Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of enhancing the investor experience in public funds as a key goal in the regulatory framework, highlighting the buyer advisory business as a crucial element for the development of China's asset management industry, drawing lessons from the mature U.S. advisory market [1][2]. Industry Market - The U.S. advisory industry has seen robust growth driven by increasing household assets, rising pension management needs, and a growing number of public fund products, leading to a strong demand for advisory services [2][10]. - The number of advisory firms has increased from over 6,500 in 2000 to more than 21,000 by 2024, with SEC-registered advisory firms reaching 15,906 by the end of 2024 [10][11]. Business Development - The client base has expanded significantly, with individual clients growing from fewer than 4.54 million in 2000 to over 58 million by 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 11.2%, compared to 3.0% for institutional clients [3][24]. - The primary business models include portfolio management and financial planning, with a growing trend towards advisory recommendations and pension consulting [3][29]. - Fee structures are predominantly based on assets under management, performance-based fees, hourly charges, and fixed service fees, with commission-based fees declining due to competitive pressures [3][32]. Investment Behavior - Equity investments (listed stocks and ETFs) are the most significant asset class in advisory portfolios, followed by fund assets, which have been increasing in proportion [4][35]. - The rise of robo-advisors has gained attention, with a mixed model of "human + technology" being favored over purely automated approaches [4][37]. Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape has evolved, with a clear establishment of leading firms, while competition remains fierce among mid-tier firms [4][43]. - The top 10 advisory firms have increased their market share from 16% in 2003 to 24.2% by 2024, indicating a consolidation trend in the industry [43][45]. Case Studies of Leading Advisory Firms - Vanguard Advisers focuses on individual clients, combining traditional and digital advisory services, managing over $300 billion by the end of 2024 [51]. - Betterment, established in 2009, has become a leading robo-advisor with a management scale of $56.4 billion, emphasizing low investment thresholds and a diverse service offering [53][54].