The Changing Landscape of RIA Sales: Insights from Leila Shaver
In a recent article contributed by Leila Shaver, securities attorney and founder of My RIA Lawyer in Atlanta, she sheds light on the evolving trends in the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) industry. Shaver highlights the increasing acquisition of RIAs by financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies, resulting in a rise in median acquisition sizes in 2020.
Shaver also notes a significant increase in the sales of small to midsized RIAs due to the retirement of boomer-aged advisors. To prepare for the sale of their firms, RIA owners are advised to benchmark their current practices, assess internal talent, evaluate their market position, and determine the firm’s value.
The article emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and realistic goal-setting, suggesting that RIA owners leverage the right guidance and tools to achieve their objectives, whether it be growth, internal succession, or external succession. Additionally, Shaver highlights the entrepreneurial nature of the RIA space, offering opportunities to create multiple revenue streams and diverse lines of business to cater to retail investors.
As the number of RIA deals continues to climb, Shaver anticipates increased regulatory scrutiny, particularly concerning advisor compensation and various standards. This evolving landscape may further complicate matters for consumers, and transactions between firms could blur the lines even more. Nonetheless, Shaver concludes that it is currently an opportune time for RIAs, with potential for growth and expansion in the industry.
Author Bio
Leila Shaver is the Founder of My RIA Lawyer, a law firm that provides compliance and legal consulting for financial institutions. With extensive experience as a securities attorney and compliance expert, she has served as Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel to RIAs, BDs, and TAMPs with billions in assets under management.
Leila understands the challenges RIAs face and is committed to helping RIAs streamline their processes, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. She received her Juris Doctor from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and is a West Georgia Young Lawyers’ Association member. Leila has received numerous accolades for her work, including the Carroll County Bar Association’s Outstanding Young Lawyer Award in 2017.