As 2026 begins, many independent advisors are reflecting on how to build a business that works for them—not the other way around. Over the past decade, the move toward independence has unlocked freedom, flexibility, and ownership for thousands of advisors. But with that freedom often comes a new kind of complexity—one that many didn’t anticipate.
Running a practice means more than managing portfolios. It means overseeing compliance, marketing, client service, billing, trading, HR, tech, and strategic growth-simultaneously. And for solo advisors, every responsibility lands on the same desk.
The Challenge: Scale vs. Capacity
Most advisors don’t burn out because they lose passion for the work. They burn out because the demands of running a business begin to compete with the time and energy needed to serve clients well. As your book grows, so do the operational requirements-and without support, growth can start to feel more like a burden than a win.
In 2026, the most successful advisors will be the ones who scale intentionally-with systems, partnerships, and delegation strategies that allow them to retain client focus without compromising efficiency.
Three Questions to Consider This Year:
- Are you operating at capacity… or past it?
Many advisors don’t realize how much time is being lost to manual workflows, fragmented tools, or back-office bottlenecks. If your calendar is filled with tasks that don’t require your license, your time may no longer be allocated to its highest and best use. - Are your clients getting your best-every time?
Consistency matters. As client expectations rise, even small lapses in service can erode loyalty. Scaling without support often leads to reactive service rather than proactive engagement. That’s where systematized operations and reliable infrastructure become key. - What would break if you doubled in size this year?
Growth isn’t just about more clients—it’s about readiness. If your processes aren’t built to handle scale, adding volume can expose vulnerabilities in compliance, reporting, or service delivery. Identifying those breakpoints now prevents bigger issues later.
The Opportunity: Independence with Leverage
Independence doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone. In fact, the next phase of the RIA evolution isn’t just about breaking away-it’s about building firms that are both nimble and supported. Advisors are increasingly seeking platforms that preserve their autonomy while removing the friction of back-end complexity.
For many, 2026 will be the year they reframe success-not as working more, but as working better.
As you plan your year, ask yourself: Are you running a practice, or building a business? One gives you a job. The other builds long-term enterprise value.
You’ve already taken the leap to independence. Now may be the time to make sure you’re not doing it in isolation.