A global pandemic couldn’t slow down the continued growth of the independent RIA movement. Time spent led to the deepening of the advisor/client relationship, allowing advisors to become more in tune with their clients’ true needs. Whether its investment concerns, vaccine rollout worries or issues surrounding the next generation, RIAs are more actively listening and responding accordingly.

A major concern for RIAs understandably is how to position portfolios post-Covid. How should they view risk mitigation? Where can the best ideas be found? Is the 60/40 portfolio still valid? While investment strategies and opportunities continue to evolve, so does practice management issues within RIA firms themselves. Issues such as mentoring in a virtual setting, diversity and inclusion as well as talent acquisition have come to the forefront during the pandemic.