RIAs Continue Growth Despite Market Volatility

Independent financial advisory firms reported that they have maintained a 10-year growth trajectory despite numerous and varied investment environments, according to results from Schwab’s 2016 RIA Benchmarking Study.

The study underscores the critical importance of the adviser/client relationship as the bedrock of firms’ strength and resilience, and as a driver of growth. The data also reveals that stable client relationships coupled with robust business fundamentals is a recipe for success in firms of all sizes, as technology and human capital increasingly align to drive operational efficiency.

Over the past year study results show, the growth trajectory for firms’ assets under management (AUM) and revenues eased somewhat, but remained positive:

• AUM rose to $588 million in 2015 from $365 million in 2011, at a median compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%; and
• Revenues grew to $3.6 million in 2015 from $2.3 million in 2011, at a CAGR of 10.9%.

Solid relationships between advisers and clients have been central to driving this growth during tumultuous market environments. Independent advisors in the study doubled down on existing client relationships in the past year, and subsequently benefited from high client-retention rates and referral levels.

Average client size increased by nearly one-quarter (22%), as advisers spent more time reassuring clients and expanding the scope of their relationships. Additionally, client retention rates remained sky-high at 97% over the period of market turbulence, a testament to the trust advisers have built with their client base over time. Meanwhile, last year, roughly 75% of new clients [at firms with $100 million or more in AUM] came through referrals.

Increasing productivity and scale remains high on the list of goals for firm leaders, and this can translate into improved operating margins and increased profits. One-quarter (25%) of advisers reported that their top priority is improving productivity with new technology.

Firm profitability was up in the last year, rising 4% from the year prior and driven by continued improvements in operational processes and technology-driven efficiencies. This continues a longer term trend reported across these firms—profitability has jumped 27% in the past five years.

Firms are also focused on human capital, and are looking to strategically source the best talent to propel firm success. At mid-sized firms with $500 million to $750 million in AUM, 61% plan to add relationship managers or investment professionals this year, and 57% plan to add support staff.

Firms across peer groups strategically hire team members with unique qualifications:

• 83% of firms have at least one CFP on staff;
• 55% have at least one CFA on staff;
• 42% have at least one CPA on staff; and
• 23% have at least one JD on staff.

While firms will continue developing their technology, talent, and client base organically, a notable portion is already also preparing for inorganic opportunities to catalyze growth in needed areas. One-third (33%) of firms that manage more than $1 billion, and nearly 25% of firms with less than $1 billion in AUM, are actively looking to acquire. Study participants reported 208 instances of some type of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, and 149 instances of “join” activity, in the past five years.

Additional industry M&A data from Charles Schwab shows that last year alone, transaction volume among RIA firms reached a ten year high of 84 deals, up 56% from 2014.

“Top performers are firms that view growth—both organic and inorganic—as non-negotiable, but achieve this growth without sacrificing the depth and quality of their existing client relationships,” says Jonathan Beatty, senior vice president, sales and relationship management, Schwab Advisor Services. “They find innovative ways to streamline operations, seize opportunity and achieve scale by taking advantage of best practices and resources at their fingertips.”

Detailed findings can be found at www.aboutschwab.com/press/research.