The 2021 RIA Benchmarking Study is now open
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.
more information
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2021 Benchmarking Study: Now open
Participate in Schwab's 2021 study and receive a customized report showing how your firm compares to your peers on hundreds of key metrics of the RIA business. The study is open through March 17, 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.
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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 2020 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.
Want to know more?
Gain a better understanding of how to participate in the RIA Benchmarking Study and the benefits your firm will receive.
Dig deeper into the study
Thinking about taking part in the study? Review the 2021 study questions and see excerpts from the 2020 reports with key competitive metrics.
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 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 3,700 firms have participated, with many repeat participants. A total of 1,010 advisory firms representing $1.1 trillion dollars participated in 2020, 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.