AI Won't Alter Client-Advisor Ratios at Top RIAs

RIA Edge 100 firms say technology will help advisors go 'deeper, not wider' with existing clients

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:00pm

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Executives at top registered investment advisory (RIA) firms on the RIA Edge 100 list say artificial intelligence (AI) will not lead them to significantly increase their client-to-advisor ratios. Instead, they plan to use AI efficiencies to deepen relationships with current clients, train younger advisors, and expand their investment research capabilities.

Why it matters

As AI adoption grows in wealth management, there were concerns that the technology could allow advisors to take on more clients. However, this report indicates that leading RIA firms are focused on maintaining high service standards and using AI to enhance their existing client relationships rather than expanding their client bases.

The details

RIA Edge 100 firms had an average of about 70 client accounts per advisor in 2026, a figure consistent with prior years despite advancements in technology. Executives say they do not plan to change these client-to-advisor ratios, as their business strategies prioritize exceptional client service over rapid growth. They view AI as a tool to improve efficiency 'behind the scenes' by automating tasks like meeting prep and communications, allowing advisors to 'go deeper, not wider' in their client relationships.

  • The RIA Edge 100 list is published annually.
  • The data in this report is from 2026.

The players

Stephanie James

Partner and managing director of advisor services for Wescott Financial Advisory Group.

Carrie Delgott

President, chief operating officer and chief compliance officer for Wescott Financial Advisory Group.

Evan Roth

Founder and co-CEO of BBR Partners, a New York City-based RIA.

Kristen Bauer

CEO of Seattle-based Laird Norton Wealth Management.

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What they’re saying

“We need to make sure that we don't have any advisors feeling like they don't have enough capacity to handle a client, that they're feeling like they can be more proactive in planning with clients, rather than reactive, and they can have a quick response time.”

— Stephanie James, Partner and managing director of advisor services

“I don't think you're going to find 25% efficiency, at least in our model. If you're already operating at a pretty strong foundation, it's going to be at the fringes where you may find some efficiency.”

— Carrie Delgott, President, chief operating officer and chief compliance officer

“We're not going to fundamentally change the number of advisors to families that they cover as a result of AI, because you still want to talk to everybody, you still want to have portfolio reviews, you still want to use judgment.”

— Evan Roth, Founder and co-CEO

“We're continuing to build out our team. ... We believe that it allows us to spend more time with our clients and more time on the relationship side of things.”

— Kristen Bauer, CEO

What’s next

The RIA Edge 100 list will be published again in 2027, providing an opportunity to see if the client-advisor ratios at these firms have changed over time as AI adoption continues.

The takeaway

Leading RIA firms are taking a measured approach to AI, using the technology to enhance their existing client service model rather than drastically increasing their client loads. This suggests the human element will remain central to wealth management, even as AI automates certain back-office tasks.