Q&A: Mariner CEO Marty Bicknell on the RIA's Record Year for Organic Growth

Core Insights - Organic growth is a primary concern for registered investment advisors (RIAs), with 53% of RIA executives indicating it as their biggest issue, followed by concerns about AI, the economy, and stock market performance [2] - Mariner Wealth Advisors achieved over 30% organic growth in 2025, significantly surpassing its typical growth rate of approximately 15% [3][5] - The firm is approaching $14 billion in organic assets, marking a significant milestone since its inception in 2006 [5] Company Performance - Mariner Wealth Advisors had its best recruiting year in 2025, bringing in over 200 new advisors while maintaining industry-standard retention rates for both advisors and clients [6] - The firm has been active in acquisitions, completing 10 deals in 2025, and anticipates a continued active deal market in 2026 [4][6] - The effectiveness of Mariner's lead generation strategy, which has been in place since its launch, is credited for the substantial organic growth [3][7] Strategic Approach - Mariner Wealth Advisors views lead generation as an enterprise-level responsibility rather than relying solely on individual advisors, which has contributed to its success in filling the client funnel [7]