Feb 13, 2026 12:03:58 PM | M&A Managing technology post-M&A

M&A activity in the RIA space isn’t slowing down, it’s been breaking records for years. In 2022, deal volume hit a new high, and many firms suddenly found themselves bigger, more complex, and under pressure to onboard advisors, transition portfolios, and scale fast.

A huge part of that work comes down to technology. Choosing the right tools matters, but long‑term success depends even more on how you manage the change, implement the tools, and make them part of everyday workflows.

Here’s how to make post‑M&A technology work for you.

Before you plug systems together, decide how you want your combined organization to operate.

Ask yourself:

• How autonomous should offices or teams be?
• Will you allow blended tech stacks?
• Or will everyone transition to one shared platform?

New advisors coming into an established organization need clarity. A centralized model brings consistency, while a localized model brings flexibility. The right answer depends on your culture and how you want to scale.

Keep and hire the best talent

Attracting (and keeping) great people matters just as much as choosing great technology.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Internal tools matter. Staff expect a smooth digital experience, just like clients do.
• Know who you’re hiring. Not everyone needs to be a “rockstar.”
• Build a team with diverse strengths, goals, and growth paths.

Some roles need someone ready to scale quickly. Others need someone who brings stability and wants to grow within the role. A blended bench is a strong bench.

Choose and implement technology intentionally

M&A can make everything more complex — client data, workflows, and integrations. Technology can either solve the friction or add to it.

Focus on:

• Strong HR systems for benefits, incentives, and performance
• CRM tools that support engagement at scale
• A digital experience that feels consistent across offices
• Clean, consolidated data and easy updates
• Integrations that reduce double entry and manual work

Ask how integrated your tech really is. How many steps does it take to open an account? How often is data entered twice? The answers tell you where to focus.

Top 5 ways ensure a smooth tech implementation

Technology only works when people use it. These five steps help make the transition smoother.

1. Manage and communicate change

Change is hard. Communicate clearly and often. Don’t let vendors be the ones breaking the news that platforms are switching, that message should come from you.

2. Be clear and keep your promises

Avoid overpromising. If advisors won’t be able to keep using their old models or trading tools, say so upfront. Transparency builds trust.

3. Involve all stakeholders

Don’t build a tech plan without the people who will use it daily. Include decision‑makers, operations, and end users in planning and implementation.

4. Document your workflows

Document everything — or ask your vendor to help. They’ve seen best practices across firms and can help refine your workflows after the merger.

5. Lean into change

You didn’t merge to stay the same. Embrace the shifts that allow you to scale, work more efficiently, and operate as one team. Set clear goals and move toward them together.

Look to your valued partners

Your technology providers shouldn’t just be vendors — they should be partners. M&A transitions are complex, and the right tech partner brings experience, perspective, and support. At RedBlack, our customer success team helps firms:

• evaluate and consolidate data
• streamline workflows
• migrate systems
• train advisors
• build a long‑term path that supports growth

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but with the right support, your post‑M&A tech strategy can become a real competitive advantage.