ECHELON Partners has released its 1Q 2026 RIA M&A Deal Report, highlighting a record-setting quarter with 142 announced transactions and $1.67 trillion in total transacted AUM, more than double the prior year period. The findings point to continued acceleration in consolidation as firms pursue scale and execute increasingly strategic transactions, with average deal size reaching its highest level since 2021.

Activity during the quarter reflects a shift toward platform expansion, as acquirers focus on building integrated capabilities across areas such as tax, estate planning, and institutional services. Cross-border activity also gained momentum, with U.S. firms targeting markets in Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, while private equity remained a dominant force, involved in over 70% of transactions.

The report underscores a market defined by well-capitalized buyers, rising deal complexity, and increasing demand for technology capabilities, particularly in AI, client analytics, and compliance. ECHELON projects approximately 475 transactions for full-year 2026, signaling continued momentum and an ongoing structural evolution in how wealth management firms grow and compete…