RIA M&A activity strengthened in August 2026. Announced transactions rose to 25, up from July and roughly in line with August 2025. The market continues to reflect a large population of founder-led advisory firms working through ownership transitions, with principals weighing liquidity, succession, and long-term continuity for clients and staff. For these firms, affiliating with an established platform offers access to institutional resources, technology and compliance infrastructure, and centralized support that is difficult to build independently.