Discover how RIA M&A trends and opportunities could be shaping the RIA industry in 2026. Download to learn more about navigating RIA mergers and acquisitions.

RIA M&A Trends

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Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions (GSCS) recently collaborated with our investment banking colleagues to gather insights on M&A trends and challenges shaping the RIA industry. 

"Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions (GSCS) recently collaborated with our investment banking colleagues to gather insights on M&A trends and challenges shaping the RIA industry. "

"Navigating RIA M&A: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities"

Navigating RIA M&A: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

"<h2>M&amp;A Trends and Opportunities for RIA Firms in 2026</h2>\r\n&nbsp;\r\nThe RIA landscape is poised for notable transformation as firms reposition themselves for scale and strategic advantage amid significant M&amp;A activity and structural changes. We spoke to Kyle VanFleet, a leader in the Investment Banking RIA M&amp;A advisory business, to gain insights into the trends and challenges shaping the RIA industry.&nbsp;\r\nRead the interview to learn more.\r\n"

<h2>M&amp;A Trends and Opportunities for RIA Firms in 2026</h2>
&nbsp;
The RIA landscape is poised for notable transformation as firms reposition themselves for scale and strategic advantage amid significant M&amp;A activity and structural changes. We spoke to Kyle VanFleet, a leader in the Investment Banking RIA M&amp;A advisory business, to gain insights into the trends and challenges shaping the RIA industry.&nbsp;
Read the interview to learn more.

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"RIA M&A Insights: Strategies for Success"

One-third of RIA advisors plan to retire within 10 years*, creating succession challenges and M&A opportunities. Firms are looking to scale, expand services, and integrate digital-forward solutions.

Navigating RIA Succession Challenges Amidst M&A Opportunities

Private equity is reshaping the RIA market, with 295 PE-backed RIAs as of July 2025**. RIA leaders need to make strategic choices about capital structure and growth strategies.

Strategic M&A Decisions in a Private Equity-Driven Market

RIAs should integrate personalized services with automated solutions and expand ancillary services to create new revenue streams. Catering to specific client sets can help firms gain traction with clients and attract PE investors.

Driving RIA Growth through Differentiation Strategies

RIA M&A Insights: Strategies for Success

*Cerulli U.S. Advisor Metrics 2025&nbsp;
**Private Equity Ownership in the RIA Space – 2025 Trends

"*Cerulli U.S. Advisor Metrics 2025&nbsp;\r\n**Private Equity Ownership in the RIA Space – 2025 Trends\r\n"

"In the increasingly competitive M&A world, firms need to show the ability to enhance organic growth post acquisitions of smaller RIAs, as opposed to depending mainly on M&A arbitrage to enhance internal rate of return."

In the increasingly competitive M&A world, firms need to show the ability to enhance organic growth post acquisitions of smaller RIAs, as opposed to depending mainly on M&A arbitrage to enhance internal rate of return.

"Custody, clearing, and certain brokerage services are offered by Folio Investments, Inc., which conducts business as Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions (GSCS). GSCS does not offer M&amp;A advisory services. GSCS is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and Member FINRA/MSRB/SIPC. Neither this material nor any of its contents shall constitute an offer, solicitation, or advice to buy or sell securities.\r\n"

Custody, clearing, and certain brokerage services are offered by Folio Investments, Inc., which conducts business as Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions (GSCS). GSCS does not offer M&amp;A advisory services. GSCS is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and Member FINRA/MSRB/SIPC. Neither this material nor any of its contents shall constitute an offer, solicitation, or advice to buy or sell securities.

"<h5>Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions – Legal\r\n<a href=\"/content/gs/gscom/disclosures/custody-solutions\">Important Disclosures</a> | <a href=\"/content/gs/gscom/what-we-do/ficc-and-equities/custody-solutions/privacy-and-security\">Privacy &amp; Security</a> | <a href=\"/content/gs/gscom/what-we-do/ficc-and-equities/custody-solutions/financial-statement\">Financial Statement</a>\r\n</h5>\r\n"

<h5>Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions – Legal
<a href="/disclosures/custody-solutions">Important Disclosures</a> | <a href="/what-we-do/ficc-and-equities/custody-solutions/privacy-and-security">Privacy &amp; Security</a> | <a href="/what-we-do/ficc-and-equities/custody-solutions/financial-statement">Financial Statement</a>
</h5>

Accessibility Notice:&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="/transcript-requests">transcript is available&nbsp;</a>for any video on this page.

Navigating RIA M&A: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Navigating RIA M&A: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

M&A Trends and Opportunities for RIA Firms in 2026

Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions – Legal

Important Disclosures | Privacy & Security | Financial Statement

Navigating RIA M&A: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Navigating RIA M&A: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

M&A Trends and Opportunities for RIA Firms in 2026

Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions – Legal Important Disclosures | Privacy & Security | Financial Statement

Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions – Legal

Important Disclosures | Privacy & Security | Financial Statement