In this episode of Contrasting Viewpoints, Ian Wenik joins the show to break down what it takes to build a future-ready RIA in a rapidly changing wealth management landscape. Wenik discusses the record pace of consolidation, the influence of private equity, and how major firms like LPL and Madison-Dearborn Partners are shaping industry trends. The conversation explores why transparency, talent retention, and cultural alignment are becoming essential to successful M&A, and how the professionalization of the RIA space is creating new expectations for firm leaders. Wenik also shares insights on where the next wave of consolidation may occur and what advisory firms must prioritize to stay competitive.

About Our Guest:

Ian Wenik is the editor of Citywire RIA, where he covers independent wealth-management firms, industry trends, and the fast-changing world of RIA M&A. As editor of Citywire RIA, Ian has authored hundreds of articles covering major M&A deals, private-equity transactions, and evolving strategies for advisors and independent firms, giving him a sharp view of where the RIA industry is headed.

About Our Hosts:

Mark Hurley

Mark Hurley is CEO of Digital Privacy and Protection, a cybersecurity specializing in serving clients of financial advisory firms and other professionals. Prior to that, he was CEO of Fiduciary Network, an acquirer of minority interests in RIAs. From 1998 to 2004, he was CEO of Undiscovered Managers, a mutual fund company that was sold to JP Morgan Asset Management. He began his career as an investment banker in the financial services division of Goldman Sachs, where he specialized in asset management. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and holds an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

To learn more about Mark Hurley and Digital Privacy and Protection visit dpripro.com

Ray Sclafani

After 20 years at AllianceBernstein, Ray Sclafani founded and heads ClientWise, the premier coaching and training company exclusively serving the financial services industry. Ray’s passion for serving leaders, advisors, and companies in the financial services sector is reflected in ClientWise and its unique coaching programs and team of credentialed coaches that help advisors and companies find the next level of professional excellence and financial success with greater focus and ease.

Ray’s experience as a seasoned specialist in coaching and training in the financial sector mirrors his long and profitable history in the industry. In his 20 years at AllianceBernstein, Ray was one of the company’s top sales professionals and executive leaders. His knowledge of how to create and execute on highly successful sales plans and build long lasting client connections was later utilized as founder and Managing Director of the Advisor Institute at AllianceBernstein.

As a complement to his coaching skills, he also holds a Master’s Certification in Neuro-Linguistics from the International Association for Neuro-Linguistic Programming and has participated in The Strategic Coach® Program for 17 years.

Ray’s book, You’ve Been Framed: How to Reframe Your Wealth Management Business and Renew Client Relationships, was published by Wiley in 2015. Ray holds a BA from Baylor University. He lives in Flower Mound, Texas with his wife and true life partner, Beth. Their two sons and Beth continually inspire his work and his passion for excellence.

To learn more about Ray Sclafani and ClientWise visit www.clientwise.com