Robo-advisers continue swift asset growth

Robo-advisers continue swift asset growth
LearnBonds.com expects assets managed on digital platforms to reach $1.4 trillion globally in 2020
FEB 03, 2020

Despite increasing competition from traditional financial institutions, data gathered by LearnBonds.com suggest digital advice technologies will see significant asset growth in coming years.  

The researcher expects assets managed by robo-advisers to grow 47% year-over-year to reach $1.4 trillion globally in 2020. By 2023, LearnBonds expects robo-adviser assets under management to reach $2.5 trillion.

According to the robo-adviser market outlook from Statista, AUM at robo-advisers totaled $240 billion in 2017. The market quadrupled over the last 2 years to reach $980.5 billion.

The United States, home to digital advice startups like Betterment, Wealthfront and Personal Capital, continues to lead the automated investing marketplace. Three-quarters of robo-adviser AUM is U.S.-based, and LearnBonds expects the market to reach $1 trillion this year. Second-ranked China is around $700 billion behind.

The numbers are in line with similar research from Aite Group, which found assets at U.S.-based digital advisers grew 10% over the first three quarters of 2019 and will reach $1.26 trillion in 2023.

Leading the growth are new digital platforms from traditional financial services firms. Vanguard Personal Advisor services remains the biggest robo in terms of AUM, while products from discount brokerages account for 35% of the market.

Banks see digital advice as a way to encourage customers to invest cash in checking and savings accounts. Citi became the latest bank to enter the market last week with the introduction of its Citi Wealth Builder product.

Latest News

CAIS, Arch raise fresh capital as advisors lean into private markets
CAIS, Arch raise fresh capital as advisors lean into private markets

The two alternative-investment platforms' new financing – coming from Blue Owl, Carlyle, Franklin Templeton and other big-name backers – signals deepening advisor demand for private-market access.

AI compliance testing surges as SEC steps up scrutiny of advisers
AI compliance testing surges as SEC steps up scrutiny of advisers

Eighty-five percent of firms now call AI their top compliance concern, up 28 points from 2025, new industry survey shows

Waverly Advisors, Merit Financial Advisors announce acquisitions
Waverly Advisors, Merit Financial Advisors announce acquisitions

RIA consolidation deals expand firms in Alabama, Maryland.

LPL, Conquest and FMG push AI deeper into advisor workflows
LPL, Conquest and FMG push AI deeper into advisor workflows

Three major platforms roll out AI-driven advisor tools spanning marketing, planning, and behavioral coaching.

Lifelong financial hardship linked to measurable brain decline, study finds
Lifelong financial hardship linked to measurable brain decline, study finds

New research spanning seven decades links persistent low income to lower cognitive scores by midlife and faster brain atrophy in later life.

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income