Private markets opportunities for advisors and clients continue to develop. We expect to see much more happen in this space throughout 2026, and to bring you both news and expert views as it unfolds. As part of those expert views, I enjoyed the opportunity to dive deep into the topic with Bob Long, CEO of StepStone Private Wealth.
Private Markets Outlook: Navigating Opportunity In An Evolving Landscape
I hosted Long in a fireside chat to discuss why private markets are no longer “alternative,” why we have reached a tipping point, the structural nature of the changes, common misconceptions and illiquidity.
We explored how private markets have moved from “democratization” to “institutionalization,” why evergreen funds have changed the space, contrasts between capital raising in the ‘80s versus today, how to think about illiquidity and more.
Why Independence Matters Now More Than Ever
Zane Keller of Ducere Wealth explains how a firm’s structure can influence client outcomes. Against the backdrop of industry consolidation, Keller advocates for independence, explaining that modern advancements put an independent firm on a more even playing field against consolidators.
“Independence can be the difference between adequate service and exceptional outcomes,” said Keller.
Why Most Wealthtech AI Strategies Fail Before They Start
Churni Bhattacharya of Amplify emphasizes the importance of united workflows and data lakes to the implementation of successful AI strategies. AI must be able to find a single source of truth in a firm’s data to carry out the desired improvements, she argues.
Bhattacharya sets out three questions a firm’s leadership can ask to gauge AI readiness and recommends four steps to achieve it.
Study: Evolving Client Expectations Are Reshaping The Role Of Legacy And Estate Planning
Changing client expectations are reshaping legacy and estate planning, according to a report by Wealth.com and Compound Insights.
The report highlights the need for family communications, the trend of “giving while living,” needed infrastructure, operational barriers and more.
Patent Perspectives: Building Sustainable Organic Growth In Wealth Management
In his monthly Patent Perspectives column, Pat Hynes of Prudential Advisors explains how home-office support can help advisors generate organic growth by consolidating client assets, deepening relationships and generating leads.
Hynes says the industry is entering a new phase in which inorganic growth alone is no longer sufficient.
WSRIA Roundup
This month our RIA-focused roundup covers acquisitions by MAI, Bluespring, Waverly, CW Advisors and Arax; ECHELON’s annual M&A report; Summit’s merger with Premier; Aerodigm’s launch; appointments by Sowell and Composition; and research by F2 and Hamilton Lane.
Hamilton Lane’s survey confirms private markets investments are on the rise at RIAs.
Deals & Recruiting Roundup
This week’s roundup covers acquisitions by Docupace, EP and Beacon Pointe; Constellation staking BIP Wealth; recruiting by Osaic, CAPTRUST and NewEdge; Gerber Kawasaki selecting Altruist as custodian; FPA partnering with Snappy Kraken; the launch of Integrated Private Wealth; Sagient’s new CIO and Beacon Pointe’s leadership changes.
Beacon Pointe is the latest to experience a changing of the guard as Shannon Eusey passes the baton to Matthew Cooper.
Sagient Names Pete Alliegro As Chief Investment Officer
Sagient appointed Pete Alliegro to the newly created role of Chief Investment Officer, where he will have responsibility for the firm’s investment, risk management and financial planning.
Alliegro is tasked to refine, document and implement a more formal approach for the firm’s investment management.
Integrated Partners Launches Private Wealth Brand With A Business-Owner Focus
RIA Integrated Partners announced the launch of Integrated Private Wealth, a new brand designed to guide business owners and their families through liquidity events, with a focus on business sales, recapitalizations and post-liquidity life planning. Integrated Private Wealth is led by Homer Smith.
The new brand combines the firm’s business-owner planning, tax strategy, insurance and family office capabilities on one platform.
Orion: Advisors See AI And Automation As Top ‘Force Multiplier’
As more firms start leveraging AI, advisors are increasingly viewing that technology, along with automation, as growth and success drivers for their businesses, according to Orion’s fourth annual Advisor Wealthtech Survey.
Although 73% of advisory firms are leveraging AI in some capacity, just 6% are using agentic tools and only 5% have implemented cross-system AI integration, the survey’s findings showed.
$1 Billion Seven Bridges Launches And Joins NewEdge From Ameriprise
Seven Bridges Wealth Advisors launched as an independent firm, affiliating with NewEdge Advisors.
The team previously had $1 billion in assets at Ameriprise. The move strengthens NewEdge’s presence in New York’s Hudson Valley.
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Larry Roth
CEO
Wealth Solutions Report
