Wipfli releases 2026 wealth and asset management reports

Wipfli has released its 2026 wealth and asset management research reports, offering insights into growth expectations, technology priorities and operational challenges shaping the industry. The findings reveal a consistent theme: firms are optimistic about growth, but face mounting pressures from technology, compliance and talent demands.

Across both sectors, nearly all executives surveyed expect revenue gains over the next 12 months. Larger firms and those with higher assets under management expressed the strongest confidence. Yet, while growth expectations are high, digital maturity remains a work in progress — and operational complexity is intensifying.

Wealth management: Growth meets rising complexity

For wealth management firms, optimism is tempered by structural challenges:

• 93% expect revenue growth of 5% or more in the next 12 months.
• 72% are increasing benefits and perks to improve recruitment and retention.
• 89% use AI and data analytics to support decision-making, but few have reached enterprise-level maturity.

Cybersecurity and data privacy continue to reshape operations, and firms report barriers to implementing data analytics effectively, including data quality and integration challenges.

“Firms are optimistic, but they’re also managing more moving parts than ever before,” said Anna Kooi, partner and financial services practice leader at Wipfli. “Technology is no longer optional — investments in data and AI are critical to staying competitive.”

Asset management: Digital ambitions outpace maturity

Asset management firms share similar confidence, with a strong focus on technology-driven growth:

• 92% expect revenue growth of 5% or more.
• 81% use AI and analytics, but only 34% have a comprehensive AI strategy.
• 69% say cybersecurity and data privacy measures are reshaping operations.

Respondents rated improving digital customer engagement, data analytics and automation as top priorities. However, data privacy, quality and integration issues remain significant barriers.

“Periods of disruption give investors a reason to look beyond index strategies,” Kooi said. “True digital maturity requires discipline and integration into core models — not just experimentation.”

For deeper insights, benchmarks and actionable strategies, download the full research report: