Our Research, Publications, and Articles

Learn more about our business philosophy and use of best practices from articles and white papers authored by DeVoe & Company principals. Our Press Announcements can be found here.

2025 talent management report

The Slide Toward mediocrity: pathways to growth and achievement

DeVoe & Company has released its fifth annual DeVoe 2025 RIA Talent & Growth Report, brought to you by Invesco. This year’s report highlights where firms are slipping backward on talent fundamentals and where renewed focus is needed.

Among the key findings:

  • Career pathing clarity is the top request from next-gen professionals. Only 38% of advisors believe their firms offer defined career paths, down from 50% in 2024.

  • Incentive compensation structures are deteriorating. Just 43% of firms report having a clear, methodical plan.

  • Next-gen readiness is weakening. Forty-five percent of firms expect a “bumpy transition” (up from 34% in 2024), while only 27% feel confident in their future leaders.

  • Attrition is creeping back up. Only 58% of firms reported no undesired attrition, compared to 68% in 2024.

Despite these headwinds, the opportunity remains. The report outlines best practices and strategies to rebuild the fundamentals and strengthen the people infrastructure that drives growth and continuity.

 
 

the 2024 RIA M&A Outlook

M&A Momentum Grows: Advisors Optimistic Despite ongoing succession challenges

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

This year’s findings demonstrate a significant shift in expectations.

The Heart of the Deal:
Understanding and Uncovering the Emotional Barriers
of Selling Your RIA

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.

This white paper has been selected as a 2024 WealthManagement.com “Wealthies” Finalist!

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.

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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