Potential Downturn Predicted for RIA Mergers and Acquisitions

Posted on July 26th, 2023 at 9:44 AM
Potential Downturn Predicted for RIA Mergers and Acquisitions

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law.

According to DeVoe & Company's second-quarter RIA Deal Book report, RIA mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are experiencing a decline.

If this trend persists, 2023 could mark the first year of reduced M&A activity in almost a decade. Over the past 18 months, there has been a steady decline in M&A deals, with the number dropping from a peak of 76 in the fourth quarter of 2021 (the highest since the beginning of 2019). In the first half of 2023, there were 120 M&A deals, representing an 11 percent decrease from the 135 deals reported in the first half of 2022.

According to DeVoe's report, buyers and sellers are displaying more caution in the current market. The decline in M&A activity is attributed to macroeconomic factors, including high inflation, persistent high-interest rates, and ongoing uncertainty in the economy and financial markets, which are exerting pressure on the industry.

According to WealthManagment.com, most acquirers remain optimistic about the near future despite the downturn. Out of the respondents, four out of 10 stated their intention to maintain the current pace of deals over the next six months, while 53 percent planned to increase the number of acquisitions. Conversely, seven percent expressed their intention to reduce the number of acquisitions.

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.

Related Attorneys: James J. Eccleston

Tags: Eccleston, Eccleston Law, RIA mergers, mergers and acquisitions, M&A

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

You were most helpful with my FINRA deposition. You are a good lawyer and a good person.

Dan B.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

March 17, 2025
FINRA Disciplinary Actions Rise for the First Time Since 2016

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) increased its enforcement actions in 2024, marking the first rise in disciplinary cases since 2016, as reported by AdvisorHub.

March 14, 2025
Apex Clearing to Pay $3.2 Million in FINRA Settlement Over Securities Lending Violations

Apex Clearing, the clearing arm of Apex Fintech Solutions, has agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle FINRA allegations that it failed to ensure customers received compensation for lending their securities.

March 13, 2025
Congress Considers Expanding the Accredited Investor Definition

A recent congressional hearing examined potential reforms to the accredited investor definition, a critical threshold determining who can participate in private market investments.