Inside the Industry
We have the rare opportunity to gain perpetual insider access to the industry. We see how firms work – and don’t work – and have access to the strongest network of providers in the wealth management industry. We synthesize our knowledge and insight on the latest best practices and business trends not only for our clients but also the broader advisor community through white papers, case studies and articles to help you build your business.
2021 set records for deal volumes and valuations, but how much room is left? Advisor Growth Strategies and industry M&A experts discuss what is driving the M&A market and where participants are missing the big picture.
The event begins with a preview of AGS’ RIA Deal Room research and transitions to an exciting panel discussion. Mark Bruno moderates a robust panel discussion that features John Furey (AGS), Marty Bicknell (Mariner Wealth Advisors), and Rush Benton (CAPTRUST) with candid views on the good, bad, and ugly of M&A. The session features fresh views on the new limits of RIA M&A.
In honor of the Alliance for RIAs (“aRIA”) 10-year anniversary and the release of the 2022 RIA Deal Room, Alliance for RIAs members share about their journey over the last 10 years and how M&A and business management intersect. RIA M&A continues to set records and the concept of best-in-class business management is taking center stage as the definition of “big” continues to change. John Furey (AGS), Brent Brodeski (Savant Wealth), Ron Carson (Carson Group), and Matt Cooper (Beacon Pointe) share perspectives on life as a buyer and seller, and what steps they have taken to address the future of wealth management.
2021 is the most active year on record for RIA M&A. Advisor Growth Strategies and industry M&A experts share about what drove the M&A market in 2021 and what’s ahead in 2022. The event begins with a preview of AGS’ RIA Deal Room research and transitions to an exciting panel discussion. Charles Paikert moderates a robust panel discussion featuring John Furey (AGS), Bob Oros (Hightower), and Dave Barton (Mercer) to gain diverse M&A perspectives. The session features fresh views on RIA M&A and how the changing landscape should shape future decisions.
Advisor Growth Strategies and industry experts, Dave Barton (Mercer Advisors), Marty Bicknell (Mariner Wealth Advisors), and Rush Benton (CAPTRUST), share insights on how RIA M&A has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications for 2021. The panel discussion tackles recent trends in valuation and deal structures and what the pressures of scale and succession mean for the industry.
AGS and special guests from 6 Meridian share intelligence on what is working well for firms with a strong recruiting strategy, what it takes for succession plans to succeed, and what is required for firms to become more attractive to top talent. How does the next generation of talent view your compensation and long-term incentive plan? How do they think about advancement opportunities and mentorship?
2020 forced many new perspectives on RIAs and their business. Some firms found new ways to thrive, and others identified gaps. How can you move forward with purpose? How can firms improve their strategic options coming out of the crisis? AGS explores growth in the “new normal.” John Furey and Brandon Kawal share insights on how firms should think about scale and growth and why now is a good time to evaluate long-term goals. Is your growth strategy maximizing your options going forward? How can you stay competitive with the large players in the space?
AGS and BlackRock M&A for RIAs Workshop
BlackRock and AGS join for a three-part workshop to arm RIAS with everything they need to know about M&A:
- Each phase of the M&A process and practice steps to get started
- The capital sources available in the market today and what to consider when exploring these options for M&A or succession planning
- Key findings from “The RIA Deal Room Report,” including what drives valuations and the role the pandemic has played
Advisor Growth Strategies and special guests will conclude the series by tackling the big themes facing the RIA M&A market, discussing COVID-19 implications, and painting a picture for the road ahead. What tailwinds have been driving RIA M&A? Which M&A trends will change, and which will remain the same?
- Special Guests
- Rick Dennen, President & CEO, Oak Street Funding
- Keith Taylor, Managing Director, The Cynosure Group
Advisor Growth Strategies and special guests address the preliminary steps when entering an M&A transaction and share how to best position a deal for long-term success. How can RIAs evaluate the wide variety of capital sources available today? What are they? How can RIAs best position themselves to achieve their strategic goals?
- Special Guests:
- Matt Cooper, Partner and President, Beacon Pointe Advisors
- Brent Brodeski, CEO, Savant Capital Management
Advisor Growth Strategies and special guests share what it looks like to compete with large acquirers who have established a clear place in the market. What opportunities exist for emerging M&A players? What will it take for a prospective buyer to compete now and in the future? This education session helps advisors understand what it takes to enter the M&A market.
- Special Guests:
- John Burns, CEO, Exencial Wealth Advisors
- Marty Bicknell, CEO & President, Mariner Wealth Advisors
Advisor Growth Strategies and special guests share how deal terms and valuation trends have evolved and what it means for the future of M&A. What factors are driving valuations and deal structures? What should RIAs understand about recent shifts in trends?
- Special Guests:
- Karl Heckenberg, CEO, Emigrant Partners, LLC
- Rush Benton, Senior Director, CAPTRUST
Advisor Growth Strategies and special guest John Burns of Exencial Wealth Advisors discuss options for linking compensation and equity to a firm’s strategy and financial objectives. In any market, it is important for firms to have optionality in a plan while staying competitive to retain talent. How can firms strike the right balance with their compensation and equity strategy?