Consolidation In The RIA Business Could Increase Competition For Smaller Firms Hot

 

Savant Capital LLC is being formed with $2.7 billion under management. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC is a $14 billion RIA that has grown by acquisition. It has 36 offices nationwide and hopes to become a national brand. The Savant-Monitor Group deal was not a merger nor an acquisition. That deal could pave the way for groups of smaller firms to partner together in an effort to compete.

 

Being on par with wirehouses will give RIAs the clout they need to lower costs. They will also have the money to spend on sophisticated marketing campaigns. This will put smaller RIAs at a disadvantage. But it also might mean better possible returns on advisor businesses as consolidation progresses.