principal). Health insurance is offered through American Way Health partnership. Premium coaching is available at $500/hour through founder Manuel Soto.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Living Trusts Estate planning tool that avoids probate, maintains privacy, and ensures assets transfer directly to beneficiaries without court involvement. Offered to families and individuals through partnerships with external estate planning groups.
• Life Insurance Application Portal Secure, multi-step online application process for term life insurance coverage with both medical and non-medical term options. Uses 256-bit SSL encryption across a 9-step workflow. Targets families and individuals seeking direct term life coverage.
• American Way Health Insurance Comprehensive health insurance solutions offered through partnership with American Way Health LLC, including ACA/Marketplace plans, short-term health, individual/family/group plans, Medicare supplements, and accident/catastrophic/critical illness/cancer coverage. Targets families, individuals, and small employer groups.
• 1-on-1 Coaching with Manuel Soto Premium 60-minute coaching session with founder Manuel Soto providing a full financial review, personalized action plan, and direct access to the firm's founder. Priced at $500 per session, available to households seeking high-touch advisory engagement.
• Business Insurance Commercial insurance solutions offered through Financial Architects Insurance Inc., covering general liability, business owner's policy (BOP), commercial property, workers' compensation, commercial auto, professional liability (E&O), cyber liability, EPLI, and umbrella coverage. Targets small and mid-sized businesses.
• Fixed Indexed Annuities Retirement income products with market-linked growth potential and principal protection, offered through carrier partners Allianz, Athene, Corebridge, F&G, Lincoln Financial, Midland National, and North American. Targets pre-retirees and retirees seeking guaranteed income.
• Whole Life Insurance Permanent life insurance with cash value growth offered through carriers Foresters Financial, MassMutual, National Life, American National, and Mutual of Omaha. Premiums never increase and coverage lasts the policyholder's entire life. Targets families seeking lifelong coverage.
• Indexed Universal Life Insurance Life insurance product with cash value linked to market indexes, offered through Lincoln Financial, Corebridge Financial, and North American. Combines death benefit protection with accumulation potential. Targets high-net-worth individuals and business owners.
• Disability Income Insurance Income protection coverage offered through MassMutual that replaces a portion of income if the policyholder cannot work due to illness or injury. Includes short-term, long-term, and own-occupation policy options. Targets working professionals and business owners.
• Final Expense Insurance Affordable coverage through Mutual of Omaha designed to ensure final wishes are honored without placing financial strain on loved ones. Includes simplified issue and guaranteed issue products. Targets seniors and pre-retirees.
• Medicare Supplement Plans Medicare planning services including Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), Part C (Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug) guidance offered through American Way Health partnership and dedicated Medicare specialists. Targets individuals approaching age 65 and existing Medicare beneficiaries.
• 401(k) & Group Retirement Plans Employer-sponsored retirement plan services including 401(k), 403(b), SIMPLE IRA, and SEP IRA design, setup, fiduciary services, employee education, and ongoing administration. Targets small and mid-sized business owners.
• 401(k) & IRA Rollovers Consolidation service for old employer 401(k) accounts into IRA, offering direct rollovers, Roth conversions, and multi-account consolidation to provide more investment options and easier management. Targets individuals changing jobs or approaching retirement.
• Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGA) Fixed annuity product offered through F&G, Athene, and Midland National with guaranteed interest rates for specified terms, providing predictable growth and principal protection. Targets conservative investors and retirees seeking guaranteed returns.
• Advanced Client Portal Digital client portal launched in 2023 providing real-time portfolio tracking and financial planning tools to enhance the digital client experience while maintaining the firm's personal-touch advisory model. Available to TFA clients across the 32 office locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 32 office locations and 300+ licensed advisors nationwide
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• AllianzcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal leader in financial protection and retirement solutions with A+ (Superior) rating. Specializes in fixed indexed annuities with innovative income riders, death benefit protection, and market-linked growth strategies for retirement income planning.
• AthenecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading retirement services company founded in 2009, headquartered in West Des Moines, IA with A (Excellent) rating. Focuses exclusively on fixed annuity solutions with technology-driven approach and competitive pricing for retirement income.
• Corebridge FinancialcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorModern financial services company (formerly AIG Life & Retirement) with heritage dating to 1919. Headquartered in Houston, TX with A (Excellent) rating. Offers fixed indexed annuities, index universal life, and retirement income solutions.
• F&G Annuities & LifecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInnovative annuity provider founded in 1959, headquartered in Des Moines, IA with A- (Excellent) rating. Over 60 years helping Americans achieve financial security through collaborative approach to life insurance and annuities.
• Foresters FinancialcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational fraternal benefit society founded in 1874, headquartered in Toronto, Canada with US operations in Raleigh, NC. A (Excellent) rating. Offers whole life, term life, universal life with unique member benefits, scholarships, and community programs.
• Lincoln Financial GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInnovative leader in life insurance, annuities, and retirement plan services founded in 1905, headquartered in Radnor, PA with A+ (Superior) rating. Over a century empowering Americans with indexed universal life, variable universal life, and living benefits.
• MassMutualcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading mutual life insurance company founded in 1851, headquartered in Springfield, MA with A++ (Superior) rating. Over 170 years helping families thrive with exceptional dividend history and mutual structure prioritizing policyholders.
• Midland NationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrusted provider of life insurance and annuities founded in 1906, part of Sammons Financial Group, headquartered in West Des Moines, IA with A+ (Superior) rating. Over 115 years of financial strength and comprehensive product portfolio.
• Mutual of OmahacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrusted mutual company founded in 1909, headquartered in Omaha, NE with A+ (Superior) rating. Known for accessible life insurance, simplified issue products, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service.
• National Life GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTrusted mutual company specializing in life insurance and annuities founded in 1848, headquartered in Montpelier, VT with A+ (Superior) rating. Over 175 years committed to doing good with strong focus on generational wealth transfer.
• North AmericancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremier provider of indexed universal life insurance and competitive annuity products founded in 1886, part of Sammons Financial Group, headquartered in West Des Moines, IA with A+ (Superior) rating. Over 135 years of industry-leading indexed products.
• PrudentialcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndustry leader in life insurance, retirement planning, and investment management founded in 1875, headquartered in Newark, NJ with A+ (Superior) rating. Nearly 150 years of innovation and financial strength serving millions of customers worldwide.
• American NationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFamily-owned company offering personalized life insurance and annuity solutions founded in 1905, headquartered in Galveston, TX with A (Excellent) rating. Over a century of operating with integrity and financial strength.
• PrincipalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFinancial services company focused on retirement solutions with A+ (Superior) rating. Partners for employer-sponsored retirement plans and individual retirement solutions.
• American Way HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth insurance solutions partner offering individual, family, and group health plans including ACA/Marketplace plans, short-term coverage, Medicare supplements, and Advantage plans. Partners with 200+ insurance companies nationwide.
• The Brandon Drew GroupsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerLiving trust services partnership where Vanessa Sanchez handles all Living Trust consultations for Brandon Drew Group clients, ensuring comprehensive estate planning services.
• Think Tax SolutionssecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for Living Trust and Mortgage Protection services where Vanessa Sanchez provides consultations for Think Tax Solutions clients with tax-smart strategies.
• Cardenas & Company Real Estate GroupsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerLiving Trust services partnership for real estate professionals where Vanessa Sanchez provides Living Trust consultations for Cardenas & Company clients and their agents' clients.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• MassMutual: MassMutual is a major mutual life insurer with a career-agent network offering life insurance, disability income, annuities, and retirement products. Comparable to TFA on product mix and agent distribution model, but as one of TFA's carrier partners, it operates upstream rather than competing for end-client relationships directly.
• Edward Jones: Edward Jones is a large retail financial advisory firm with thousands of branch offices across the U.S. serving individual investors with planning, investment, and retirement products. Comparable to TFA on retail branch model and family/middle-market focus, though at significantly greater scale.
• Northwestern Mutual: Northwestern Mutual is one of the largest U.S. financial security providers offering life insurance, disability income insurance, investment products, and advisory services through a captive advisor network. Comparable to TFA on product breadth and advisor-led model, but serves broader market segments including HNW clients with mutual company structure.
• Ameriprise Financial: Ameriprise Financial is a diversified financial services firm offering financial planning, wealth management, and insurance through a large advisor network. Comparable to TFA on comprehensive financial planning positioning and advisor-led distribution, though Ameriprise serves a broader wealth tier.
• New York Life: New York Life is one of the largest U.S. mutual life insurers with a vast career-agent distribution network selling life insurance, annuities, long-term care, and investment products. Comparable to TFA on life insurance/annuity distribution and career-agent model, though operating at vastly larger scale.

Direct peers

• Primerica: Primerica is a publicly traded multi-level financial services company targeting middle-income families with term life insurance, mutual funds, and investment advisory services. Most directly comparable to TFA given its shared focus on serving working/middle-class families rather than HNW clients, and its large distributed independent representative force.
• Cetera Financial Group: Cetera Financial Group is a large network of independent financial advisors providing wealth management and investment services through multiple custodian and BD relationships. Comparable to TFA on independent/advisor-led distribution and comprehensive planning focus.
• WealthWave / Financial Strategies Group: WealthWave is a financial services distribution company providing training, tools, and lead generation for independent financial advisors serving middle-income families. Comparable to TFA on education-first advisor development and middle-income family target market.
• Waddell & Reed Financial: Waddell & Reed is a retail investment management firm offering financial planning and investment products through financial advisors. Comparable to TFA on retail advisor model and middle-market family focus, though historically more investment-focused than insurance-led.
• World Financial Group (WFG): World Financial Group is an insurance and investment-focused financial services company with a multi-level marketing distribution model serving middle-income families. Directly comparable to TFA given similar target demographic, education-first GTM, and large independent agent networks.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-financial-architects-llc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Financial Architects