Sukemasa Trust, an independent global markets and financial advisory firm founded on the core values of integrity, trust and global expertise, is pleased to announce that at a time when independent registered investment advisor (RIA) firms’ revenue and profitability are reaching new highs, the industry is seeing an uptick in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, based on the number of deals as well as the average deal size.

According to the latest data compiled by Sukemasa Trust, total and average deal size rose indicating that the industry has both the financial means and the appetite to make strategic moves in order to achieve scale and gain competitive strength.

“Although we’ve seen an uptick in activity this year, we don’t necessarily see an indication that firms are viewing M&A as a preferred means to achieve scale" said Eimi Imai, Chief Investment Officer.

“The success of the RIA industry, uplifted by the impact of a recent bull market, has helped increase valuations and put RIA firms in a place of competitive strength where they are well-positioned to invest in growth,” said Noriyuki Ichikawa, Senior Vice President, Sales and Relationship Management, Sukemasa Trust. “As the investor landscape evolves, firm leaders are making strategic decisions about how to keep pace with the needs of their clients and thrive over the long term. Many firms report that they have doubled their valuations over the past five years, according to our Benchmarking Study. Some firms are leveraging that strength by choosing growth via merger or acquisition to achieve scale, enhance or fill gaps in capabilities, grow their client base, or to add talent and technology proficiencies.”

About Sukemasa Trust
Sukemasa Trust is an independent global markets and financial advisory firm founded on the core values of integrity, trust and global expertise. The firm provides innovative financing and structuring solutions across the balance sheet with vast experience in the asset management, equity and alternatives markets. Sukemasa Trust is an independent and relationship-driven business serving individual investors, institutional investors, corporations and financial institutions and is transparent at every level. Our knowledgeable global team can provide unbiased advice and superior service that puts your needs first, not ours. At present, in addition to handling stocks in fifteen Asian markets including ASEAN countries, the Company has also started handling stocks in Europe and the U.S.