RIA M&A activity reached record levels in 2025, driven by strong demand from private equity firms and strategic acquirers targeting scalable, professionally managed wealth platforms. According to Echelon Partners, total deal volume climbed to 466 transactions, marking a 27% year-over-year increase and one of the fastest growth rates in the past decade. Strategic buyers dominated the market, accounting for nearly three-quarters of all transactions, while financial sponsors continued to play a significant role through recapitalizations and platform investments.
Growth was fueled by repeat acquirers, rising minority investments, and ongoing consolidation among large firms seeking to expand capabilities and geographic reach. Notably, transactions involving RIAs with over $1 billion in assets surged, reflecting heightened competition for high-quality platforms that support both organic growth and acquisition strategies. As deal sizes increase and investor interest remains strong, the RIA M&A market is positioned for continued expansion and heightened competition in 2026…