Larger RIA firms growing fastest, IAA finds

Larger RIA firms growing fastest, IAA finds
There are now almost 14,000 RIAs registered with the SEC, and the number of clients they serve grew 17% in 2020, to 60.8 million
JUN 28, 2021

Advisers with more than $100 billion in assets experienced gains in assets under management of more than 14% annually over the past five years, far ahead of smaller advisers, according to a report on the adviser business by Investment Adviser Association and National Regulatory Services.

RIAs registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission now number almost 14,000, the report said. They manage $110 trillion in assets, and the number of clients they serve grew 17% in 2020, to 60.8 million.

In 2020, 59.8% of advisers served individual clients, the report found. Aside from investment companies and business development companies, private funds and other pooled vehicles were the second most common client type, with 38.7% of advisers having clients of that type.

The three most common types of institutional clients are pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations and corporations. Roughly one-quarter of advisers provide services to each of these client types.

Compared to 2019, adviser offices were more likely to be in southern states and less likely to be in traditional financial centers.

Latest News

Buy or sell Canada? Wealth managers watch carefully as Canadians head to the polls
Buy or sell Canada? Wealth managers watch carefully as Canadians head to the polls

Canadian stocks are on a roll in 2025 as the country prepares to name a new Prime Minister.

How are tech-boosted advisors spending their "time tax refund"?
How are tech-boosted advisors spending their "time tax refund"?

Two C-level leaders reveal the new time-saving tools they've implemented and what advisors are doing with their newly freed-up hours.

Indivisible Partners selects DPL to arm advisors for insurance business
Indivisible Partners selects DPL to arm advisors for insurance business

The RIA led by Merrill Lynch veteran John Thiel is helping its advisors take part in the growing trend toward fee-based annuities.

RIA M&A stays brisk in first quarter with record pace of dealmaking
RIA M&A stays brisk in first quarter with record pace of dealmaking

Driven by robust transaction activity amid market turbulence and increased focus on billion-dollar plus targets, Echelon Partners expects another all-time high in 2025.

New York Dems push for return of tax on stock sales
New York Dems push for return of tax on stock sales

The looming threat of federal funding cuts to state and local governments has lawmakers weighing a levy that was phased out in 1981.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.