RIA Technology Stacks: Why 41.7% of Firms Rely on Elements for Financial Vitals and Planning

The Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by escalating client expectations, fee compression, and increasing regulatory complexity. In this environment, technology is no longer a back-office utility but a critical driver of operational alpha. Understanding the composition and efficacy of the RIA technology stack is paramount for success. This article delves into the technology adoption trends of RIAs, highlighting the crucial role of Elements, a financial vitals and planning component used by 41.7% of firms surveyed in Golden Door Asset's 2026 Benchmark Report.

The Evolving RIA Technology Landscape: A Data-Driven Perspective

Golden Door Asset's "2026 RIA Technology Stack" report provides an empirical analysis of technology adoption among RIAs. Based on a meticulous scan and catalog of 84 RIA firms and 651 distinct technology tool integrations, the report reveals that the average firm utilizes 7.75 discrete technologies, with some stacks encompassing as many as 24 integrated applications. This demonstrates that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The optimal technology stack is tailored to a firm's unique scale, client service model, and growth trajectory.

The report underscores the strategic imperatives driving technology adoption in wealth management:

Efficiency: Streamlining operations to combat fee compression and maximize profitability.
Client Experience: Meeting and exceeding evolving client expectations for digital engagement and personalized service.
Differentiation: Leveraging technology to create unique value propositions and stand out in a competitive market.

These factors are compelling RIAs to rethink their technology investments and prioritize solutions that deliver tangible results.

The Anatomy of the Modern RIA Stack: Foundational Core, Specialist Advisory Layer, and Universal Business Layer

Our analysis reveals a stratified technology architecture, which we have segmented into three core layers:

Foundational Core: The bedrock upon which the entire operation rests.
Specialist Advisory Layer: Composed of specialized tools and applications that facilitate advisory functions.
Universal Business Layer: Includes systems that support the business's overall functionality.

Each layer plays a vital role in enabling RIAs to deliver exceptional service and achieve their business objectives.

2.1. Unveiling the Foundational Core: Essential Tools for Operational Excellence

One of the most striking findings from our dataset is the ubiquity of a core set of generically named tools within the Foundational Core. Platforms identified as "NDEX," "Arch," "RA," and "Elements" exhibit the highest penetration rates, appearing in over 40% of the firms analyzed.

Tool Identifier	Penetration in Sample	Inferred Functionality
NDEX	59.5%	Data Aggregation / Portal Backend
Arch	56.0%	Client Data Management / Reporting
RA	52.4%	Reporting / Analytics Engine
Elements	41.7%	Financial Vitals / Planning Component
AI	38.1%	Process Automation / AI-Assisted Workflows
ROL	34.5%	Compliance / Record-Keeping
Profile	34.5%	Client Profile / CRM Component
Amp	33.3%	Communication / Notification Hub

The prevalence of these tools suggests a shift towards white-labeled platform components, embedded services from custodians or TAMPs, or core infrastructure APIs. These "invisible" technologies form the foundation upon which RIAs build their bespoke technology stacks.

2.2. Elements: A Critical Financial Vitals and Planning Component

Among the foundational tools, Elements stands out as a particularly important component. With a penetration rate of 41.7%, Elements is clearly a critical element in the technology stacks of a significant portion of RIAs. While the generic name may obscure the precise vendor or implementation, the "Financial Vitals / Planning Component" functionality highlights its core purpose.

Why is Elements so prevalent? Several factors contribute to its popularity:

Holistic Financial Planning: In today's competitive landscape, investment management alone is no longer sufficient. Clients demand comprehensive financial planning that addresses all aspects of their financial lives, including retirement planning, tax optimization, estate planning, and insurance. Elements likely provides the framework and tools to facilitate this holistic approach.
Client Engagement: Modern financial planning is not a static, one-time exercise. It's an ongoing process of collaboration and communication between the advisor and the client. Elements likely offers interactive tools and visualizations that enhance client engagement and promote a deeper understanding of their financial situation.
Data-Driven Insights: Effective financial planning requires accurate and up-to-date data. Elements likely integrates with other systems to aggregate and analyze financial data, providing advisors with the insights they need to make informed recommendations.
Workflow Automation: Financial planning can be a time-consuming process, especially for advisors managing a large client base. Elements likely automates key tasks, such as data collection, analysis, and report generation, freeing up advisors to focus on client relationships and strategic planning.

2.3. Beyond the Core: Integrating Specialist and Universal Business Layers

While the Foundational Core provides the essential building blocks, the Specialist Advisory Layer and Universal Business Layer are equally important for creating a truly effective technology stack.

The Specialist Advisory Layer may include tools for:

Tax Planning: Software that analyzes tax implications of investment decisions and identifies opportunities for tax optimization.
Estate Planning: Tools that assist with estate planning, including trust creation, will preparation, and inheritance management.
Risk Management: Systems that assess and manage client risk tolerance, helping advisors construct portfolios that align with their individual needs and objectives.
Alternative Investments: Platforms that provide access to and reporting on alternative investments, such as private equity, hedge funds, and real estate.

The Universal Business Layer typically includes:

CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Systems like Salesforce or Dynamics 365 that manage client interactions and track sales pipelines.
Portfolio Management: Platforms such as Orion Advisor Tech or Black Diamond that provide portfolio accounting, performance reporting, and billing capabilities.
Financial Planning Software: Dedicated financial planning tools like eMoney Advisor or RightCapital that offer comprehensive planning capabilities.
Compliance Solutions: Software that helps firms comply with regulatory requirements, such as SEC regulations and data privacy laws.

Building a Future-Proof RIA Technology Stack: Key Considerations

Based on our analysis, here are some key considerations for RIAs looking to build a future-proof technology stack:

Prioritize Integration: Ensure that all components of your technology stack are seamlessly integrated. This will eliminate data silos, reduce manual processes, and improve overall efficiency.
Embrace Automation: Automate repetitive tasks to free up advisors to focus on client relationships and strategic planning. This includes automating data collection, analysis, report generation, and compliance tasks.
Focus on Client Experience: Choose technologies that enhance the client experience, providing them with on-demand access to information, personalized insights, and seamless digital interactions.
Stay Agile: The technology landscape is constantly evolving. Be prepared to adapt your technology stack as new tools and solutions emerge. Regularly evaluate your existing systems and identify opportunities for improvement.
Consider White-Labeled Solutions: Explore white-labeled platform components or embedded services from custodians or TAMPs to streamline your technology stack and reduce complexity.
Invest in Training: Ensure that your team is properly trained on all of the technologies you implement. This will maximize their utilization and ensure that you are getting the most out of your investment.
Regularly audit and assess. Ensure you are maximizing the efficiency of your tech stack and it is integrated optimally.

By carefully considering these factors, RIAs can build a technology stack that empowers them to deliver exceptional service, drive growth, and thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

Conclusion: The Technology-Driven Future of RIA Firms

The RIA industry is in a period of profound transformation, driven by technological innovation. As demonstrated by the widespread adoption of tools like Elements, technology is now integral to delivering comprehensive financial planning, enhancing client engagement, and driving operational efficiency. By understanding the key trends and strategic considerations outlined in this article, RIAs can position themselves for success in the technology-driven future of wealth management.

Call to Action

Ready to optimize your RIA's technology stack? Contact Golden Door Asset today for a personalized consultation and discover how our research and expertise can help you build a future-proof technology infrastructure that drives growth and enhances client satisfaction.

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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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RIA Technology Stacks: Why 41.7% of Firms Rely on Elements for Financial Vitals and Planning