RIA M&A Starts 2026 at Record Pace

The registered investment advisor sector posted its busiest first quarter on record, signaling continued momentum for consolidation across the wealth management industry, according to DeVoe & Company.

A total of 93 transactions were completed in the first three months of 2026, up from 75 in the same period last year and 65 in the first quarter of 2024. The tally also ties the third quarter of 2025 as the most active quarter ever recorded by deal count.

“Many arrows point toward another record year, as buyers remain well capitalized and sellers seek the benefits [of] scale, solutions to succession, and partners to help them grow,” said David DeVoe, managing director at DeVoe & Company.

Deal sizes are also increasing. The average assets under management involved in first-quarter transactions reached a record $1.16 billion, reflecting growing interest in larger, more strategic acquisitions.

Buyer composition remained diversified. Consolidators accounted for 49% of transactions, followed by RIAs at 23%, while other acquirers—including private equity firms, banks, broker-dealers and diversified financial services companies—represented 23% of activity. Notably, these non-traditional buyers led the majority of the 14 deals involving RIAs with more than $5 billion in assets.

Among the most active acquirers, Beacon Pointe Advisors completed seven deals, followed by Hightower Advisors with six and Savant Wealth Management with five.