Looking Ahead: Key Conferences for Financial Advisors and RIAs in 2026
For financial advisors and Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), attending industry conferences is a prime opportunity to grow business networks and enhance client outcomes. A comprehensive list of top RIA conferences happening across the USA in 2026 offers a wide range of events tailored to professional development and strategic growth.
Participating in these conferences can provide valuable insights into industry trends, innovative strategies, and best practices that help advisors stay competitive and relevant.
AI Integration: Transforming Efficiency and Client Service
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be a central focus in wealth management, with many firms and fintech startups driving innovation to improve advisor productivity and client engagement. For example, Focus Financial is rolling out Jump AI to 800 advisors after a successful pilot where advisors reduced task time by 70%.
Similarly, startups like Zocks are pushing “agentic” AI tools that analyze client conversations to identify planning gaps and uncover new revenue opportunities, supporting advisor growth.
However, some caution remains, as research shows many firms are still at the early stages of AI integration, and expertise can be overestimated. Deep integration and governance, as seen in RBC Insurance’s AI playbook, are crucial for measurable results.
Market Trends: Precious Metals, Private Markets, and ETFs
Advisors face evolving market dynamics that reshape portfolio strategies. Precious metals like silver and gold have seen notable surges, with silver passing $100 an ounce and gold breaking the $5,000 mark amid geopolitical unrest.
While some wealth managers debate how long the silver rally will last, gold’s ascent is redrawing the safe-haven landscape for investors.
Private markets are entering a new phase characterized by an IPO thaw, a private credit boom, and increased focus on Asia. This environment encourages diversification through secondaries and co-investments.
Additionally, volatility is driving the rise of direct indexing and private market exposure in high-net-worth portfolios, emphasizing customization and alternative investments.
Fixed-income ETFs are also gaining traction, with advisors increasingly familiar with bond-focused ETFs that now include more taxable, municipal, and actively managed strategies.
Industry Movements: Hiring, M&A, and Recognition
RIA firms are actively expanding and reshaping leadership to capitalize on growth opportunities. Key Wealth, for instance, has grown its advisor headcount by 10%, attracting talent with an entrepreneurial and less bureaucratic environment.
Meanwhile, RIA M&A activity smashed records in 2025 with 322 transactions, signaling continued consolidation but also concentration of market power among dominant firms. Advisors are encouraged to consider the implications of scaling while maintaining independence.
Recognition within the industry remains vital. The InvestmentNews Awards, returning in 2026, celebrate excellence across the wealth management profession, from rising NextGen talent to lifetime achievers.
Regulatory and Legal Developments
Regulatory actions and legal challenges continue to impact the financial advisory space. FINRA barred a former Arkadios and Osaic broker amid conflict of interest claims, highlighting the importance of compliance and supervision.
The SEC charged an unregistered advisor with fraud over false AI trading claims, reinforcing scrutiny on credentials and marketing.
In another high-profile case, former President Trump sued JPMorgan for $5 billion alleging political debanking, while the Treasury terminated contracts with Booz Allen after a tax data leak involving confidential records.
Technology and Wealthtech: Winners and Losers in 2026
Technology choices in wealth management are set to be a key differentiator. Research reveals advisors are sharply divided on how they deploy technology for alternatives, AI, and custody services.
The sector continues to see partnerships that expand model portfolio offerings, such as Vestmark teaming up with T. Rowe Price to provide RIA-focused portfolios, adding to the $184 billion landscape of tax-efficient ETFs and mutual funds.
Meanwhile, mega-firms like Edelman and LPL are doubling down on enterprise technology to integrate portfolio, planning, and estate tools, intensifying the advice arms race.
Client Insights and Sentiment
Studies affirm that professional financial advice enhances clients’ confidence and readiness. Households with advisors report feeling more prepared and secure, underscoring the value of trusted guidance.
Consumer sentiment shows tentative improvement, but inflation expectations remain elevated, suggesting advisors should remain vigilant in addressing client concerns.
Summary: Navigating a Dynamic Year Ahead
As 2026 unfolds, financial advisors and RIAs face a landscape rich with opportunities and challenges. Engaging with industry events, embracing AI thoughtfully, monitoring market shifts, and maintaining compliance will be key to success.
Remaining adaptable and client-focused amid evolving technologies and regulatory environments will help advisors not only survive but thrive in the coming year.