Inside the Industry

Charles Paikert moderates a conversation with M&A experts: Matt Cooper, (Beacon Pointe Advisors), Marty Bicknell (Mariner Wealth Advisors), Claire O’Keefe (Cerity Partners), and John Furey (AGS) on 2023 key events, the reshuffling of the market, and their reactions to the 2024 trends watchlist. The webinar will focus on what the shift to partnership mentalities, growth sharing, and equity recycling means for buyers and sellers this year, as well as other key highlights from this year’s RIA Deal Room research.

AGS takes a deeper look at this year’s RIA Deal Room case study findings and hosts a unique M&A discussion focused on the landscape shift and the impact on the middle market. What did the case studies reveal about the competition and appetite for transactions? Brandon Kawal (AGS) moderates a conversation with Jack Petersen (Summit Trail Advisors), Jeff Motske (Trilogy Financial), and Mike LaMena (Wealthspire) around their unique growth paths, experience raising capital, and how to compete as a buyer.  The webinar focuses on considerations for firms looking to reach the next growth milestone and how to amplify their
M&A capabilities, while also educating sellers on the options that are emerging outside of the largest acquisition brands.

Join Advisor Growth Strategies Managing Partner, John Furey, and Principal, Brandon Kawal, for a year-end review of 2023. AGS will share top trends and questions from 2023 engagements on business management strategies, compensation, equity, talent retention, and valuations. What is shaping the industry and M&A landscape for 2024? What are the new norms for organic and inorganic growth strategies? Tune in to find out what surprised AGS in 2023 and what we expect to see more of in 2024.

Advisor Growth Strategies and industry M&A experts explore the impact of recent market events on RIA M&A for 2023. How are buyers and sellers getting more creative and what does it mean for the industry in the long run? John Furey moderates a panel discussion with special guests Rush Benton, Senior Director of CAPTRUST, Brent Brodeski, CEO of Savant Wealth Management, and Marty Bicknell, CEO & President of Mariner Wealth Advisors.

Advisor Growth Strategies and industry M&A experts explore what has changed in RIA investing. How did 2022 impact investing in the RIA industry? John Furey moderates a panel discussion with special guests Matt Brinker, Managing Partner of Merchant, Scott Holsopple, Chief Growth Officer of Hightower, and Brandon Kawal, Principal of Advisor Growth Strategies.

2021 set records for deal volumes and valuations, but how much room is left? Advisor Growth Strategies and industry M&A experts discuss what is driving the M&A market and where participants are missing the big picture.

The event begins with a preview of AGS’ RIA Deal Room research and transitions to an exciting panel discussion. Mark Bruno moderates a robust panel discussion that features John Furey (AGS), Marty Bicknell (Mariner Wealth Advisors), and Rush Benton (CAPTRUST) with candid views on the good, bad, and ugly of M&A. The session features fresh views on the new limits of RIA M&A.

In honor of the Alliance for RIAs (“aRIA”) 10-year anniversary and the release of the 2022 RIA Deal Room, Alliance for RIAs members share about their journey over the last 10 years and how M&A and business management intersect. RIA M&A continues to set records and the concept of best-in-class business management is taking center stage as the definition of “big” continues to change. John Furey (AGS), Brent Brodeski (Savant Wealth), Ron Carson (Carson Group), and Matt Cooper (Beacon Pointe) share perspectives on life as a buyer and seller, and what steps they have taken to address the future of wealth management.

2021 is the most active year on record for RIA M&A. Advisor Growth Strategies and industry M&A experts share about what drove the M&A market in 2021 and what’s ahead in 2022. The event begins with a preview of AGS’ RIA Deal Room research and transitions to an exciting panel discussion. Charles Paikert moderates a robust panel discussion featuring John Furey (AGS), Bob Oros (Hightower), and Dave Barton (Mercer) to gain diverse M&A perspectives. The session features fresh views on RIA M&A and how the changing landscape should shape future decisions.

Advisor Growth Strategies and industry experts, Dave Barton (Mercer Advisors), Marty Bicknell (Mariner Wealth Advisors), and Rush Benton (CAPTRUST), share insights on how RIA M&A has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications for 2021.  The panel discussion tackles recent trends in valuation and deal structures and what the pressures of scale and succession mean for the industry.

AGS and special guests from 6 Meridian share intelligence on what is working well for firms with a strong recruiting strategy, what it takes for succession plans to succeed, and what is required for firms to become more attractive to top talent. How does the next generation of talent view your compensation and long-term incentive plan? How do they think about advancement opportunities and mentorship?

2020 forced many new perspectives on RIAs and their business. Some firms found new ways to thrive, and others identified gaps. How can you move forward with purpose? How can firms improve their strategic options coming out of the crisis? AGS explores growth in the “new normal.” John Furey and Brandon Kawal share insights on how firms should think about scale and growth and why now is a good time to evaluate long-term goals. Is your growth strategy maximizing your options going forward? How can you stay competitive with the large players in the space?

BlackRock and AGS join for a three-part workshop to arm RIAS with everything they need to know about M&A:

• Each phase of the M&A process and practice steps to get started
• The capital sources available in the market today and what to consider when exploring these options for M&A or succession planning
• Key findings from “The RIA Deal Room Report,” including what drives valuations and the role the pandemic has played