In the late spring of 2015, Brooks Hamner and I were having lunch and started talking about creating a blog to explore what we were seeing regarding valuation and advisory projects in the RIA space. The big question was not whether we could start it, but whether we could keep it going. Most blogs start strong for a few months and then kind of fade out. When we got back from lunch, I pulled up a Word doc and Brooks and I started brainstorming topics. In a few minutes, we had several dozen idea...| Mercer Capital
Independent trust companies are gaining momentum in 2025, offering high-net-worth clients flexible, client-focused solutions outside the constraints of traditional banks. As the $68 trillion Great Wealth Transfer accelerates, these firms stand out for their personalized services, regulatory agility, and tech-driven client experience—positioning them as key players in the evolving wealth management landscape.| Mercer Capital
In the investment management world, evaluating a firm’s margin isn’t as simple as “more is better.” For RIAs, margin reflects efficiency, but it also reflects the firm’s tradeoffs with compensation.| Mercer Capital
In the ever-evolving wealth management sector, we see RIAs exploring ways to bolster their competitive edge, long-term sustainability, margin, and valuation. An increasingly common strategy involves integrating family office services, which extend core asset management to include comprehensive tax optimization, estate planning, philanthropy coordination, and lifestyle management. This often manifests as a multi-family office (MFO) model, serving multiple ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients un...| Mercer Capital
AI is expected to have a significant impact on the RIA industry. This relatively new technology is already reshaping how RIAs manage assets, engage with clients, and navigate an increasingly competitive landscape. For RIA owners, understanding and leveraging AI is becoming critical to maintaining a competitive edge, enhancing firm valuations, and ensuring long-term success in a mature but evolving industry. This post explores the multifaceted impact of AI on the RIA industry while providing ...| Mercer Capital
With a constant stream of headlines about M&A and near-daily inquiries from prospective acquirers, it’s easy for RIA owners to get the impression that external transactions are the norm. Internal transactions don’t generate headlines, and prospective buyers (next-gen management) likely aren’t beating your door down to close a deal. While they may be less conspicuous, internal transactions are a viable avenue for succession planning and one that many RIAs accomplish successfully.| Mercer Capital
We explore why internal succession remains a compelling strategy for RIAs despite lower valuations.| Mercer Capital
A well-structured succession plan not only enhances the firm’s operational stability and scalability but also increases its attractiveness to potential buyers. Buyers are not merely acquiring existing…| Mercer Capital
In our latest webinar, Matt Crow and Brooks Hamner guide you through succession planning, ensuring your firm’s legacy thrives while maximizing its value.| Mercer Capital
While the Owner Strategy Triangle is a way to examine strategy for family businesses, we see useful applications for RIA leadership as well.| Mercer Capital
Succession planning is often misunderstood as a one-time event—a moment when an RIA owner transitions leadership and exits the firm.| Mercer Capital
Advising clients on estate planning is a core service offered by wealth management firms, and the best tool is often some sort of trust.| Mercer Capital
In this week’s post, we examine current trends impacting independent trust companies.| Mercer Capital