Record 48 RIA mergers and acquisitions took place in Q2

Record 48 RIA mergers and acquisitions took place in Q2
Consolidators were involved in 22 of the deals, says Echelon Partners.
JUL 17, 2018
By  Bloomberg

A record 48 mergers and acquisitions took place among registered investment advisory firms in the second quarter, according to Echelon Partners. This was only the second time in five years that second-quarter M&A activity topped the usually busier first quarter. The number of deals in the second quarter was also higher than the 2017 quarterly average of 42 deals. Echelon, in a release, said that the industry is on pace to record 189 total deals for the full year of 2018. Average deal size during the second quarter was $1.3 billion, an increase of 34% from 2017's $1.0 billion average deal size. Echelon also noted that well-capitalized strategic buyers and consolidators accounted for 46% of RIA purchases in the quarter, consummating 22 deals.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

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.