Business Transformation | 08.26.26

RIA M&A Deal Count Falls but Asset Volume Hits Record

by: Ali Hibbs

Registered investment advisor (RIA) mergers and acquisitions slowed in the first half of 2026, with transaction volume falling 9% to 120 deals, but acquired assets surged nearly 88% to a record $343 billion, according to Fidelity Investments. Larger transactions drove the increase, with median acquired assets rising 22% to $630 million and deals involving firms with more than $1 billion increasing 6%. Acquirers are increasingly targeting sophisticated, multidisciplinary practices with institutional capabilities, strong talent and integrated services such as retirement, tax, trust and alternative investments. Private equity remained dominant, backing 89% of transactions. The 20 largest acquirers accounted for nearly 60% of first-half deals.

Read the full article on AdvisorHub