Navigating Advisory Firm Consolidation

Mark Tibergien is the former CEO of Pershing Advisor Solutions, a former Principal with Moss Adams Consulting, and a longtime practice management consultant and thought leader in the financial advisory industry. Over his 50-year career in financial services, Mark has witnessed the evolution of the financial advice industry and has actively defined best practices for advisory firms aiming to scale up and build enduring businesses. His extensive experience has enabled him to measure and track the key strategies that help firms not just grow in size, but also enhance their scalability and operational efficiency.

In this episode, Mark shares his insights on the crucial distinction between growing in size and truly scaling an advisory firm, emphasizing that genuine scale is achieved when revenue increases outpace expenses. He also discusses the ongoing industry consolidation and outlines the different types of firms looking to acquire RIAs—financial, tactical, and strategic buyers—highlighting how smaller firms can still thrive by focusing on local excellence or specific client demographics. Listen in to learn about the importance of proactive succession planning and defining personal measures of success, which influence both strategic decisions and the broader impact of the advisory business on the community and the industry.

For show notes and more visit: https://www.kitces.com/400