Building a Scalable RIA Practice in 2025: Your Readiness Checklist

Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms are experiencing rapid transformation as we enter 2025. Opportunities abound, but so do the challenges of compliance, evolving client expectations, and the necessity of scale. Whether you’re a seasoned wealth management advisor or leading an up-and-coming RIA, scaling your practice with modern tools and strategies is essential.

Below is your educational, practical “RIA Readiness Checklist”—curated for RIA leaders seeking to future-proof their wealth management business, boost growth strategies, and streamline operations using modern, scalable RIA solutions.

The State of the RIA Business in 2025

• M&A Momentum: In 2025, RIA merger and acquisition activity remains robust with $37.7B in acquired AUM tracked in just one recent month, nearly double the prior period. Private equity-backed consolidators are driving deal activity, lending themselves to an increasingly competitive (and attractive) marketplace for sellers and for scalable new entrants.
• Growth Trends: The total number of SEC-registered RIAs has grown by 18% since 2019. Organic growth continues to be a core strategy, supported by technology and innovative client experiences.
• Modern Requirements: New SEC and FinCEN regulatory updates are reshaping compliance and reporting, making robust digital infrastructure a necessity for RIAs of all sizes.
• Technology-Driven Differentiation: Firms leveraging AI and digital solutions to boost personalization, analytics, and operational efficiency are outpacing their peers.

The Scalable RIA Readiness Checklist

Use this quick-reference checklist to evaluate your firm’s readiness for growth across technology, compliance, operational efficiency, and client experience.

Spotlight: The ETNA RIA Platform – Scalable by Design

A scalable RIA practice requires more than legacy technology patched to meet new demands—it demands a modern, unified platform built for the specifics of wealth management growth.

Why ETNA’s RIA Platform?

ETNA offers a next-generation, white label solution purpose-built for RIAs and wealth management advisors:

• All-In-One Dashboard: Seamlessly manage trading, rebalancing, compliance, billing, and onboarding – across multiple custodians, all from one place.
• Automated Workflows: Automate portfolio management, trade execution, and document processing, freeing staff for high-value client activities.
• Advanced Portfolio Tools: Real-time analytics, risk controls, and model portfolios integrated with leading clearing and execution venues.
• Fully Digital Client Experience: Mobile and web apps branded with your RIA’s identity provide clients with immediate access and transparency.
• Fast Go-Live: Launch your scalable RIA platform in as little as two weeks, reducing IT burden and welcoming new clients with ease.

Modern RIA Requirements for 2025 and Beyond

• Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to the new AML and FinCEN rules—robust internal policies, CDD, independent testing, and ongoing staff training are not optional.
• Client-Centric Technology: Integrate personalized, data-driven investment recommendations (including AI where appropriate), while maintaining the vital human touch.
• Cybersecurity & Data Protection: Prioritize security on all client-facing digital channels and stay current with evolving data protection laws.
• Operational Flexibility: Utilize cloud-based, mobile-accessible platforms to serve clients and advisors wherever they are.

Growth Strategies for Wealth Management in 2025

• Lean Into M&A and Strategic Partnerships: Leverage a scalable RIA platform to easily onboard new acquisitions and integrate disparate teams.
• Benchmark & Benchmark Again: Use analytics to track AUM, client growth, and advisor productivity in real time.
• Future-Proof Talent: Invest in team training on both compliance and new technologies, ensuring staff are prepared to engage with clients and regulators alike.

Ready to Scale?

ETNA’s scalable RIA solution is here to power your next phase of growth. Transform your operational efficiency, delight your clients, and keep your team ready with the modern tools and compliance capabilities built for tomorrow’s RIA leaders. Learn more at etnasoft.com.