Beyond Squarespace: Why RIAs Must Outgrow Nascent Technology for Growth

Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms face unprecedented challenges in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Margin compression, heightened client expectations, increased regulatory burdens, and the complexity of the API economy are forcing firms to re-evaluate their operational efficiency and client engagement strategies. A key differentiator in navigating these challenges is technology maturity. This article delves into the critical need for RIAs to move beyond nascent technology adoption, using data-driven insights from Golden Door Asset's 2026 Benchmark Report to illustrate the imperative for a more robust technological infrastructure.

The Nascent Stage: A Hindrance to Growth

Golden Door Asset's 2026 Benchmark Report analyzed the technology stacks of 75 RIA firms, categorizing them into four tiers based on the quantity and sophistication of their technology solutions. The report revealed that a concerning 16% of firms fall into the "Nascent" tier, characterized by a minimal technological infrastructure. These firms typically employ only 0-2 detected tools, often limited to basic business necessities.

A prime example of a Nascent firm is Tate Wealth Management, which, according to our research, relies solely on Squarespace for its online presence. While Squarespace provides a basic website platform, it lacks the specialized functionalities required for modern wealth management. Similarly, Georgia Wealth Partners, LLC, another firm in this tier, utilizes only Snappy Kraken, a single-point solution for marketing automation.

This limited technology adoption poses significant challenges for Nascent firms:

Inefficient Operations: Manual processes consume valuable time and resources, hindering productivity and limiting the ability to scale.
Suboptimal Client Experience: A rudimentary website and lack of digital client portals fail to meet the expectations of today's digitally savvy clients.
Increased Compliance Risk: Manual compliance workflows are prone to errors and create significant enterprise risk.
Limited Data Insights: The absence of a robust CRM and analytics platform restricts the ability to gain actionable insights into client behavior and market trends.

The Macro Forces Driving Technological Advancement

The need for RIAs to advance their technological capabilities is driven by several powerful, intersecting market forces:

Margin Compression and the Mandate for Efficiency

Persistent fee compression, fueled by client demand and the proliferation of low-cost investment alternatives, necessitates operational efficiency. RIAs can no longer sustain high-touch service models on the back of manual, error-prone processes. Technology provides the leverage to automate non-revenue-generating tasks such as compliance reporting, billing, and performance calculation, freeing up advisors to focus on relationship-oriented activities. Firms with low technological maturity are disproportionately exposed to margin erosion.

Evolving Client Expectations

Today's high-net-worth clients, accustomed to seamless digital experiences in other sectors, demand a comparable level of service from their wealth managers. This includes on-demand access to performance data via client portals, secure digital document management, and streamlined digital onboarding processes. A basic technology stack, often characterized by a static website and email-based communication, creates a significant experiential gap that can erode client satisfaction and retention.

Regulatory and Compliance Burdens

The increasingly complex regulatory environment, including mandates like the SEC Marketing Rule and Reg BI, places a significant burden on RIAs. Manual compliance workflows are not only inefficient but also introduce significant enterprise risk. Technology platforms that automate compliance checks, archive communications, and streamline reporting are becoming essential risk mitigation tools. Our analysis indicates a strong correlation between technological maturity and the adoption of dedicated compliance and archiving solutions.

The Proliferation of the API Economy

The maturation of financial technology has shifted the paradigm from monolithic platforms to a modular, "best-of-breed" ecosystem connected via APIs. This allows firms to construct a technology stack tailored to their specific client niche and service model. However, it also introduces complexity. The ability to effectively select, integrate, and manage a multi-vendor stack is crucial for achieving a cohesive system and avoiding data silos.

The Technology Maturity Spectrum: From Nascent to Optimized

Golden Door Asset's 2026 Benchmark Report segments firms into four distinct tiers based on their technology stack:

Tier 1 (Nascent): 16% of firms (0-2 detected tools)
Tier 2 (Foundational): 39% of firms (3-7 detected tools)
Tier 3 (Integrated): 33% of firms (8-15 detected tools)
Tier 4 (Optimized): 12% of firms (16+ detected tools)

Tier 2: The Foundational Firm (39%)

Firms in this tier have established a basic technology infrastructure that includes a CRM (e.g., Salesforce Financial Services Cloud), financial planning software (e.g., eMoney Advisor), and portfolio management software.

Tier 3: The Integrated Firm (33%)

Firms in this tier have integrated their core technology solutions to create a more cohesive and efficient ecosystem. They typically utilize advanced analytics tools, client portals, and automated compliance solutions.

Tier 4: The Optimized Firm (12%)

Firms in this tier represent the leading edge of technology adoption. They have a fully integrated, data-driven technology stack that supports all aspects of their business. These firms leverage advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation to optimize operations, personalize client experiences, and gain a competitive advantage. They often have a dedicated technology officer or team responsible for managing and optimizing their technology infrastructure.

Building a Mature Technology Stack: A Roadmap for RIAs

For RIAs seeking to move beyond the Nascent stage and build a more mature technology stack, the following steps are essential:

Conduct a comprehensive technology assessment: Identify gaps in your current technology infrastructure and prioritize areas for improvement.
Define your technology strategy: Align your technology investments with your overall business goals and client service model.
Select the right technology solutions: Choose best-of-breed solutions that meet your specific needs and integrate seamlessly with your existing systems.
Invest in integration and automation: Connect your technology solutions via APIs to create a cohesive and efficient workflow.
Provide ongoing training and support: Ensure that your team has the skills and knowledge to effectively utilize your technology solutions.
Monitor and optimize your technology stack: Continuously evaluate the performance of your technology solutions and make adjustments as needed.

Key Technology Solutions for RIAs:

CRM (Customer Relationship Management): A robust CRM, such as Salesforce Financial Services Cloud, is essential for managing client relationships, tracking interactions, and personalizing communications.
Financial Planning Software: Financial planning software, such as eMoney Advisor, enables advisors to create comprehensive financial plans for clients, model different scenarios, and track progress towards goals.
Portfolio Management Software: Portfolio management software, such as Orion Advisor Tech, provides tools for managing client portfolios, tracking performance, and generating reports.
Client Portal: A secure client portal provides clients with on-demand access to their account information, financial plans, and performance reports.
Compliance Software: Compliance software automates compliance checks, archives communications, and streamlines reporting, reducing risk and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The ROI of Technology Maturity

Investing in technology maturity is not merely a cost; it is a strategic investment that can generate significant returns for RIAs. Benefits of a mature technology stack include:

Increased Efficiency: Automate tasks and streamline workflows, freeing up advisors to focus on client relationships.
Improved Client Experience: Deliver personalized, on-demand service that meets the expectations of today's clients.
Reduced Risk: Automate compliance checks and ensure regulatory compliance.
Enhanced Data Insights: Gain actionable insights into client behavior and market trends to improve decision-making.
Increased Profitability: Drive revenue growth and reduce operational costs.
Enhanced Firm Value: Make your firm more attractive to potential acquirers.

Conclusion: Embracing Technology for Future Success

The wealth management industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by technological innovation and evolving client expectations. RIAs that embrace technology and build a mature technology stack will be best positioned to thrive in this dynamic environment. Firms like Tate Wealth Management, relying solely on basic website platforms, must recognize the limitations of their current approach and invest in a more robust technological infrastructure to remain competitive. By adopting a data-driven approach, selecting the right technology solutions, and prioritizing integration and automation, RIAs can unlock significant benefits and position themselves for future success.

Ready to assess your firm's technology maturity and develop a strategic roadmap for advancement? Contact Golden Door Asset today for a consultation. Let us help you move beyond Squarespace and build a technology stack that drives growth, efficiency, and client satisfaction.

Take the Next Step

Want to see how your firm compares? This analysis is part of the 2026 WealthTech Benchmark Report, the most comprehensive study of RIA technology adoption.

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Beyond Squarespace: Why RIAs Must Outgrow Nascent Technology for Growth