InvestmentNews has opened enrollment for its 2026 Benchmarking Study, a data-driven initiative designed to provide advisory firms with granular insights into industry performance and strategic evolution. The study, which relies on direct contributions from RIAs, broker-dealers, and wirehouse practices, aims to capture the shifting dynamics of client relationships, asset growth, and operational efficiency across the wealth management landscape.
Firms that submit their data by the May 22, 2025 deadline will receive complimentary access to the full benchmarking report, which carries a retail value of $999. The report synthesizes proprietary data to reveal how leading firms are structuring teams, adapting pricing models, and managing profitability in an environment marked by persistent volatility and evolving client expectations. Participants will also be entered into a drawing for a $250 Amazon gift card.
The study comes at a time when advisory firms are grappling with rapid changes in client demographics and investment preferences. According to a recent UBS report, an estimated $83 trillion wealth transfer is reshaping how heirs engage with advisors, while a Fidelity study found that 43% of stock plan participants are first-time investors, altering retirement saving patterns. These trends underscore the need for reliable benchmarking data to inform strategic decisions.
Key areas the 2026 Benchmarking Study will explore include the evolution of client relationships and asset bases, drivers of growth across markets and channels, team structures that support scalability, and adaptations in pricing and service models. The report will also provide detailed metrics on revenue, costs, and profitability, enabling firms to compare their performance against peers.
InvestmentNews encourages participation from a broad cross-section of the advisory community to ensure the data reflects the diversity of the industry. The study is particularly relevant for firms seeking to understand how their operational metrics stack up against top-quartile performers, especially as client demand for 'news-proof' portfolios surges amid ongoing market uncertainty.
Data submissions will be accepted through Friday, May 22, 2025. Firms interested in contributing can complete the survey via the InvestmentNews website. The resulting report is expected to serve as a strategic resource for advisors looking to refine their business models and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the wealth management sector.
