Succession Planning Crisis: Why More RIA Founders are Selling Their Firms

Nearly half of RIA founders are nearing retirement, yet only 20% believe their next-generation talent can afford to buy them out – down from 38% just four years ago.

With internal succession pathways narrowing, external M&A is becoming the default succession strategy for many founders. Whether to achieve liquidity, solve for retirement, or ensure their clients are supported with scale and technology, owners are increasingly partnering with strategic buyers or integrators to secure their legacy.

At Colonnade, we’re seeing founders ask:

• How can I retire without burdening my next-gen team with unmanageable debt?
• What type of buyer will preserve my client-first culture?
• How do I balance liquidity, autonomy, and future upside?

If you’re exploring retirement or succession options, now is a pivotal time to understand your options.

Read our latest RIA Whitepaper to learn more.