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RIAs retain 97% of clients, boosting assets to $712 million in 2025
Charles Schwab says RIAs reported 83% AI usage and that firms with a written marketing plan drew 87% more new clients and 127% more new client assets in 2025.
Charles Schwab’s RIA Benchmarking Study found that registered investment adviser firms have retained 97% of clients over the past decade, a level the firm called virtually unheard of in financial services. The study credits RIAs’ deep, high-touch relationships for that stickiness.
The same benchmarking work showed median RIA assets under management rising from just over $150 million in 2005 to $712 million in 2025. Schwab’s Advisor Services said the industry’s strong retention has also made incremental organic growth harder as firms mature.
Schwab reports that AI adoption is now widespread among RIAs, with 83% saying they use AI. The study also notes roughly one-third of RIAs reported having senior leadership establish a formal vision for integrating the technology, and Schwab urged firms to treat AI as a firmwide operational tool rather than a standalone system.
According to the study, RIAs that use a written marketing plan, define an ideal client, and articulate a value proposition attracted 87% more new clients and 127% more new client assets in 2025 than other practices. Schwab also said some firms are using AI beyond meeting notes, including for recruiting, administration, marketing and communications, while warning about care when incorporating it into systems that house client data.