Scaling Wealth Management as U.S. Household Financial Assets Grow

The wealth management industry stands at a critical juncture as household financial assets reach extraordinary levels and digital capabilities enable sophisticated service delivery at scale. Whereas comprehensive wealth management services were historically confined to clients with $10 million-plus in assets, the increasing concentration of household wealth has created new opportunities for the industry. 

Analysis of liquid financial assets reveals the extent of this evolution: The high-net-worth segment is concentrated in the top decile, representing more than 13 million households, with viable advisory segments extending to the 50th percentile. These segments collectively control 98% of U.S. financial assets. This wealth concentration, combined with advancing technology, has sparked a transformation in service delivery. 

Integrated digital platforms now enable advisors to offer sophisticated solutions—as diverse as estate planning and tax management—across a broader wealth spectrum, fundamentally challenging traditional service model boundaries. Practical strategies are within reach to scale high-touch services, leverage emerging technologies, and provide tiered service models that extend capabilities to the rapidly growing high-net-worth segment.