Tight integration among advisor-supporting applications can dramatically increase front-office efficiency.

Boston, MA, July 14, 2008 – A new report from Aite Group, LLC looks at the current level of technology usage at registered investment advisor (RIA) firms. Based on an Aite Group survey of registered investment advisors, the report examines these firms' priorities for future technology spending. It also provides insight into the impact of technology integration on the allocation of an advisor's time across various functional areas, such as client-facing activities, portfolio management, marketing, administration and compliance.

RIA firms have experienced a tremendous amount of growth in assets under management in recent years. However, RIAs often find themselves torn between adding new clients and assets, and maintaining the high quality of service for which they are known. Improving operational efficiency will allow these firms to grow their business substantially while keeping their costs under control. In order to achieve this goal, RIAs will have to change the way they currently deal with technology. Instead of making reactive technology decisions, RIAs have to become more strategic in their approach and develop a vision and roadmap that will get them to their ideal state of technology and into a growth mode.

"The business model of RIA firms is in line with the needs and demands of today's wealth management customers, and has resulted in substantial growth opportunities for the firms," says Alois Pirker, senior analyst with Aite Group and author of this report. "However, only firms that have scalable technology and efficient business processes will be able to grow significantly while maintaining high-quality service."

This 21-page Impact Report contains 12 figures. Clients of Aite Group's Retail Securities & Investments service can download the report by clicking on the icon to the right.

Related Aite Group Research:

• The Practice of Financial Planning: A Consumer Survey on Wealth Management's Key Proposition
• The Evolution of Correspondent Clearing: Major Players are Finding their Niche
• Holistic Wealth Management: Outsourcing Custodial Data Consolidation
• Registered Investment Advisor Survey 2007: A Successful Business Model in Wealth Management

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Aite Group Sales
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sales@aitegroup.com