For Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating leaders whose careers demonstrate longevity, trust, and unwavering dedication to helping firms grow responsibly. Today’s spotlight features Kerry Rider, Partner, Head of ACA Wealth, and a long-time compliance professional who transitioned from in-house leadership to consulting, bringing nearly three decades of trusted advisory experience to clients.
What inspired you to pursue a career in advisory, and what continues to draw you to this work today?
I started on the other side of the table as an in-house compliance professional. As Chief Compliance Officer for a large national firm, I brought in compliance consultants for their expertise and admired their dedication, independence, and objectivity. One consultant eventually encouraged me to take the leap. I launched my own consulting practice and never looked back.
19 years later, that practice moved into Foreside and then ACA. Many clients I started working with over 25 years ago are still with me today. These long-standing relationships inspire me, sustain me, and remind me why I love the work: rendering independent, thoughtful compliance advice that genuinely helps firms succeed.
Was there a defining moment that shaped your path?
Very early in my career, I was given the tremendous responsibility of leading a team, managing firm-wide compliance, presenting to the board, and representing the firm before regulators. That trust at such a young age taught me how critical my role was to the firm’s ability to operate.
It pushed me to become a student of my craft. I wanted to learn, understand, and master compliance so I could serve others with confidence and integrity.
What motivates you most in the work you do today?
Our work matters. I’ve seen firsthand the impact we have in helping firms grow, transform, and navigate new challenges. Clients often tell me I bring them peace of mind, clarity, and encouragement when they need it most.
I joke that I think of clients like family: I want the best for them, I’ll be honest when it’s needed, and I’ll lift them up during tough moments. These relationships mean everything to me.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I’m fortunate to lead an extraordinary team. They care deeply about serving clients and helping firms thrive. I treat my team with respect and care. I advocate for them, celebrate their successes, and challenge them to be their best. My goal is always kindness, fairness, and creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and valued.
What accomplishment or client outcome are you especially proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of the longstanding relationships I’ve built—some for decades. One example is a multi-billion-dollar manager I’ve worked with for more than 25 years. When we met, they were a small firm with a single manager and a small book of business.
Today, I work with the second generation of leadership. I’ve watched and supported the firm as it entered new markets, expanded services, grew its team, and increased revenue exponentially. Knowing my guidance helped shape their growth is something I take immense pride in.
What is the biggest opportunity for women in advisory today?
Advisory plays naturally to women’s strengths: nurturing, teaching, juggling multiple priorities, and giving clients peace of mind. This field offers flexibility, intellectual stimulation, and meaningful career growth while still fitting into the realities of women’s busy lives.
Is there a piece of advice that shaped how you show up as a trusted partner?
When I started in compliance, we were often seen as the “Office of NO.” Someone I trust told me: Don’t tell people they can’t do something—tell them how they can.
That became my guiding philosophy. Compliance should never hold firms back. It should empower growth, revenue, and success. My job isn’t to stop business; it’s to show firms how to do business right.
What’s a common misconception about compliance that you help clients rethink?
People often see compliance as a burden—something they ‘have to’ do. I help them see it as an opportunity: a way to make the business more successful, efficient, secure, and resilient. Focusing on compliance doesn’t slow a firm down; it helps it thrive.
Conclusion
Kerry’s career is built on trust, continuity, and a deep belief that compliance is a catalyst for growth, not a barrier. Her longstanding relationships and her ability to guide firms across decades of change demonstrate the profound impact a trusted advisor can make.
Connect with ACA and learn firsthand how our experienced team can support your firm.