At a glance
- There were 120 transactions, down from 132 in the first half of 2025.
- Median deal size rose to $630 million from $517 million, about 22% higher.
- Advisor Growth Strategies recommends sellers run a parallel process with a curated group of qualified buyers under NDA, screened against fit criteria set before the first conversation.
RIA deal volume fell in the first half of 2026, Advisor Growth Strategies reported, citing Fidelity's 2026 Mid-Year Update. There were 120 transactions, down from 132 in the first half of 2025.
Median deal size rose to $630 million from $517 million, about 22% higher. Acquired assets climbed to $342.9 billion from $182.8 billion.
Advisor Growth Strategies recommends sellers run a parallel process with a curated group of qualified buyers under NDA, screened against fit criteria set before the first conversation. One offer cannot show whether the price is generous or the structure favors the buyer, the firm argues.
For an owner weighing a first bid, the $630 million median is the benchmark a lone offer has to clear. A second acquirer may price growth, team depth and client niche differently.
Fewer deals, far bigger ones
RIA transactions, median deal size and acquired assets, H1 2025 vs H1 2026
Reported by the Succession & selling a firm desk from Advisor Growth Strategies. Published . Corrections