U.S. RIA Marketplace 2024
Redefining the Framework of Independence
Navigate the U.S. RIA Market
- Explore a complete sizing of the U.S. retail-focused registered investment advisor (RIA) marketplace
- Understand the impact and implications of advisor movement into RIA channels
- Gain insight into RIAs’ portfolio construction processes and product use metrics
- Gain insight into the competitive dynamics among established and emerging RIA custodians, advisor interest in expanding custodial options, and drivers of growth in the clearing/custody space
- Evaluate the Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction (OSJ) as an independence opportunity for advisors
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Summary
Analyze the many dimensions of the retail-focused RIA marketplace with 10+ years of market sizing of the independent RIA and hybrid RIA channels. Uncover factors that have led to the channels’ high growth and understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing RIAs in today’s environment. The report also covers key topics for RIA sales distribution, including product use, portfolio construction, and allocation changes.
A Note From the Author
What Are the Factors Driving RIA Consolidator Affiliation?

Stephen Caruso
Associate Director
Bio →

Stephen Caruso
Associate Director
Stephen is a Associate Director in the Wealth Management practice where he leads research into the registered investment advisor (RIA) channels. As part of his research, he is the author of Cerulli’s U.S. RIA Marketplace report and has written on topics including private equity investment in RIAs and the role staff play in RIAs’ pursuit of scale.
Full biography here.
Registered investment advisor (RIA) consolidators have grown considerably over the last decade and now account for $1.5 trillion in assets under management (AUM). RIA consolidators have been able to maximize this growth period by building platforms that cater to advisors’ needs while driving the goals of a larger, integrated organization forward. Three key factors influence this shift:
Succession Planning: 37% of the RIA channels’ advisors will be retiring over the next decade, putting 35% of channel assets in motion. RIA buyers have made significant inroads into this market, positioning themselves as a buttress to advisor practices and RIAs that understand they need an exit strategy.
Technology: 55% of advisors say an integrated technology platform is among the most-valued services offered by a consolidator.
Compliance: More than half (58%) of RIAs consider compliance support from a large RIA to be a top service they provide.
As this wave of consolidation rolls across the industry, advisors will be increasingly confronted by opportunities to sell their business or affiliate with a large RIA acquirer. RIA acquirers looking to differentiate themselves can do so by building a stronger framework of opportunity around the advisor. Balancing operational improvements with a loss of individuality can be difficult, and the value proposition must be readily apparent.
Our report, U.S. RIA Marketplace 2024, addresses this and more, including a complete market sizing, detailed practice attributes, growth opportunities, and asset manager distribution strategies.
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