The fees are higher than most independent B/D's but they are worth it. Also, you need to have a trailing 12 commission as an independent advisor of at least 200k for them to consider you for a branch office with them. Lastly, you are running your own office, so you need to be a self started, and know how to run your own show, they are there for the support. There are no benefits as you are running your own business, I actually need to pay benefits for my own employees as my business grows.