Estate Planning Tech: RIA Adoption Set to Double by 2028

The Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by evolving client expectations, increasing regulatory burdens, and the looming intergenerational wealth transfer. In this environment, technology is no longer a mere operational tool but a critical strategic asset. This article delves into the burgeoning adoption of estate planning technology among RIAs, drawing upon data from our proprietary 2026 RIA Technology Benchmark Analysis. Our research indicates that while currently utilized by approximately 15% of firms serving high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients, adoption of specialized estate and trust planning platforms like Wealth.com and Vanilla is projected to double by 2028. This growth underscores the increasing importance of these tools in delivering comprehensive financial advice and securing a competitive edge.

The Evolving RIA Technology Landscape

The RIA industry is facing unprecedented pressure to deliver more value, more efficiently. Fee compression continues to squeeze margins, while clients demand personalized, digitally-enabled experiences. These forces are driving a fundamental shift in how RIAs leverage technology. Our 2026 Benchmark Analysis, based on a representative sample of 100 RIA firms, reveals a clear trend: technology is now the core chassis for client engagement, alpha generation, and enterprise scalability. Firms that fail to embrace this reality risk falling behind.

According to our research, the key trends shaping the RIA technology landscape are:

CRM-Centric Core-and-Spoke Architecture: The RIA tech stack has largely consolidated around a central Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform.
Strategic Adoption of Specialist Applications: Leading firms are integrating best-in-class point solutions for niche functions, like advanced estate planning.
Pragmatic Application of Artificial Intelligence: AI is being deployed for internal process automation, data analytics, and compliance workflows.

This article will focus on the second trend: the strategic adoption of specialized applications, particularly those related to estate planning.

The Rise of Estate Planning Technology

Estate planning is a critical component of wealth management, especially for HNW and UHNW clients. However, traditional estate planning processes can be complex, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Estate planning technology platforms streamline these processes, offering benefits such as:

Improved Efficiency: Automate document generation, track client assets, and manage complex estate plans.
Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitate communication between advisors, clients, and legal professionals.
Reduced Risk: Minimize errors and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Better Client Experience: Provide a more transparent and engaging estate planning process.

2.1 Addressing the Growing Demand for Estate Planning Services

The projected doubling of estate planning tech adoption by 2028 reflects several factors, including:

The Great Wealth Transfer: An estimated $84 trillion in wealth is expected to transfer to the next generation over the next decade. This intergenerational wealth transfer creates a significant demand for estate planning services.
Increasing Complexity of Estate Planning: Modern estate plans often involve complex assets, multiple beneficiaries, and intricate legal structures. Technology can help advisors manage this complexity more effectively.
Growing Client Awareness: Clients are becoming more aware of the importance of estate planning and are actively seeking advisors who can provide comprehensive solutions.

2.2 Data on Estate Planning Tech Adoption

Our 2026 Benchmark Analysis provides valuable insights into the current state of estate planning tech adoption. While only 15% of firms serving HNW/UHNW clients currently utilize specialized platforms like Wealth.com and Vanilla, this number is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

This projected growth is supported by several data points:

Increased Interest in Specialist Applications: Our research indicates that firms are increasingly prioritizing the adoption of best-in-class point solutions for niche functions, including estate planning.
Demand for Integrated Solutions: Advisors are seeking technology platforms that seamlessly integrate with their existing CRM, portfolio management, and financial planning systems.
Focus on Client Experience: Firms are recognizing the importance of providing a digitally-enabled, client-centric estate planning experience.

Choosing the Right Estate Planning Technology

Selecting the right estate planning technology platform is crucial for RIAs looking to enhance their service offerings and gain a competitive advantage. Several factors should be considered when evaluating potential solutions:

3.1 Key Considerations for Selection

Integration Capabilities: Ensure the platform integrates seamlessly with your existing technology stack, particularly your CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Wealthbox, HubSpot), portfolio management system (e.g., Addepar, Black Diamond), and financial planning software (e.g., RightCapital, MoneyGuidePro).
Functionality: Evaluate the platform's features and capabilities to ensure they meet the specific needs of your clients and your firm. Key features to consider include document generation, asset tracking, beneficiary management, and reporting.
User Experience: Choose a platform that is intuitive and easy to use for both advisors and clients. A positive user experience is essential for driving adoption and maximizing the value of the technology.
Security and Compliance: Ensure the platform meets the highest standards of security and compliance with relevant regulations, such as HIPAA and GDPR.
Vendor Reputation: Research the vendor's track record and reputation in the industry. Look for a vendor with a proven history of innovation, reliability, and customer support.
Scalability: The chosen platform should scale to support the firm's future growth and expanding client base.

3.2 Popular Estate Planning Technology Platforms

Several vendors offer specialized estate planning technology platforms. Some of the leading options include:

Wealth.com: A comprehensive estate planning platform designed for advisors and their clients. Wealth.com offers features such as automated document generation, asset tracking, and collaboration tools.
Vanilla: A platform focused on providing a modern and intuitive estate planning experience. Vanilla offers features such as interactive estate planning diagrams, scenario planning, and client collaboration tools.
Other Emerging Players: As the demand for estate planning technology grows, new players are entering the market, offering innovative solutions and competitive pricing. It's important to stay informed about the latest developments in the industry.

Integrating Estate Planning Tech into Your RIA Firm

Successfully integrating estate planning technology into your RIA firm requires a strategic approach. Here are some key steps to consider:

4.1 Developing a Strategic Integration Plan

Assess Your Needs: Conduct a thorough assessment of your firm's current estate planning processes and identify areas where technology can improve efficiency and enhance client service.
Define Clear Goals: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your estate planning technology implementation.
Develop a Training Plan: Provide comprehensive training to your advisors and staff on how to use the new technology effectively.
Communicate with Clients: Inform your clients about the benefits of using estate planning technology and how it will enhance their experience.
Monitor and Evaluate: Continuously monitor the performance of your estate planning technology and make adjustments as needed to optimize its effectiveness.

4.2 Leveraging Estate Planning Data

Estate planning technology platforms generate valuable data that can be used to improve client service, identify new business opportunities, and optimize firm operations. Consider these data points:

Client Demographics: Understand the age, wealth, and family structure of your clients to tailor your estate planning services to their specific needs.
Asset Allocation: Analyze the asset allocation of your clients' estates to identify potential tax planning opportunities and investment strategies.
Beneficiary Information: Track beneficiary designations to ensure they align with your clients' wishes and minimize potential conflicts.
Estate Planning Documents: Monitor the status of estate planning documents to ensure they are up-to-date and compliant with relevant regulations.

By leveraging this data effectively, RIAs can provide more personalized and proactive estate planning advice, strengthening client relationships and driving business growth. This will feed directly into the CRM, like Salesforce, providing opportunities for more meaningful client interaction.

Conclusion: The Future of Estate Planning in the RIA World

Estate planning technology is rapidly transforming the RIA industry, offering advisors powerful tools to enhance efficiency, improve client service, and gain a competitive advantage. As adoption of these platforms continues to grow, RIAs that embrace technology will be best positioned to meet the evolving needs of their clients and thrive in the years ahead. The projected doubling of adoption rates by 2028 underscores the importance of strategic investment in this area.

The data speaks for itself: the future of estate planning in the RIA world is inextricably linked to technology.

Next Steps:

Are you ready to explore how estate planning technology can benefit your RIA firm? Contact Golden Door Asset today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the latest trends and best practices in RIA technology. Let us help you navigate the evolving landscape and build a technology stack that drives growth and delivers exceptional client service.

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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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Estate Planning Tech: RIA Adoption Set to Double by 2028