RIA Growth and Specialized Knowledge Survey Results

Discover how RIA firms and their independent advisors think about growth, prioritization to scale, and how specialized knowledge fits in.

Focus on Growth

Growth is foremost on the minds of emerging RIAs—securing more business and a larger market share through recruiting and business planning. A majority of independent advisors also believe professional designation programs are critical to further development of their skills and those of their team.

SAY THEY COULD ADD UP TO FIVE ADVISORS IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS

ADVISORS BELIEVE ORGANIC GROWTH IS THEIR TOP BUSINESS PRIORITY

SEE PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS AS A KEY TO BUSINESS GROWTH

Value of Education

Your peers clearly understand the need for deeper and ongoing education, and over 75% believe the CFP® certification, while important, is not enough to guarantee success. Additionally, they see a real need for more education on core topics of immediate importance to their clients—something The College is well-equipped to provide.

SAY DESIGNATION PROGRAMS HELP ADVANCE THEIR CAREER

HAVE GONE BEYOND THE CFP® CERTIFICATION FOR EDUCATION

THEY OVERWHELMINGLY DESIRE FURTHER EDUCATION ON:

RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

ESTATE PLANNING

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ADVANCED TAX PLANNING

ADVISORS WHO GO BEYOND CFP® CERTIFICATION OFTEN EARN A COLLEGE DESIGNATION:

ChFC®

CHARTERED FINANCIAL CONSULTANT®

CLU®

CHARTERED LIFE UNDERWRITER®

RICP®

RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL®

Specialization Leads to Integration

Emerging RIAs are aware of The College’s value and believe specialization will help them become more efficient, more client-centric, and more profitable. Advisors see integrated services as table-stakes, keeping clients in-house to cultivate longer-lasting relationships for the entirety of a client’s (and their family’s) life.

ADDING SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

RANKED AHEAD OF NEW TECHNOLOGY AS THE TOP ADVISOR PRIORITY

OVER

SAY KNOWLEDGE FROM DESIGNATION PROGRAMS SUPPORTS SERVICE INTEGRATION

Your Indispensable RIA Resource

Your RIA peers are aggressively seeking opportunities to expand their businesses and increase their value—and The American College of Financial Services has the solutions. Our infographic provides a comprehensive look at where your fellow independent advisors are coming from and the strategies that have worked for them.

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RIA Profitability Plan

Chart a blueprint for growth. Access our research to take your RIA to the next level.

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