About the RIA Benchmarking Study
Leading your firm to greater success amid increasing competition demands insights into your own operations as well as the competitive landscape. The depth of information in our RIA Benchmarking Study offers a unique view of how to optimize your business. Make strategic decisions with confidence when you participate in the industry's largest study. If you were part of the 2020 study, access your results—and start using them—today.
more information
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2020 Benchmarking Study results available
Advisors who took part in Schwab’s 2020 RIA Benchmarking Study can now access their customized peer reports and discover insights for planning and growth.
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See how advisors use the study
Review articles and watch videos to discover how advisors use study insights to inform strategic decisions.
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Learn key insights about growth
Explore our interactive digital experience to view 2019 insights and see how results show continued long-term growth for RIA firms.
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Discover the benefits of the study
See why thousands of advisors have participated in the study and the robust competitive insights firms receive.
Unlocking potential
When Mike Amash and his team at Westmount Asset Management participated in the RIA Benchmarking Study, they discovered opportunities to optimize growth. Over the years, the study revealed patterns. Analyzing the data led to a breakthrough and changed the way the firm does business.
Dig deeper into the study
Thinking about taking part in the study? See excerpts of the reports, with key competitive metrics, and get answers to your questions.
Additional resources
Thinking about taking part in the study? See excerpts of the reports with key competitive metrics and get answers to your questions.
2019 Peer Report Sample Pages >
Historical library
Each year, the RIA Benchmarking Study highlights industry trends and data. Firms use these insights over time to influence their next business steps. Take a look back and see what is pushing firms forward.
Results you can build on
The RIA Benchmarking Study provides a clear look at how a firm is doing in the marketplace. See why one firm considers the study "an essential tool for anyone who cares about running their business well."
“Schwab's Benchmarking Study confirms the steps we've taken to improve the health and strength of our business and helps us identify areas where we can and should devote more attention and resources.
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About the RIA Benchmarking Study
Schwab designed this study to capture insights in the Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) industry based on survey responses from individual firms. The 2019 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, over 3,600 firms have participated, with many being repeat participants. A total of 1,310 advisory firms representing $1.1 trillion dollars in AUM that custody their assets with Schwab participated in 2019, 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. Schwab did not independently verify or validate the self-reported information. Participant firms represent various sizes and business models. They are categorized into 12 peer groups—7 wealth manager groups and 5 money manager 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. Unless otherwise noted, study results are for firms with $250 million or more in AUM, representing the vast majority of total assets managed by this year's participants.