Wealth Management

Defined contribution plans in 2025 will increasingly focus on generating sustainable retirement income as Social Security’s future remains uncertain and traditional pensions decline. 

 

In-plan retirement income products, such as annuities, hybrid target-date funds, and systematic withdrawal strategies, will see greater adoption, driven by regulatory clarity from the SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0. AI-powered digital tools will enhance retirement planning by offering personalized projections, dynamic withdrawal strategies, and automated guidance on Social Security and tax-efficient drawdowns. 

 

Employers will expand financial wellness initiatives, providing targeted pre-retirement education on income strategies, healthcare costs, and managing distributions. Recordkeepers and investment firms will integrate advanced retirement income solutions, making it easier for participants to transition from saving to spending. 


Finsum: Regulatory support is expected to continue, reinforcing the shift toward holistic, income-focused retirement planning.

 

Many advisors are questioning whether now is the right time to switch firms, especially amid market volatility. While uncertainty can make timing feel risky, waiting for the "perfect" moment is often a losing strategy.

 

 Market turbulence can actually create opportunities, as clients seek reassurance and may be more open to discussions about better solutions. The key factor in a move isn't timing but whether a new firm offers better resources, technology, and support for clients. 

 

Working with a transition consultant can ease the process by handling logistics and securing offers discreetly. 


Finsum: Ultimately, the decision to move should be driven by the right opportunity, not market conditions.

The advisor landscape is shifting, with over 9,000 advisors changing firms in 2023, particularly within the RIA sector. Many advisors employed by RIAs—often non-owners earning a percentage of revenue or salary—are seeking greater autonomy, ownership opportunities, and better compensation. 

 

The rise of large RIA aggregators and increasing M&A activity have contributed to advisor dissatisfaction, as firms focus on efficiency and growth at the expense of individual autonomy. 

 

Advisors looking to transition have several paths, including joining another RIA, moving to a wirehouse or bank, launching their own firm, or affiliating with an independent broker-dealer. Each option balances control, compensation, and operational complexity, making careful planning essential for a successful transition. 


Finsum: As the RIA industry consolidates, firms must innovate their advisor value propositions to retain talent and remain competitive.

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