The 2025 Charles Schwab Independent Advisor Outlook Study (IAOS), conducted with Logica Research, shows that independent advisors are adapting to an era defined by new technologies, expanded measures of growth, and evolving client expectations. Media coverage in BusinessWire, InvestmentNews, and other outlets highlights different aspects of how the RIA model is evolving.

Leadership and emotional intelligence at the forefront

BusinessWire shares that advisors in the study highlighted that the role of leadership in RIAs is expanding well beyond traditional management. More than half see themselves as both client champions (57%) and business builders (54%), while also embracing responsibilities as mentors and innovators. When asked about the traits that will matter most over the next three years, advisors pointed to client-centric innovation and strategic vision (41% each), followed by business development innovation (37%), technology fluency (33%), and emotional intelligence (26%). These findings signal that success in the independent channel will increasingly hinge on balancing business growth with people-focused leadership qualities that strengthen trust and relationships.

Beyond financial advice

InvestmentNews, in “What’s Next for Independent Advisors?,” talks about how the Schwab IAOS study shows that advisory firms are moving beyond traditional financial planning to address broader client needs such as emotional well-being, family priorities, and intergenerational wealth conversations. The coverage highlights how the RIA (registered investment advisor) model is becoming more holistic, with firms striving to strengthen relationships and deliver advice that extends well beyond portfolio management.

Technology resilience and AI adoption

A second InvestmentNews article, “Vision, Resilience and Momentum,” highlights how RIAs are navigating the adoption of new technologies such as artificial intelligence. While most advisors are experimenting with AI tools, the report from the Schwab study notes a growing need for formalized policies and risk frameworks to guide usage. Firms are also measuring progress by new benchmarks like client numbers and AUM per household alongside total assets under management.

Challenges across generations

Entrepreneur underscores how retirement outlooks differ by age group while pointing to common barriers that cut across demographics. Gen Z emerged as the most optimistic cohort, with more than half reporting they feel “very likely” to reach their savings goals, even as they face the same obstacles as older workers. Inflation was the top challenge cited by 57% of participants, followed by ongoing monthly expenses (38%), stock market volatility (33%), unexpected costs (32%), credit card debt (26%), and medical bills (23%). The coverage also places Schwab’s findings in a broader context, noting that other industry studies show differing benchmarks for retirement age and savings targets, underscoring how complex and varied retirement planning can be across generations.

To learn more, access the study here: https://www.aboutschwab.com/schwab-independent-advisor-outlook-study-2025

About the study

Schwab’s Independent Advisor Outlook Study (IAOS) 2025 was conducted in partnership with Logica Research. The study consists of a quantitative online survey, which was conducted from July 21 through August 1, 2025, polling 912 independent investment advisors who custody assets with Schwab Advisor Services, representing a total of $359 billion in assets under management (AUM). Participation was voluntary, participants were not incentivized, and the typical (median) survey length was 15 minutes.