Corporate governance

One of the most consequential M&A deals in years leads this roundup of the many ways big independent firms grew in 2025 and how they plan to continue growing in 2026.

Savant Wealth Management, Moneta Group Investment Advisors and EP Wealth Advisors lead a group of fee-only firms with headcounts well above their peers.

Experts say RIA owners often resist making themselves replaceable. But they'll have to choose between an internal or external deal someday.

This year the top three firms in FP's exclusive study of RIAs that do not do any commission business manage nearly $120 billion combined.

Every independent RIA has unique access to one niche: the prospects in their own ZIP code. Smart advisors can turn that information into a community-based customer pool.

The printable PDF includes rankings based on the firms' AUM as well as statistics on each firm's employees, client accounts and financial advisors.

Fiduciary laws trace their roots to ancient times, but the terms of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Investment Advisers Act are still evolving today.

Minority transactions are increasingly appealing to sellers who are wary of giving up the full control of their firms. But experts say the deals do come with strings.

The Ensemble Practice's annual RIA compensation survey suggests that firms are paying a pretty penny for financial advisors but reaping healthy profits.

Merrill wealth co-head Eric Schimpf says the firm does about as good a job as its rivals in drawing in net new assets. But given Merrill's relationship with Bank of America, "We can do better."

Deal structure, transition plans and dog and pony shows represent only a few of the thorny difficulties involved with branching into an acquisition strategy, experts say.

Big aggregators could feel the heat if private equity continues to fund $500M to $1B-AUM firms.

Resources and personal connections offer significant advantages. But financial advisors and other experts say they only get new RIAs part of the way.

The choice of buyer and the price get the most attention, but a possible merger of equals and the technology side of the transition could loom large in the strategy.

Much like deciding the right client headcount, choosing whether to fire a customer or turn away new business represents an important step in a firm's development.

Step away from the rote 30-second spiel. Instead, forge connections with advisory prospects based on trust, not tactics.

The question ties into so many of the factors that distinguish large and small firms, various client niches and decisions about whether or not to hire staff.

The fact that many financial advisors say they do not provide tax planning belies how much value they may add through that service, according to an expert.

Tips and tricks on building a successful niche: This week, Andrew Barninger of Personal Wealth Advisory shares insights on financial planning for business owners looking for an exit.