ECHELON Partners Reports Record Nine-Month RIA M&A Activity for 2026
The third quarter of 2026 saw significant momentum in the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) M&A market, with 125 transactions announced. This volume ties for the second-highest quarterly total on record and contributes to a nine-month transaction count that is 12.2% higher than the same period in 2025. Total transacted assets for the quarter reached $389 billion, driven by heavy private equity involvement where sponsors acted as both direct investors and buyers' sponsors. Market trends indicate a shift toward capability-driven acquisitions, with buyers targeting niche client segments such as medical professionals and specialized industries. While private equity-backed acquirers still dominate the landscape, their market share saw a slight dip compared to the previous quarter. Additionally, WealthTECH deal flow reached a record high of 51 transactions, signaling increased convergence between wealth management platforms and technology providers.
Topics: Market Trends Private Equity RIA M&A Wealth Management