Escape the M&A Frenzy

Driven by private equity and large conglomerates, the financial services industry is experiencing head-turning levels of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity: According to Echelon Partners, 341 total RIA transactions took place in 2022 (an all-time high), and 2023 finished just under that record pace with 321 deals.¹

That’s a lot of activity! While M&A deals typically draw big headlines, what’s not discussed enough is the disruption some of these transactions can have on a financial advisor’s business. When a larger entity absorbs an advisor's partner firm, it often means the advisor must surrender their business’s unique identity, fit in with an entirely new culture, and lose out on some personalized services they had become accustomed to.

All of this is why aligning with the right partner firm for your business is crucial to ensure future success. If you are an advisor who wants to maintain control despite impending consolidation or regain control after your firm's consolidation activity, it's vital that you consider a few key items as you evaluate your partner firm. Our industry consolidation checklist will take you on a detailed tour of each of those items, including:

• Preservation of firm identity and cultural alignment
• Maintaining service excellence
• Retention of key leadership and support
• Reliability and deliverables
• Impact on client relationships

Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to evaluate your unique situation and make a decision that is best for you and your client’s futures.

Download the checklist now and take the next step to secure your business’s future!

¹Hibbs, A. (2024). Echelon: RIA M&A Fell in 2023. WealthManagement.com.