RIA Benchmarking Study
Why do more than 1,000 firms participate in Schwab's RIA Benchmarking study every year? Simple. They receive in-depth data and insights customized for their business—all at no cost. Learn more about the performance metrics you need to help grow smart and drive success.
Advisors who participated in the study can now access their customized reports with hundreds of insightful performance metrics.
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In-depth insights you can use
Get key insights and national compensation data from the 2021 RIA Benchmarking Study.
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View interactive survey results
Curious how the industry fared in 2020? Take an interactive tour of the study's key insights—and learn how firms are poised for growth.
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See how your peers use the study
Use these articles and videos to see how to turn data insights into business strategies.
Get an inside look at the study
From the archives
The largest study in the RIA industry is also the most respected—with good reason. Take a look back and see what's pushing firms forward.
Data to inform your critical decisions
Why does this firm consider the RIA Benchmarking Study an essential tool for their business? Because "the data points are critical to making good business decisions." Learn how they do it.
“The Benchmarking Study is a requirement in order to keep our business managed in an optimal way and growing as best we can.
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About the 2021 RIA Benchmarking Study from Charles Schwab
Schwab designed this study to capture insights in the Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) industry based on survey responses from individual firms. The study provides information on topics such as asset and revenue growth, sources of new clients, products and pricing, staffing, compensation, marketing, technology, and financial performance. Since the inception of the study in 2006, more than 4,100 firms have participated, with many repeat participants. A total of 1,340 advisory firms representing over $1.5 trillion dollars participated in 2021, making this the leading study in the RIA industry. The RIA Benchmarking Study comprises self-reported data from advisory firms that custody their assets with Schwab and TD Ameritrade. Schwab did not independently verify or validate the self-reported information. Participant firms represent various sizes and business models. They are categorized into 7 peer groups by AUM size. The study is part of Schwab Business Consulting and Education, a practice management offering for RIAs. Grounded in the best practices of leading independent advisory firms, Business Consulting and Education provides insight, guidance, tools and resources to help RIAs strategically manage and grow their firm.
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab") is a separate but affiliated company and subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation ("Charles Schwab").
TD Ameritrade Institutional, Division of TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank.