Research
Research library
Research worth an advisor's time from research firms, asset managers, regulators, central banks, academics and think tanks, each with a short summary in our own words, plus AdvisorIQ's own analysis.
As of Oct 8, 2026, the library lists 5 pieces from custodians.
Titles marked with an arrow open on the publisher's site. How we choose.
Practice management
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M&A in wealth management: 2026 mid-year update (opens clearingcustody.fidelity.com)
Fidelity's midyear review of wealth management deals finds 120 RIA transactions in the first half of 2026, down from 132 a year earlier, but acquired assets of $342.9 billion, nearly double. Median deal size rose to $630 million, and acquirers are using deals to add capabilities such as tax and estate planning.
Topic: Practice managementclearingcustody.fidelity.com
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7 Ideas to Redesign Wealth Management Operating Models (opens bny.com)
Drawing on panels with operations and technology leaders at wealth firms, BNY Pershing outlines seven ways to redesign operating models around AI rather than automate old processes. Themes include treating advisors as co-designers, keeping control of client data, planning for change management early and avoiding a sprawl of tools.
Topic: Practice managementbny.com
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2026 RIA Benchmarking Study (opens aboutschwab.com)
Schwab's annual benchmarking study of 1,236 RIA firms with more than $2.5 trillion in assets, collected in early 2026. Growth remains the top priority, firms credit organic growth to clear value propositions and marketing, and talent, AI and digital processes are the main levers for efficiency.
Topic: Practice managementaboutschwab.com
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A year in review: 2025 mergers & acquisitions (opens clearingcustody.fidelity.com)
Fidelity's annual review of RIA deals documents a record 2025, with 276 completed transactions and $796.4 billion in acquired assets, up from 233 deals in 2024. A record 102 buyers were active, private equity backed 88% of deals, and acquirers increasingly bought capabilities such as tax and ultra-high-net-worth services.
Topic: Practice managementclearingcustody.fidelity.com
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Schwab's 2025 Independent Advisor Outlook Study: Trust, Talent and Technology Shaping the Next Era of Independent Advice (opens pressroom.aboutschwab.com)
Schwab's survey of 912 independent advisors covers growth priorities, AI and technology. Fifty-seven percent of firms already use AI and 69% expect it to be fully embedded within five years, and advisors rank adding new clients and raising assets per client as their top goals.
Topic: Practice managementpressroom.aboutschwab.com
Editorial
How we choose
- Inclusion is editorial. No publisher pays to be listed, and none can.
- We leave out any piece that features or recommends a specific fund, ETF, model portfolio or other product.
- Summaries are AdvisorIQ's own words. We link to the original on the publisher's site rather than copy it.
- We do not list pieces behind a paywall or a registration form, or pieces from media outlets and advisor platforms; we link to the original source instead.
More in our editorial standards.