RIA Valuation Insights

July 18, 2025 Current Events Industry Trends

RIA M&A Update: Q2 2025

M&A activity in the RIA space rebounded strongly in early 2025, with record-setting deal volume in Q1 and continued momentum into Q2. A favorable interest rate environment, increased private equity involvement, and a growing number of serial acquirers helped fuel activity. Despite a sharp decline in total transacted AUM, deal count and strategic interest remained high. For firms exploring growth, succession, or liquidity, understanding the evolving M&A landscape—and aligning your strategy with the right partner—has never been more critical.

July 11, 2025 Industry Trends Trust Companies Wealth Management

Independent Trust Company Trends in 2025

One of the most frequently overlooked sectors in the wealth management industry may be its first cousin, the independent trust industry. While many still associate trust administration with banks, which account for more than 75% of the space, the growing prominence of independent trust companies is capturing the attention of many participants in the investment management community. In this post, we examine current trends impacting independent trust companies.

July 3, 2025 Industry Trends

RIA Market Update: Q2 2025

RIAs generally outperformed the S&P in Q2 2025, with smaller asset managers returning over 13%, and alternative asset managers facing another quarter of underperformance after a year of strong growth. Year-over-year, alternative investment managers saw the strongest AUM growth, while traditional managers proved better at converting this growth to earnings. We explore further in our Q2 2025 Market Update.

June 27, 2025 Industry Trends Valuation Wealth Management

Navigating Valuation Challenges in the Great Wealth Transfer

Over the next two decades, an estimated $68 trillion is expected to transfer from Baby Boomers and Gen X to Millennials and Gen Z in what has been dubbed the “Great Wealth Transfer.” For RIAs and trust companies, this transition presents both opportunities and challenges that directly impact firm valuations. As client demographics evolve, investment management firms must adapt to retain AUM and navigate the valuation implications of this seismic wealth shift.

June 20, 2025 Transactions Valuation

Succession Conundrums: Why Sell to Insiders for Less?

(Because It May End Up Making You More)

A frequent question among RIA owners is whether internal buyers, such as employees or partners, pay less for their equity stakes compared to external buyers, and if so, why pursue internal succession? The answer is straightforward: internal buyers typically pay less, sometimes significantly less, due to unique industry dynamics and the structure of internal deals. This post explores the valuation perspectives and practical reasons behind this pricing differential, as well as why internal succession remains a compelling strategy despite lower valuations.

June 13, 2025 Practice Management Uncategorized

Don’t Punt on Succession Planning, Even if You Plan to Sell Externally

A well-structured succession plan not only enhances the firm’s operational stability and scalability but also increases its attractiveness to potential buyers. Buyers are not merely acquiring existing assets; they are investing in the future growth and continuity of the business. By prioritizing succession planning, RIA owners can better position themselves for a successful exit, ensuring they maximize value and minimize disruption, ultimately leading to a smoother transition for clients and team members alike.

June 6, 2025 Practice Management Valuation

Webinar Replay: Succession Planning for RIAs

Transition with Confidence

In our latest webinar, Matthew R. Crow, CFA, ASA and Brooks K. Hamner, CFA, ASA guide you through the critical steps of succession planning, ensuring your firm’s legacy thrives while maximizing its value. Whether you’re considering a sale, seeking investment, or transacting with current employees, this session is designed to equip RIA owners, acquirers, and industry advisors with the knowledge to make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

May 30, 2025 Practice Management Valuation

Succession Planning and Its Impact on RIA Valuations

For the investment management industry, succession planning is not just a strategic necessity—it’s an important driver of firm value. 

As the wealth management industry evolves, with an estimated 40% of RIA founders approaching retirement age, effective succession planning can mean the difference between a thriving firm and a diminished valuation. 

Here’s how RIAs can navigate succession to maximize value in 2025 and beyond.

May 23, 2025 Industry Trends Practice Management

Whitepaper: Succession Planning for Investment Management Firms

For this week’s edition of RIA Valuation Insights, we revisit our whitepaper, “Succession Planning for Investment Management Firms.” The updated whitepaper complements next week’s webinar, “Succession Planning for RIAs: Transition with Confidence,” with RIA team leader and CEO of Mercer Capital, Matt Crow and RIA senior team member and Senior Vice President, Brooks Hamner. You can register for the webinar in the post.

May 16, 2025 Practice Management

Managing Your RIA’s Priorities

The Owner Strategy Triangle

Sometimes we come across an idea that is so good we’re jealous of the person or persons who developed it. The Owner Strategy Triangle is one such idea. Josh Baron and Rob Lachenauer are family business consultants who founded Banyan Global and saw a strategic need for family business owners to decide what they valued most between three options: liquidity, growth, and control. While the authors developed the Owner Strategy Triangle as a way to examine strategy for family businesses, we see useful applications for their framework for RIA leadership as well.