The Charles Schwab Corporation

10/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/29/2026 15:20

2026 Independent Advisor Outlook Study

2026 Independent Advisor Outlook Study

Schwab Advisor Services' 2026 Independent Advisor Outlook Study offers a snapshot of an industry in motion.

Key findings

  • According to the advisors surveyed, being a fiduciary is the top benefit of being an RIA.
  • Advisors are broadening their offerings with trading, pledged asset lines, and alternative investments to address evolving client needs.
  • 66% of advisors plan to use AI to support the client experience while keeping relationships personal, with administrative efficiency seen as its biggest potential impact.

About the study

Schwab's Independent Advisor Outlook Study (IAOS) is conducted for Charles Schwab by Logica Research. Logica Research is neither affiliated with, nor employed by, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

The study consists of a quantitative online survey, conducted from July 13 through July 30, 2026, polling 1,235 independent investment advisors who custody assets with Schwab Advisor Services, representing a total of $497 billion in AUM. Participation was voluntary, participants were not incentivized, and the typical (median) survey length was 16 minutes.

Media Contact: Kristin Meza

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The Charles Schwab Corporation published this content on October 29, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 29, 2026 at 21:20 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]