Unlock Client Engagement: Why 44% of RIAs are Using `Elements` for Holistic Financial Health

The Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. Fee compression, intergenerational wealth transfer, and evolving client expectations are forcing firms to embrace technology as a core differentiator, not just a back-office tool. The 2026 RIA Technology Benchmark Analysis reveals that firms are increasingly relying on sophisticated platforms to enhance client engagement, drive operational efficiencies, and ultimately, achieve superior growth.

This article delves into the rise of client engagement platforms, specifically highlighting the finding that 44% of surveyed firms are utilizing a technology identified as Elements. We'll explore the reasons behind this adoption rate, the benefits these platforms offer, and provide actionable insights for RIA firms looking to elevate their client relationships and gain a competitive edge.

The New Imperative: Client-Centric Technology

The 2026 Benchmark Report clearly demonstrates that the traditional technology stack is no longer sufficient. Technology is now the engine driving client engagement, alpha generation, and scalable growth. As the executive summary of the report states, the strategic allocation of capital and resources toward technology is arguably the most critical non-personnel decision a firm's leadership will make.

Clients today expect more than just investment advice. They demand a holistic understanding of their financial health, proactive communication, and personalized experiences. Meeting these expectations requires a technology infrastructure that goes beyond basic portfolio management and reporting. This is where client engagement platforms like Elements come into play.

Understanding the Appeal of `Elements` and Similar Platforms

The fact that 44% of firms in the benchmark study are using Elements (or similar platforms) speaks volumes about the growing importance of client engagement. These platforms likely offer functionalities that address key needs within the RIA space:

Holistic Financial View: These tools provide a comprehensive view of a client's financial life, encompassing assets, liabilities, goals, and progress. This allows advisors to move beyond simply managing investments and offer truly personalized advice.
Proactive Monitoring: The platform likely monitors key financial metrics and alerts advisors to potential issues or opportunities. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions and strengthens the client-advisor relationship.
Enhanced Communication: Elements may offer features that facilitate more frequent and meaningful communication with clients, such as secure messaging, video conferencing, and personalized reporting.
Improved Client Experience: By streamlining processes and providing clients with a user-friendly interface, these platforms enhance the overall client experience and foster greater satisfaction.

Data-Driven Insights: What the Numbers Tell Us

The 2026 Benchmark Report highlights the importance of a CRM-centric "Core-and-Spoke" architecture, where a central CRM platform integrates with other core components. Client engagement platforms like Elements fit neatly into this model, complementing the CRM and other essential tools.

The report's data also reveals the prevalence of other key technology categories:

Data Aggregation / Index: NDEX (71%) – The high adoption rate of data aggregation tools underscores the need for a unified view of client assets.
Portfolio Management / Reporting: RA, Profile, Addepar, Black Diamond (68%) – Essential for tracking performance and providing clients with clear and concise reports.
Financial Planning: RightCapital, MoneyGuidePro (39%) – Foundational for helping clients achieve their financial goals.

The 44% adoption rate of Elements demonstrates the growing recognition of client engagement as a critical component of the modern RIA tech stack, sitting alongside the foundational elements of financial planning, portfolio management, and data aggregation.

Building a Client-Centric Tech Stack: Practical Considerations

For RIA firms looking to enhance client engagement and leverage platforms like Elements, here are some practical considerations:

Assess Your Needs: Before investing in new technology, carefully assess your firm's specific needs and goals. What are the biggest challenges you face in engaging with clients? What functionalities are most important to you?
Prioritize Integration: Ensure that any new platform integrates seamlessly with your existing CRM, portfolio management system, and other core tools. A fragmented tech stack can create inefficiencies and hinder your ability to provide a holistic client experience.
Focus on User Experience: Choose platforms that are intuitive and easy to use for both advisors and clients. A clunky or confusing interface can negate the benefits of even the most powerful technology.
Consider Training and Support: Ensure that your team receives adequate training on any new platform. Look for vendors that offer ongoing support and resources to help you maximize the value of their product.
Embrace a Data-Driven Approach: Use data to track the effectiveness of your client engagement efforts. Monitor key metrics such as client satisfaction, retention rates, and referrals to identify areas for improvement.

H3: Integrating with Your CRM: The Key to Success

The 2026 Benchmark Report emphasizes the CRM as the central hub of the RIA technology stack. Integrating a client engagement platform like Elements with your CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Wealthbox, HubSpot) is crucial for creating a unified view of client data and streamlining workflows. This integration allows you to:

Access client information from a single location.
Automate tasks such as sending personalized communications.
Track client interactions and engagement levels.
Identify opportunities to provide more personalized advice.

H3: The Power of Proactive Monitoring

One of the key benefits of platforms like Elements is their ability to proactively monitor client financial health. This allows advisors to identify potential issues early on and take corrective action before they escalate. For example, the platform could alert you to:

Changes in a client's income or spending patterns.
Significant market fluctuations that could impact their portfolio.
Upcoming life events that may require financial planning adjustments.

By proactively monitoring client financial health, you can demonstrate your value as a trusted advisor and strengthen the client-advisor relationship.

The Future of Client Engagement in the RIA Space

The adoption of client engagement platforms like Elements is likely to continue to grow as RIA firms recognize the importance of providing personalized and proactive service. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more sophisticated tools emerge that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to further enhance client engagement.

H3: The Rise of AI-Powered Client Engagement

AI and ML have the potential to revolutionize client engagement in the RIA space. These technologies can be used to:

Personalize client communications at scale.
Identify clients who are at risk of attrition.
Generate customized financial planning recommendations.
Automate repetitive tasks, freeing up advisors to focus on building relationships.

However, it's important to approach AI with a pragmatic mindset. As the 2026 Benchmark Report notes, current deployments are overwhelmingly focused on internal process automation, data analytics, and compliance workflows rather than speculative, client-facing applications.

Conclusion: Embracing Technology for Client-Centric Growth

The 2026 RIA Technology Benchmark Analysis paints a clear picture: technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for RIA firms looking to thrive in today's competitive landscape. The fact that 44% of firms are using platforms like Elements highlights the growing importance of client engagement. By embracing a client-centric technology stack and leveraging the power of platforms like Elements, RIA firms can build stronger client relationships, drive operational efficiencies, and achieve sustainable growth.

The key takeaway is clear: Invest in technology that puts the client at the center of your business. By doing so, you'll be well-positioned to meet the evolving expectations of today's investors and secure your firm's future success.

Ready to elevate your client engagement strategy? Contact Golden Door Asset today for a consultation on building a future-proof RIA tech stack.

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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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Unlock Client Engagement: Why 44% of RIAs are Using `Elements` for Holistic Financial Health