RIAs Need to Focus on Efficiencies to Drive Growth

More than two-thirds of registered investment adviser (RIA) firms said they will emphasize operational efficiency to drive future growth and improve the bottom line, according to “The FA Insight Study of Advisory Firms: Growth by Design,” published by TD Ameritrade Institutional.

After explosive growth in 2014, key performance metrics declined sharply last year, and RIAs expect the same for 2016. Assets under management (AUM) grew 10.6% in 2014, but AUM growth dropped off to 4.7% in 2015—a 56% decline. After very healthy revenue growth rate of 14.4% in 2014, this metric fell to 7.3%. RIAs enjoyed a client base growth rate of 7.1% in 2014, but it was only 6.0% last year. And RIAs’ median operating profit was 26% in 2014, but only 20% in 2015.

TD Ameritrade said that the squeeze on profitability means that rather than relying on the markets to generate growth, RIAs need to proactively plan for their futures.

“After 2014’s record profitability and explosive growth, advisers now must be more disciplined—and that’s not a bad thing,” says Vanessa Oligino, director of business performance solutions at TD Ameritrade Institutional. “Firms need growth plans that go deeper than just riding the market tide if they expect their success to carry through different cycles.”

TD Ameritrade found RIAs in the top quartile converted 40% to 50% more owner income per dollar of revenue. They also spent a much lower percentage of revenue on overhead expenses, resulting in greater profitability and higher income per owner.

Fifty-six percent of standout firms said that client experience is a key growth driver, versus 41% of their peers. Standout firms also said it is important to deliver consistent, high-quality client service and onboarding.

Only 34% of firms in 2015 had increased their pricing in the past two years, compared to 42% in 2014. TD Ameritrade said this may be misguided—if RIAs clearly articulate and demonstrate the value they deliver, they can command higher fees.

Twenty percent of RIAs point to mergers and acquisitions as a key driver of recent growth, with the most common transaction being the acquisition of a solo practictioner.

The report is based on a survey of 325 advisers. More information is available online at www.fainsight.com.