2026 RIA DEAL ROOM REPORT

Eight years of proprietary M&A research, now in its most comprehensive edition yet. Download the 2026 RIA Deal Room report, sponsored by BlackRock, for insights on how deals are structured, what buyers are walking away from, and what it takes to command a premium.

WHAT YOU WILL FIND INSIDE

• Elusive Premiums and Selective Buyers – The unprecedented level of demand does not translate into universal premiums. How an RIA is run today will determine if a firm can capture a premium valuation. Buyers are highly selective and focused on ideal targets with specific attributes and strategic fits to drive organic growth.
• Next Generation is Key – Equity is the key tool in the now fluid succession construct. A rising percentage of equity (the average transaction in 2025 included 29% equity) is required in a full change-of-control transaction with an expected increase ahead for 2026. Firms can share ownership by investing in talent now or pay later.
• The Middle Market Pressure Point – Firms $500M – $5B have key strategic decision to make about their future. The pressure to scale or be acquired is most acute for mid-sized firms in a M&A environment where a diverse set of buyers are deploying multi-faceted acquisition strategies.