RIA Firms Eye Growth Through M&A Deals, New Services

A Wealthmanagement.com research survey on RIA executives’ business plans for 2026 reveals common strategic priorities and growth expectations. 

At a top level, more than half (52%) of firms are positioning themselves as potential buyers in the mergers and acquisitions market. Only 25% say they would consider participating in the market as a seller. The discrepancy indicates continued faith in the independent wealth management channel and suggests potential valuations of RIAs will remain high. 

Most executives expect to increase their capital budgets in the coming year, with 63% saying they’ll raise budgets by an average of 6%, driven primarily by reinvested profits and operating cash flow, which account for 69% of the anticipated capital sources. 

Other contributors include private equity investment, traditional debt financing and strategic minority partnerships, each cited by 13% of respondents. Expectations for organic AUM growth are similarly optimistic, with firms projecting an average 11% increase in 2026, while client growth is expected to rise by 9% in the coming year. These figures highlight the industry’s confidence in expanding both assets under management and client bases, though firms often overestimate their ability to grow organically net of market gains. 

Related:RIA Leaders: Wirehouse Breakaways, Service Expansion, More M&A to Dominate 2026

Currently, firms offer a wide range of services; yet, 60% of RIAs plan to introduce new offerings in 2026. Crypto investments top the list of planned new rollouts, followed by estate planning services, reflecting a growing demand for both innovative and holistic financial planning solutions. 

Operational budgets are set to grow, with 82% of firms anticipating increases. Investments will primarily target technology upgrades, marketing initiatives and human resources, underscoring the importance of efficiency, visibility and talent acquisition in driving growth. Hiring plans align with these priorities, as firms intend to recruit back-office support staff, junior advisors and experienced advisors to strengthen their teams.

The planned growth for 2026 requires human capital, of course, and yet equity compensation among firms remains limited, with only 39% offering or planning to offer it to employees.

Methodology: Beginning on Nov. 21, 2025, WealthManagement.com emailed invitations to participate in an online survey to active users. By Dec. 12, 2025, WealthManagement.com received 241 responses.