Digest February 16th

RIA M&A Activity Poised to Stay Strong in 2026

Industry research shows that RIA mergers and acquisitions are expected to remain vigorous in 2026, with a majority of leaders forecasting steady or increased deal volume following a record‑breaking 2025. This environment creates ongoing opportunities for advisors considering strategic exits, partnership deals, or growth‑oriented acquisitions.
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NewEdge Advisors Expands W‑2 RIA Model

NewEdge Advisors — an RIA with roughly $24.7 billion in AUM — is ramping up its W‑2 advisor channel, already adding 14 firms and $14 billion in assets, with plans to push further in 2026. This move underscores the continued appeal of hybrid employment models that combine stability with independence, and may influence how advisors structure their own practices.
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Beacon Pointe Starts 2026 With Big Acquisition

Beacon Pointe Advisors kicked off 2026 by acquiring Litman Gregory Wealth Management, a firm overseeing about $2.7 billion in assets. This addition boosts Beacon Pointe’s scale and geographic reach, illustrating how acquisitive RIAs are positioning to offer deeper planning capabilities and stronger market presence in a competitive landscape.
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