RIA M&A Hits Record $1.67 Trillion in Q1 2026
The wealth management industry achieved a historic milestone in the first quarter of 2026, with Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) mergers and acquisitions reaching a record $1.67 trillion in deal volume. According to an Echelon Partners report, this figure represents a 107% year-over-year increase, driven by 142 announced transactions. Private equity-linked deals dominated the landscape, accounting for nearly 72% of all activity, while strategic acquirers, primarily RIAs buying other firms, constituted over 95% of transaction counts. Key deals included Corebridge Financial’s $22 billion merger with Equitable Holdings and Charles Schwab’s minority investment in Dynasty Financial Partners. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, buyers focused on building integrated service platforms rather than just scaling assets. The average deal size rose to $1.8 billion, reflecting a shift toward comprehensive service offerings including tax and estate planning. Additionally, US firms accelerated international expansion into European and Australian markets, signaling a robust global consolidation trend within the sector.
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RIA M&A Hits Record $1.67 Trillion in Q1 2026
The wealth management industry achieved a historic milestone in the first quarter of 2026, with Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) mergers and acquisitions reaching a record $1.67 trillion in deal volume. According to an Echelon Partners report, this figure represents a 107% year-over-year increase, driven by 142 announced transactions. Private equity-linked deals dominated the landscape, accounting for nearly 72% of all activity, while strategic acquirers, primarily RIAs buying other firms, constituted over 95% of transaction counts. Key deals included Corebridge Financial’s $22 billion merger with Equitable Holdings and Charles Schwab’s minority investment in Dynasty Financial Partners. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, buyers focused on building integrated service platforms rather than just scaling assets. The average deal size rose to $1.8 billion, reflecting a shift toward comprehensive service offerings including tax and estate planning. Additionally, US firms accelerated international expansion into European and Australian markets, signaling a robust global consolidation trend within the sector.
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