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Retirement plan consulting is rapidly becoming one of the most dynamic growth areas for independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs). As more employers look for fiduciary partners to manage 401(k) plans, educate participants, and optimize plan design, independent RIAs are stepping up to meet that demand.

Using AdvizorPro’s firm-level data intelligence, we analyzed the top independent RIAs ranked by total assets in retirement plans. These firms represent the cutting edge of growth and client service in the retirement consulting space.

Top Independent RIAs by Retirement Plan Assets

These firms are leading the way in employer retirement plan consulting, participant engagement, and innovative plan design. Their growth underscores a broader trend: independent advisors are gaining ground in areas once dominated by larger wirehouse and institutional players.

Spotlight: SageView Advisory Group’s Next Chapter

SageView Advisory Group, one of the largest independent retirement and wealth advisory firms in the U.S., continues to make headlines in the financial services industry. The firm’s impressive $226 billion in retirement plan assets underscores its influence in both the institutional and individual advisory markets.

In October 2025, Creative Planning announced its intent to acquire SageView Advisory Group, a strategic move that highlights ongoing consolidation and growth across the retirement plan consulting space. This acquisition is expected to expand Creative Planning’s footprint and further strengthen SageView’s position as a leader in wealth and retirement plan services.

SageView’s inclusion in AdvizorPro’s top ranking reflects the continued importance of scale, specialization, and strategic alignment within the RIA industry.

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How Data Helps Identify Retirement Plan Growth Leaders

AdvizorPro’s data intelligence allows distribution and partnership teams to pinpoint which RIAs are expanding fastest in the 401(k) and retirement segments. By leveraging firm-level filters for AUM, geography, and client type, you can uncover opportunities that might otherwise stay hidden.

If you’re exploring how data can drive smarter segmentation and targeting in this space, read our insight on The RIA M&A Playbook: How to Evaluate Targets Using Data. It shows how firms use clean, structured data to guide partnership and acquisition strategies across the RIA market.

Why Retirement Consulting is a Strategic Advantage for RIAs

The shift toward fiduciary independence and fee transparency has fueled an influx of retirement-focused RIAs. These firms are capitalizing on the demand for unbiased advice, modern plan structures, and better participant outcomes.

Our Advisor Demographics Report 2025 highlights that many of the fastest-growing advisors now derive a significant share of their AUM from qualified plans, signaling a long-term expansion in this channel.

Using AdvizorPro to Find High-Value RIA Segments

With AdvizorPro, you can analyze the RIA landscape in real time, identifying firms with strong retirement plan assets, filtering by business model or location, and syncing that intelligence directly into your CRM.

To see how easily you can build and automate your outreach, explore our HubSpot Integration Overview. It’s designed to help your team act quickly on the right data and connect with the right firms at scale.

Unlock RIA Growth Opportunities in the Retirement Plan Market

The rapid expansion of retirement consulting among independent RIAs reflects a major opportunity for asset managers, fintech providers, and distributors alike. Firms that can identify and engage the right partners early will have a clear advantage in this competitive space.

Start exploring this growing segment today. See how AdvizorPro can help your team identify high-potential RIAs, segment your outreach, and accelerate distribution growth. Start your free trial of AdvizorPro.

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