Last month, I had the opportunity to attend my 20th IMPACT®2025 conference, an annual Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) event. It was one of the largest conferences I’ve ever seen, underscoring its significance and growth in the industry. This event has consistently served as a bellwether for emerging trends and pressing issues in the financial advisory landscape. This year, several recurring themes emerged that warrant closer examination: the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on advisory businesses, strategies for scaling with efficiency and the ongoing debate surrounding mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
AI’s Expanding Presence in Advisory Practices
AI’s transformative effect on the advisory business was a hot topic throughout the conference. It is evident that while it may still be too early to definitively determine the extent to which AI can replace human factors in advisory services, its adoption is accelerating. More advisors are leveraging AI in various facets of their practice, such as compliance, reporting, rebalancing and financial planning. AI-powered platforms excel at analyzing vast datasets quickly, offering tailored advice that aligns with clients’ specific financial goals. These systems can adapt to market changes in real time, providing valuable insights that help clients make informed decisions. Furthermore, AI can streamline administrative tasks for financial advisors, freeing up their time to focus on strategic planning and relationship building.
Scaling, Efficiency and the Ongoing M&A Wave
Scaling and efficiency were also central themes, often intertwined with the decision to merge advisory practices. M&A activity in the advisory business has been a significant topic over the past five to seven years. For many firms, the ability to compete for larger accounts is perceived as more attainable when part of a larger organization. The rationale behind this trend is clear: More resources, sophisticated planning capabilities and access to diverse areas of expertise can enhance a firm’s competitive position. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, as private equity firms and other investors continue to offer lofty valuations for mid- to large-sized wealth management firms. The data suggests that firms engaging in M&A activity have grown faster than their non-M&A counterparts, highlighting the strategic benefits of such moves.
Personalization, Technology and the Rise of After-Tax Optimization
Another critical aspect of the conference was the focus on market returns, particularly after-tax returns. At WisdomTree, we have the privilege of working with Quorus, a firm that has conducted extensive research on how technology and personalization are reshaping modern model delivery. Quorus explores the burgeoning role of tax-managed customization in enhancing client outcomes. The ability to optimize after-tax returns is increasingly crucial for advisors seeking to deliver superior value to their clients. We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring the Quorus solution to our RIA clients, as it represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing comprehensive and sophisticated solutions to address the complex needs of advisors’ client bases.
The Evolving RIA Landscape and WisdomTree’s Role
The RIA business is experiencing substantial growth on a national scale, and at WisdomTree, we are committed to being at the forefront of this evolution. The ability to offer complex solutions that address the unique challenges faced by advisors and their clients is a testament to our dedication to innovation and client service. As the industry continues to evolve, being informed about emerging trends and technologies is imperative for success. The IMPACT 2025 conference serves as a valuable platform for learning, networking and gaining insights into the future of financial advisory services.
Final Takeaways
The IMPACT 2025 conference provided a comprehensive overview of the key trends shaping the financial advisory industry. AI, M&A and after-tax returns are pivotal topics that will continue to influence the industry’s trajectory. By embracing these trends and leveraging innovative solutions like those offered by Quorus, advisors can position themselves for success in an ever-changing landscape. The insights gained from the conference are invaluable, reinforcing the importance of staying informed and adaptable in a dynamic industry. Please reach out to your WisdomTree representative and ask about our Advisor Solutions offering.
By Christopher Murray
Originally published December 17, 2025
This article originally appeared on WisdomTree’s website and is reprinted on VettaFi | ETF Trends with permission from the author. For more information, please visit WisdomTree.com.
For more news, information, and strategy, visit the Modern Alpha Content Hub.
Important Risks Related to this Article
WisdomTree, Inc., the parent company of WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. (“WTAM”), holds a minority equity stake in Quorus Inc. (“Quorus”), and WTAM has commercial arrangements with Quorus under which WTAM model portfolios and strategies are offered through the Quorus platform and may be implemented in separately managed accounts (“SMAs”). WTAM receives advisory fees from WisdomTree ETFs that may be included in those model portfolios or strategies and a revenue-sharing payment from Quorus based on assets placed into SMA implementations of WTAM strategies (WTAM does not provide investment advice in connection with such SMA implementations or model portfolios). Accordingly, WTAM and its affiliates have a financial interest in the success of Quorus and may benefit economically from the relationship. The author of this post is a WTAM employee and serves on Quorus’s board of directors. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
U.S. investors only: Click here to obtain a WisdomTree ETF prospectus which contains investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other information; read and consider carefully before investing.
There are risks involved with investing, including possible loss of principal. Foreign investing involves currency, political and economic risk. Funds focusing on a single country, sector and/or funds that emphasize investments in smaller companies may experience greater price volatility. Investments in emerging markets, currency, fixed income and alternative investments include additional risks. Please see prospectus for discussion of risks.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. This material contains the opinions of the author, which are subject to change, and should not to be considered or interpreted as a recommendation to participate in any particular trading strategy, or deemed to be an offer or sale of any investment product and it should not be relied on as such. There is no guarantee that any strategies discussed will work under all market conditions. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. This material should not be relied upon as research or investment advice regarding any security in particular. The user of this information assumes the entire risk of any use made of the information provided herein. Neither WisdomTree nor its affiliates, nor Foreside Fund Services, LLC, or its affiliates provide tax or legal advice. Investors seeking tax or legal advice should consult their tax or legal advisor. Unless expressly stated otherwise the opinions, interpretations or findings expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of WisdomTree or any of its affiliates.
The MSCI information may only be used for your internal use, may not be reproduced or re-disseminated in any form and may not be used as a basis for or component of any financial instruments or products or indexes. None of the MSCI information is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such. Historical data and analysis should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance analysis, forecast or prediction. The MSCI information is provided on an “as is” basis and the user of this information assumes the entire risk of any use made of this information. MSCI, each of its affiliates and each entity involved in compiling, computing or creating any MSCI information (collectively, the “MSCI Parties”) expressly disclaims all warranties. With respect to this information, in no event shall any MSCI Party have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, punitive, consequential (including loss profits) or any other damages (www.msci.com)
Alejandro Saltiel, Andrew Okrongly, Behnood Noei, Bradley Krom, Brendan Loftus, Brian Manby, Christopher Gannatti, David Graichen, Hyun Ku Kang, Jeff Weniger, Jeremy Schwartz, Jonathan Steinberg, Joseph Grogan, Joseph Tenaglia, Kara Dombroski, Kevin Flanagan, Lauren Pfendt, Liqian Ren, Lonnie Jacobs, Matt Wagner, Rick Harper, Ryan Krystopowicz, and Vanya Sharma are registered representatives of Foreside Fund Services, LLC.
WisdomTree Funds are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC, in the U.S. only.
You cannot invest directly in an index.
