DeVoe & Company has developed our sixth annual M&A Outlook Report which explores advisors’ perspectives on trends in M&A, including current motivations and barriers involved with acquiring or selling. 

After a decade of unbridled acceleration, the volume of RIA mergers and acquisitions dropped in 2023. This decline occurred despite valuations for RIA increasing; multiples remained high while a strong stock market provided a boost to RIA AUM, revenues, and profitability.

But what does 2024 hold for the advisory community? Download your copy here.

Developed in collaboration with Allworth Financial, The Heart of the Deal report focuses on a critical, but often ignored area: The emotions related to selling an RIA.  

Owners considering selling their firm will benefit from key insights, such as:

• How a seller's fears and aspirations can undermine a great partnership - or be a seller's North Star.

• How to manage fears and emotions that relate to three important constituents: clients, staff and owners.

• How the emotional journey of a founder is unique and needs to be managed alongside a larger life change.

Download your copy

Our fifth annual report uncovered the lowest expectations for the year ahead for RIA M&A activity and valuations. Read more about the industry’s ongoing problem with succession planning, aspirations to acquire, and motivations and barrier for both buyers and sellers. Download your copy.

M&A Outlook Report: Prior Issues

2021 Report

2020 Report

2019 Report

2022 Report: Culture & Engagement in a Post-Covid World

The paper explores a wide range of human capital topics and the special circumstances affecting RIAs after the profound changes brought upon by Covid.

Many firms are now finding a new set of challenges, as ‘return to office’, remote work, and the Big Quit keep moving goal posts. Download your copy.

How First-time Acquirers
Can Gain an Edge

DeVoe & Company collaborated with BNY Mellon | Pershing on a paper to help RIA explore if they are ready to become an acquirer. There is room in the marketplace for new entrants but having the right plan and resources will make the difference. Whitepaper available through Pershing.

Articles

Journal of Financial Planning - February 2023
Navigating the Emotional Journey When Selling Your RIA

Financial Planning Magazine Op-Ed - March 2023
The banking crisis is an opportunity for RIAs

Wealth Management Magazine - 2022 MidYear Outlook
RIA Growth and the Wizard of Oz

WealthManagement Magazine - 2022 Outlook
The Accelerating Mail Truck: An RIA Owner’s Dilemma

Wealth Management Magazine - 2021 MidYear Outlook
Three Trends to Shape 2021 and Beyond

WealthManagement Magazine - 2021 Outlook
The Rise of the META-Firm

WealthManagement Magazine - 2020 Mid Year Outlook
COVID-19 and The Perfect Storm

WealthManagement.com
The Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy RIA M&A

WealthManagement.com
RIA Leaders: Unlock the Full Power of Your People

WealthManagement.com
The Four Phases of RIA M&A After the COVID-19 Storm

Financial Planning             
Prospective sellers should start increasing the firms value now

Financial Planning
Valuing an RIA: Which Factors Matter Most

Financial Planning
Stop Using Revenue Multiples: Better Tools for Valuation

Investment Advisor Magazine
Succession Planning: Planning Your Future

ThinkAdvisor
Tailor-Made Successor

Financial Advisor Magazine
True Value: Learn to Focus on the Things That Drive Up the Value of Your Practice

Succession Planning White Paper
MKT, Schwab Advisors Services
Ask your Schwab representative for a copy

Valuation White Paper
MKT, Schwab Advisors Services
Ask your Schwab representative for a copy