RIA Tech Stack Projections: The Explosive Growth of Estate Planning Platforms

RIA Tech Stack Projections: The Explosive Growth of Estate Planning Platforms

The Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by fee compression, intergenerational wealth transfer, and heightened client expectations for seamless digital experiences. As detailed in Golden Door Asset's 2026 RIA Technology Benchmark Report, technology is no longer just a back-office function; it's the engine driving client engagement, alpha generation, and scalable growth. Our analysis reveals that the strategic adoption of specialized platforms, particularly in areas like estate and trust planning, is becoming a critical differentiator for top-performing firms. In fact, our data projects that the usage of estate and trust planning platforms is set to double by 2028. This article delves into the data behind this projection and provides actionable insights for RIAs looking to future-proof their technology stacks.

The Evolving RIA Technology Paradigm: From Utility to Competitive Advantage

The traditional model of viewing technology as a cost center is obsolete. Today, technology investments are the most crucial non-personnel decision a firm's leadership can make. Our 2026 benchmark report, based on a representative sample of 100 RIA firms, highlights three key trends defining the modern RIA tech landscape:

• The Ascendancy of the Core-and-Spoke Architecture: The industry is converging around a CRM-centric model where the CRM serves as the central hub, integrated with core platforms for portfolio management, financial planning, and data aggregation.
• Strategic Proliferation of Specialist Applications: Top-performing firms are leveraging specialized, best-in-class applications to target niche functions like advanced estate planning, alternative asset management, and systematic marketing.
• The Pragmatic Application of Artificial Intelligence: AI is being deployed for internal process automation, data analytics, and compliance workflows, driving efficiency gains and laying the groundwork for future advanced applications.

These trends underscore the increasing importance of a well-architected technology stack that can adapt to evolving client needs and regulatory demands.

Decoding the "Core-and-Spoke" Model: The Foundation for Scalable Growth

Our analysis reveals that the "Core-and-Spoke" model is now ubiquitous in the RIA space. 92% of firms with five or more technology tools have a clearly identifiable CRM platform (e.g., Salesforce, Wealthbox, HubSpot) acting as the central operational nucleus. This CRM serves as the integration hub for other core components:

• Portfolio Management & Reporting: Platforms like Black Diamond and Addepar are essential for managing and reporting on client portfolios. They are present in 85% of firms managing over $500M in AUM.
• Financial Planning: Tools such as RightCapital and MoneyGuidePro are foundational for providing comprehensive financial planning services. 78% of all surveyed firms utilize dedicated financial planning software.
• Data Aggregation: Solutions for data aggregation are critical for a unified, 360-degree view of client assets. The anonymized tool NDEX was detected in 71% of the firms with a WealthTech or Fintech stack, suggesting that having a system in place to understand the client’s holistic financial picture is crucial.

The following table summarizes the prevalence of core technology categories within our sample set:

*CRM prevalence is likely underrepresented in automated detection data, as many CRMs are internal-facing. Our qualitative interviews confirm its role as the central hub in nearly all growth-oriented firms.

The Strategic Importance of Specialist Applications

While the "Core-and-Spoke" model provides a solid foundation, top-performing firms are differentiating themselves through the strategic integration of specialist applications. These point solutions target high-value, niche functions, creating demonstrable competitive advantages. One area experiencing significant growth is estate planning.

The Rise of Estate Planning Platforms: A Data-Driven Projection

Our 2026 RIA Technology Benchmark Report projects that the usage of estate and trust planning platforms is poised to double by 2028. This projection is driven by several factors:

• The Great Wealth Transfer: As the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history unfolds, clients increasingly require sophisticated estate planning solutions to manage and preserve their assets.
• Increasing Complexity of Estate Planning: Estate planning laws and regulations are constantly evolving, making it challenging for advisors to stay up-to-date.
• Client Demand for Digital Solutions: Clients expect seamless, digital experiences across all aspects of their financial lives, including estate planning.

Platforms like Wealth.com are emerging as valuable tools for RIAs looking to meet these growing demands. These platforms offer a range of features, including:

• Document Generation: Automated document generation streamlines the creation of estate planning documents, saving advisors time and reducing errors.
• Collaboration Tools: Facilitate collaboration between advisors, clients, and attorneys, ensuring a coordinated approach to estate planning.
• Compliance Management: Help advisors stay compliant with evolving estate planning laws and regulations.
• Client Portal: Provides clients with secure access to their estate planning documents and information.

Quantifying the Growth: Why Estate Planning Platforms are Set to Explode

Several key indicators support our projection of doubling usage by 2028:

• Increased Client Awareness: Clients are becoming more aware of the importance of estate planning and are actively seeking advisors who can provide these services.
• Technology Adoption Rates: RIAs are increasingly recognizing the benefits of technology in streamlining their estate planning processes.
• Regulatory Pressure: Heightened regulatory scrutiny is driving demand for robust compliance solutions within estate planning.
• Efficiency Gains: Firms see the use of software applications for estate planning tasks as a way to drastically cut down on work hours and associated costs, increasing profitability.

Actionable Steps for RIAs: Embracing Estate Planning Technology

To capitalize on the projected growth in estate planning platform usage, RIAs should consider the following steps:

• Assess Current Capabilities: Evaluate your firm's current estate planning capabilities and identify areas for improvement.
• Research Available Platforms: Explore the various estate planning platforms available and determine which ones best fit your firm's needs and client base.
• Integrate with Existing Tech Stack: Ensure that the chosen platform integrates seamlessly with your existing CRM, portfolio management, and financial planning systems.
• Train Staff: Provide comprehensive training to your staff on how to effectively use the platform.
• Communicate Value to Clients: Clearly communicate the value of estate planning services and the benefits of using technology to streamline the process.

For example, integrating an estate planning platform like Wealth.com with a CRM like Salesforce can create a centralized hub for all client information, ensuring a holistic view of their financial situation. This integration can also automate key workflows, such as generating estate planning documents and tracking client progress.

Beyond Estate Planning: The Broader Trend of Specialization

The growth of estate planning platforms is just one example of the broader trend toward specialization in the RIA technology landscape. Firms are increasingly leveraging specialized applications to target niche functions and create competitive advantages. Other areas experiencing significant growth include:

• Alternative Asset Management: Platforms that facilitate access to and management of alternative investments.
• Systematic Marketing: Tools that automate marketing campaigns and generate leads.
• Advanced Financial Planning: Solutions that provide sophisticated financial planning scenarios and simulations.

By embracing specialization, RIAs can differentiate themselves from competitors and provide clients with a more tailored and valuable experience.

Conclusion: Future-Proofing the RIA Tech Stack

The RIA industry is undergoing a profound transformation, and technology is at the heart of this change. By embracing the "Core-and-Spoke" model, strategically integrating specialist applications, and leveraging the power of AI, RIAs can future-proof their technology stacks and position themselves for long-term success. The projected doubling of estate and trust planning platform usage by 2028 underscores the importance of embracing specialized solutions and meeting the evolving needs of clients.

Investing in the right technology is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity for survival and growth. The firms that embrace this reality will be the ones that thrive in the years to come.

Ready to future-proof your RIA firm's technology stack? Contact Golden Door Asset today for a personalized consultation and a comprehensive technology audit. Learn how to leverage the latest platforms, including estate planning solutions, to drive growth, enhance client engagement, and build a lasting competitive advantage.

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