Redtail to Salesforce Migration in 2025: A Complete Guide for Financial Advisors in the US & Europe

As the financial services industry becomes increasingly digital and client expectations evolve, many advisory firms are realizing the limitations of legacy CRMs like Redtail. In 2025, a growing number of financial advisors across the US and Europe are transitioning to more scalable, secure, and customizable platforms — with Salesforce Financial Services Cloud emerging as the clear frontrunner. 

If your firm is planning a Redtail to Salesforce migration, this guide will help you understand the key benefits, process steps, compliance considerations, and tools involved in ensuring a seamless transition. Whether you’re a registered investment advisor (RIA), a wealth management consultancy, or an enterprise firm, our Salesforce migration services are designed to eliminate risk and maximize long-term value. 

Why Migrate from Redtail to Salesforce? 

Redtail has long been a popular CRM for independent advisors and small to mid-sized wealth management firms. However, as firms grow and regulatory demands increase, Redtail’s limited scalability, automation, and integration capabilities become constraints. 

Here’s why many firms are choosing Salesforce as their next-gen CRM: 

• Advanced automation for lead nurturing, task tracking, and portfolio management
• Flexible data architecture for handling complex financial records
• Enhanced compliance with FINRA, SEC (US), GDPR, MiFID II (Europe)
• Seamless integrations with financial planning tools like eMoney, Orion, and DocuSign
• Scalability from small advisory teams to global wealth enterprises 

Salesforce Financial Services Cloud offers tailored features for client relationship tracking, householding, financial goals, and regulatory recordkeeping — far beyond what Redtail provides.

Check out our complete guide on Salesforce Data Migration for Enterprise in 2025.

Redtail vs. Salesforce: Key Features Comparison 

Features 

Redtail CRM 

Salesforce Financial Services Cloud 

Automation 

Basic workflows 

Advanced process builder & flows 

Compliance Support 

Limited 

FINRA, SEC, GDPR-ready 

Integrations 

Moderate (some third-party) 

Extensive AppExchange ecosystem 

Data Modeling 

Basic fields and activities 

Customizable objects and relationships 

Scalability 

Small to mid-size firms 

Firms of all sizes, globally 

Reporting & Analytics 

Limited 

AI-powered dashboards & reporting 

Support 

Email/phone 

Enterprise-grade SLAs & support options 

The Business Case for Salesforce Migration Services

Investing in professional Salesforce migration services is critical for firms that can’t afford data loss, downtime, or compliance gaps. Here's why: 

• Data Integrity: Ensures accurate mapping of contacts, notes, tasks, accounts, and more during your Redtail CRM to Salesforce CRM migration.
• Customization Support: Tailors Salesforce for your workflows, roles, and compliance rules during your migration from Redtail to Salesforce.
• Third-party Tool Integration: Connect your new CRM with custodians, marketing software, and client portals seamlessly through Salesforce data migration services.
• Improved Decision-Making: Unlock powerful analytics and forecasting tools native to Salesforce 

If you're considering whether to migrate internally or hire experts, keep in mind that a botched Redtail to Salesforce migration can lead to operational disruption, data breaches, and reduced advisor productivity. 

Step-by-Step: How to Migrate Data from Redtail to Salesforce 

A smooth Redtail to Salesforce migration requires careful planning, structured execution, and testing. Here's a proven 7-step process our team uses to deliver high-impact Salesforce data migration services: 

1.Discovery & Pre-Migration Audit

• Identify data to be migrated (contacts, accounts, notes, activities, workflows)
• Document current Redtail usage patterns
• Evaluate integrations with financial planning or custodian tools
• Assess compliance requirements for US (SEC/FINRA) and EU (GDPR) 

2. Redtail Data Export 

Redtail allows you to export client data in standard CSV or structured formats. For guidance, refer to their official Salesforce Implementation Guide which outlines available export options and best practices. 

Key data types exported from Redtail include: 

• Contacts and accounts
• Notes and activities
• Calendar entries
• User assignments
• Custom fields and categories 

3. Salesforce Environment Configuration

Before importing data, set up your Salesforce instance: 

• Install Financial Services Cloud or Sales Cloud, depending on your needs
• Define custom objects, layouts, and record types
• Configure user roles, permissions, and compliance settings
• Install third-party apps or integrations (e.g., Riskalyze, Black Diamond) 

4. Data Mapping & Cleansing 

Data fields from Redtail must be mapped to Salesforce objects. This involves:

• Matching standard fields (e.g., Contact First Name to Contact.FirstName)
• Creating custom fields in Salesforce where needed
• Removing duplicates, outdated records, and blank fields 

For specifics on how Redtail data aligns with Salesforce, consult Redtail’s Salesforce Data Sync Mapping Standard. This ensures your Salesforce data migration services accurately reflect your existing CRM. 

5. Data Import & Validation

Use tools like:

• Salesforce Data Loader
• Dataloader.io
• Custom APIs or middleware (for large/multi-region firms) 

Once data is imported: 

• Run validation reports
• Cross-check field mappings
• Validate activities and notes timelines
• Conduct user acceptance testing (UAT) 

6. User Training & Adoption 

• Offer hands-on training for advisors, admins, and support staff to maximize your investment in Salesforce migration services.
• Customize dashboards for different user roles
• Create quick-reference guides and workflow template
• Encourage early wins with automation and reporting features 

7. Post-Migration Support

• Monitor system performance
• Tweak automations based on usage
• Run compliance reports for audit trails
• Offer 30–60 days of support to ensure adoption and success of your Redtail to Salesforce migration. 

Common Challenges When You Migrate Data from Redtail to Salesforce

While the benefits are clear, the migration process also comes with risks. Here are common challenges and how to solve them: 

Challenges 

Solutions 

Incomplete field mapping 

Pre-migration mock runs and field auditing 

Data duplication 

Use deduplication tools or scripts 

Loss of activity notes or history 

Validate data mapping to custom Salesforce objects 

Compliance gaps 

Configure secure field-level access and audit logs 

User resistance 

Involve advisors early in the process and customize dashboards 

Redtail CRM to Salesforce Migration Timeline for 2025

Phase 

Timeline (Approximate) 

CRM Assessment 

1-2 weeks 

Migration Planning 

1 week 

Data Extraction & Mapping 

2-3 weeks 

Salesforce Configuration 

2 weeks 

Data Import & Testing 

1-2 weeks 

Go-Live & Optimization 

Ongoing 

Real-World Example: US RIA Firm Migrates from Redtail to Salesforce in 30 Days 

Background: A 15-advisor RIA firm in California needed advanced automation, GDPR compliance, and integration with their portfolio tools. 

Solutions:

• Full Redtail data export with cleansing
• Salesforce Financial Services Cloud setup
• Migration from Redtail to Salesforce of 50,000+ contact records and 80,000+ activities
• Enabled workflow automation for onboarding and quarterly reviews
• Integrated eMoney, Calendly, and Riskalyze 

Results:

• Increased task efficiency by 42%
• Reduced compliance reporting time by 60%
• Achieved full user adoption within 3 weeks 

Final Thoughts: Is Your Firm Ready for a Salesforce Upgrade? 

In 2025, data-driven and compliant advisory firms are growing faster than ever — and legacy CRMs like Redtail are increasingly holding them back. Migrating to Salesforce gives you the flexibility, automation, and compliance framework you need to scale confidently. 

If you're ready to upgrade, our expert-led Salesforce migration services are here to help you make the switch — without disruption, without data loss, and without guesswork.

FAQ’s about Redtail to Salesforce Migration

Q1: How long does it take to migrate from Redtail to Salesforce? 

A typical Redtail to Salesforce migration takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of your CRM data, the number of integrations, and compliance requirements. For smaller advisory firms with clean data and limited integrations, the migration from Redtail to Salesforce may be complete in as little as 2–4 weeks. Larger firms with complex workflows, third-party tools (e.g., portfolio platforms, e-signature solutions), and compliance customization may require 6–8 weeks for thorough testing and user adoption. A phased approach is often recommended to minimize business disruption. 

Q2: What data can be migrated from Redtail to Salesforce? 

You can migrate all core Redtail CRM to Salesforce CRM data, including: 

• Client contacts, accounts, and households
• Activity history, including notes, tasks, calendar events, and emails
• User assignments, categories, and custom tags
• Custom fields (mapped to Salesforce custom fields/objects)
• Workflows and activity templates (converted to Salesforce Flows and Process Builders where possible) 

Some legacy data formats may require transformation or re-mapping to Salesforce’s data model. We ensure your client history, compliance documentation, and relationship data migrate intact with our Salesforce data migration services. 

Q3: Will my Redtail workflow automations transfer to Salesforce? 

Redtail’s basic workflow automations don’t transfer directly but can be recreated and enhanced in Salesforce. Salesforce Financial Services Cloud offers: 

• Flow Builder and Process Builder: for advanced, automated workflows.
• Task & activity automation: for recurring client follow-ups and compliance reviews.
• Custom workflow templates: tailored to your firm's onboarding, annual reviews, and financial goal tracking. 

Our Salesforce migration services’ team helps rebuild your essential Redtail automations while optimizing them to leverage Salesforce’s advanced automation capabilities. 

Q4: Is the migration process secure and compliant with FINRA, SEC, and GDPR? 

Yes, our Salesforce migration services follow strict compliance protocols for financial services. We implement: 

• Encrypted data transfers
• Secure user authentication
• Field-level security and access controls for sensitive financial data
• Audit logs for compliance reporting
• Compliance workflows aligned with FINRA, SEC, GDPR, and MiFID II 

Additionally, Salesforce itself is SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR-compliant, making it a trusted platform for secure data storage and management. 

Q5: How do we ensure data integrity during the Redtail to Salesforce migration?

We follow a proven multi-step validation process in all Salesforce data migration services: 

• Pre-migration audit: Identify all relevant fields, duplicates, and data inconsistencies in Redtail.
• Data cleansing: Remove duplicate contacts, outdated accounts, and blank fields.
• Field mapping: Align Redtail fields with Salesforce objects using a mapping blueprint.
• Test migrations: Perform trial runs in a Salesforce sandbox environment.
• Post-import validation: Verify that contact histories, notes, and activities appear correctly in Salesforce. 

This approach minimizes the risk of data loss or corruption. 

Q6: Can we migrate while actively using Redtail, or do we need downtime? 

You can continue using Redtail during most of the migration preparation phase, including audits and sandbox testing. A brief read-only period (typically a few hours a day) is recommended during the final data migration and cutover phase to prevent changes from being missed. Our team helps schedule downtime during low-activity periods (e.g., weekends or evenings) to minimize business impact. 

Q7: What if we also need to integrate Salesforce with financial planning tools? 

Salesforce has a robust AppExchange ecosystem and supports native or third-party integrations with: 

• Financial planning tools: eMoney, RightCapital, MoneyGuidePro
• Portfolio management platforms: Orion, Tamarac, Black Diamond
• E-signature tools: DocuSign, HelloSign
• Custodian data feeds: Schwab, Fidelity, Pershing
• Calendaring & email: Microsoft Outlook, Google Workspace 

We configure these integrations during or after your Salesforce migration services project to create a unified tech stack post Redtail CRM to Salesforce CRM migration. 

Q8: How do you help with user adoption and training? 

We provide end-to-end Salesforce adoption support, including: 

• Role-based training sessions: for advisors, operations, and compliance staff
• Custom dashboards & layouts: designed for each user’s daily needs
• Quick-start guides and video tutorials
• Workflow templates: for client onboarding, review meetings, and compliance alerts
• Post-migration Q&A sessions and support desk availability 

This ensures your team feels confident and productive using Salesforce from day one. 

Q9: What are the risks of a DIY Redtail to Salesforce migration? 

While DIY migration may seem cost-effective, financial firms risk: 

• Data loss or corruption during manual export/import.
• Incorrect field mappings, especially for custom Redtail fields.
• Compliance gaps if audit trails and access permissions aren't properly configured.
• Downtime and workflow disruption during cutover.
• Missed integration opportunities without expert Salesforce configuration solutions. 

A professional salesforce migration partner mitigates these risks with proven processes, compliance expertise, and financial services industry knowledge. 

Q10: How much do Salesforce migration services cost for financial advisors? 

Costs of Salesforce Migration Services vary based on: 

• Data volume: Number of contacts, accounts, and activity records.
• Customizations required: Financial Services Cloud setup, workflow rebuilds, custom dashboards.
• Integrations: e.g., portfolio tools, e-signature platforms, or marketing systems.
• Training & post-migration support: Onboarding, user training, and admin enablement. 

On average, small to mid-sized advisory firms can expect $15,000–$40,000 for a full-service migration, with larger enterprise firms budgeting higher for complex environments. We provide customized quotes based on your needs.