A Wealthmanagement.com analysis survey on RIA executives’ enterprise plans for 2026 reveals widespread strategic priorities and progress expectations.
At a prime stage, greater than half (52%) of companies are positioning themselves as potential consumers within the mergers and acquisitions market. Solely 25% say they might take into account taking part available in the market as a vendor. The discrepancy signifies continued religion within the impartial wealth administration channel and suggests potential valuations of RIAs will stay excessive.
Most executives anticipate to extend their capital budgets within the coming yr, with 63% saying they’ll increase budgets by a median of 6%, pushed primarily by reinvested income and working money move, which account for 69% of the anticipated capital sources.
Different contributors embody non-public fairness funding, conventional debt financing and strategic minority partnerships, every cited by 13% of respondents. Expectations for natural AUM progress are equally optimistic, with companies projecting a median 11% enhance in 2026, whereas consumer progress is anticipated to rise by 9% within the coming yr. These figures spotlight the trade’s confidence in increasing each belongings underneath administration and consumer bases, although companies usually overestimate their capability to develop organically web of market good points.
At the moment, companies supply a variety of providers; but, 60% of RIAs plan to introduce new choices in 2026. Crypto investments prime the record of deliberate new rollouts, adopted by property planning providers, reflecting a rising demand for each revolutionary and holistic monetary planning options.
Operational budgets are set to develop, with 82% of companies anticipating will increase. Investments will primarily goal know-how upgrades, advertising and marketing initiatives and human assets, underscoring the significance of effectivity, visibility and expertise acquisition in driving progress. Hiring plans align with these priorities, as companies intend to recruit back-office assist employees, junior advisors and skilled advisors to strengthen their groups.
The deliberate progress for 2026 requires human capital, in fact, and but fairness compensation amongst companies stays restricted, with solely 39% providing or planning to supply it to staff.
Methodology: Starting on Nov. 21, 2025, WealthManagement.com emailed invites to take part in a web-based survey to energetic customers. By Dec. 12, 2025, WealthManagement.com obtained 241 responses.
