Business owners remain one of the largest growth opportunities for RIAs. The U.S. has approximately 2.9 million businesses owned by individuals age 55 and older, and many owners are approaching retirement. At the same time, only 32% to 42% have a written succession or exit plan. As more businesses prepare to change ownership over the next decade, demand for specialized financial advice is expected to increase.

How Can RIAs Help Business Owners Prepare for an Exit?

Selling a business often requires years of preparation. RIAs should help clients review business valuations, succession plans, and retirement goals before a transaction takes place.

Industry research shows that most business owners begin exit planning too late, despite many expecting their business sale to fund retirement. As the number of business transitions continues to increase, exit planning is expected to become a larger part of wealth management.

How Can RIAs Help Business Owners Reduce Taxes?

Business owners often face more complex tax situations than traditional employees because income may come from pass-through entities, partnerships, or the sale of a business.

RIAs should coordinate investment strategies, retirement contributions, charitable giving, and other tax planning opportunities. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, taxes remain one of the most common concerns among small business owners. As more owners prepare for liquidity events, tax planning is expected to become an increasingly important advisory service.

How Should RIAs Plan for Retirement?

Many business owners rely heavily on the future sale of their business to fund retirement. RIAs should help clients build retirement assets outside the business while reviewing retirement plan options and long-term income needs.

According to industry research, many privately held business owners have most of their net worth tied to their companies. As more owners approach retirement age, retirement planning is expected to become a larger focus before liquidity events occur.

What Overlooked Areas Can Add Value for Business Owners?

Business owners often hold diversified investment portfolios alongside their businesses, creating additional opportunities to identify assets they may not realize they are entitled to recover.

Securities class action settlements totaled approximately $8 billion in 2025, yet many eligible claims went unclaimed because filing them required significant manual work. As AI capabilities continue to advance, platforms such as 11th.com automate this workflow and deposit proceeds directly into client accounts. Recovering settlement proceeds adds capital that can support broader business, investment, or retirement planning objectives. 

What Should RIAs Prioritize in 2026?

Millions of business owners are expected to approach retirement over the next decade, while many still lack formal succession plans. As business transitions accelerate, RIAs that specialize in exit planning, tax strategies, retirement planning, and business-owner wealth management are expected to be well positioned to attract and retain this growing client segment.

FAQ

Why should RIAs specialize in serving business owners?

Business owners often have complex financial needs related to taxes, retirement, business succession, and liquidity planning.

When should RIAs begin exit planning with business owners?

Exit planning should begin several years before a planned sale to allow time for business, tax, and retirement planning.

How can RIAs help business owners prepare for retirement?

RIAs can help clients build retirement assets outside their businesses and develop long-term income strategies before an ownership transition.

Why is tax planning important for business owners?

Business sales, partnerships, and business income can create significant tax liabilities that require advance planning.

What overlooked opportunity can create additional value for business owners?

Recovering securities class action settlement proceeds can provide additional capital that supports broader business, investment, and retirement planning.