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

5 best practices to brand your process & win more busines
5 best practices to brand your process & win more busines

Advisors can set their practice apart and win more business with a powerful graphic describing their unique business and value proposition.

Industry, financial experts sound off after DOL walks back crypto warning for 401(k)s
Industry, financial experts sound off after DOL walks back crypto warning for 401(k)s

The Labor Department's reversal from its 2022 guidance has drawn approval from crypto advocates – but fiduciaries must still mind their obligations.

Autopilot surges to $750M AUM, touts RIA growth as users copy Pelosi, Buffett trades
Autopilot surges to $750M AUM, touts RIA growth as users copy Pelosi, Buffett trades

With $750 million in assets and plans to hire a RIA Growth Lead, Autopilot is moving beyond retail to court advisors with separately managed accounts and integrations with RIA custodians such as Schwab and Fidelity.

RIA wrap: Former Procyon advisors launch Third View, ex-Rochdale CEO resurfaces in New York
RIA wrap: Former Procyon advisors launch Third View, ex-Rochdale CEO resurfaces in New York

Elsewhere on the East Coast, a Boca Raton-headquartered shop has acquired a fellow Florida-based RIA in "a natural evolution for both organizations."

$43B Beacon Pointe taps seasoned retirement plan specialist to lead in DFW region
$43B Beacon Pointe taps seasoned retirement plan specialist to lead in DFW region

After advising on nearly $700 million in retirement assets, 27-year veteran Greg Mykytyn is bringing his expertise in ESOP and 401(k) plans to the national RIA in Texas.

SPONSORED Beyond the dashboard: Making wealth tech human

How intelliflo aims to solve advisors' top tech headaches—without sacrificing the personal touch clients crave

SPONSORED The evolution of private credit

From direct lending to asset-based finance to commercial real estate debt.