The Goldman Sachs-Elevation Point Alliance: A New Era for Independent Wealth Management

The partnership between Goldman Sachs and Elevation Point marks a pivotal shift in the wealth management landscape, democratizing access to institutional-grade tools for elite Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms. By integrating Goldman Sachs’ capital markets expertise with Elevation Point’s platform for independent advisors, the alliance addresses a critical gap: enabling RIAs to scale their operations while retaining autonomy. This collaboration is not merely a strategic alliance but a catalyst for redefining competitive dynamics in an industry increasingly driven by technology, client-centric innovation, and operational efficiency.

Institutional Tools as a Force Multiplier for RIAs

Goldman Sachs and Elevation Point’s partnership provides RIAs with access to a suite of services typically reserved for larger institutions, including custody, lending, direct indexing, and open-architecture custom models [1]. These tools empower independent advisors to deliver sophisticated, personalized solutions to high-net-worth clients without sacrificing independence. For instance, direct indexing—a strategy that allows clients to own individual securities rather than ETFs—has gained traction as a way to optimize tax efficiency and align portfolios with specific goals [2]. By offering such capabilities, the alliance positions RIAs to compete with megafirms that have long dominated the wealth management sector.

The partnership’s structure further underscores its transformative potential. Elevation Point’s minority stake model ensures advisors retain control over their firms while leveraging Goldman Sachs’ resources, including capital, strategic guidance, and advanced investment tools [3]. This hybrid approach addresses a key pain point for independent advisors: the need to balance growth with operational complexity. For example, Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions (GSCS) now serves as a key custodian for Elevation Point, providing modern custodial solutions tailored to the needs of independent advisors [4]. This integration streamlines workflows, reduces costs, and enhances client trust—a critical factor in an industry where reputation and reliability are paramount.

Reshaping Competitive Dynamics in the RIA Sector

The RIA sector has experienced exponential growth since 2020, driven by M&A activity, evolving client expectations, and technological adoption. Larger RIAs have acquired smaller firms, with consolidators managing over $1.5 trillion in assets under management (AUM) [5]. However, this growth has also intensified competition, as RIAs must differentiate themselves through innovation and client experience. The Goldman Sachs-Elevation Point alliance directly addresses this challenge by equipping RIAs with tools to offer alternative investments, hedging strategies, and institutional-quality analytics—services that were previously inaccessible to mid-sized firms [6].

Moreover, the partnership aligns with broader industry trends, such as the shift toward open architecture and AI-driven efficiency. Open architecture allows advisors to integrate solutions from multiple providers, creating tailored offerings for clients [7]. Goldman Sachs’ API-driven custodial services and Elevation Point’s platform exemplify this trend, enabling seamless integration of third-party tools. Meanwhile, AI adoption in RIA operations has surged, with 68% of firms using AI in 2024 to automate tasks like document classification and tax optimization [8]. By embedding these technologies into their partnership, Goldman Sachs and Elevation Point are future-proofing RIAs against market volatility and client demands for agility.

Why Investors Should Consider RIA-Focused Platforms and Goldman Sachs

For investors, the alliance represents a compelling long-term opportunity. The RIA channel is now the leading growth area in wealth management, with 78% of firms reporting hiring in 2024 to meet operational demands [9]. Goldman Sachs Asset Management, in particular, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. While its Q2 2025 market share in the investment services industry stands at 4.43%—behind JPMorgan Chase and Co. (13.25%)—its strategic focus on RIAs and technological innovation positions it to close the gap [10]. The firm’s commitment to digital onboarding, cybersecurity, and alternative investments aligns with the evolving needs of RIAs, which are increasingly prioritizing scalability and client retention.

Investors should also consider the broader implications of the alliance for the wealth management sector. As RIAs gain access to institutional-grade tools, they are better equipped to challenge traditional custodians and asset managers. This shift could lead to fee compression in the industry, but it also creates opportunities for firms that can deliver value through innovation. Goldman Sachs’ ability to adapt to these dynamics—by expanding its custody business and deepening its RIA partnerships—demonstrates its agility in a rapidly changing market [11].

Conclusion

The Goldman Sachs-Elevation Point alliance is more than a partnership; it is a blueprint for the future of independent wealth management. By bridging the gap between institutional-grade resources and elite RIA firms, the collaboration empowers advisors to deliver superior client outcomes while maintaining their independence. For investors, this represents a strategic play in a sector poised for sustained growth. As the wealth management industry continues to evolve, the ability to innovate and adapt will separate winners from losers—and Goldman Sachs is betting big on the future of RIAs.

Source:
[1] Elevation Point Announces Strategic Collaboration with Goldman Sachs to Help Elite Partner Firms Thrive in Independence [https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elevation-point-announces-strategic-collaboration-with-goldman-sachs-to-help-elite-partner-firms-thrive-in-independence-302543821.html]
[2] Goldman Sachs And Elevation Point Deepen Their ... [https://www.barrons.com/advisor/articles/goldman-sachs-independent-advisors-elevation-point-bf4d4bcf]
[3] Elevation Point Announces Strategic Collaboration with ... [https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elevation-point-announces-strategic-collaboration-with-goldman-sachs-to-help-elite-partner-firms-thrive-in-independence-302543821.html]
[4] Goldman Sachs Is Officially All in on the RIA Custody Business [https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/2bsx4uymhyuk16hbzeku8/riaintel/goldman-sachs-is-officially-all-in-on-the-ria-custody-business]
[5] Unlocking Growth: The Rise of RIAs and the Road Ahead [https://am.gs.com/en-us/advisors/insights/article/2025/unlocking-growth-the-rise-of-rias-and-the-road-ahead]
[6] Goldman Sachs and Elevation Point: A Game-Changer in Wealth Management [https://www.ainvest.com/news/goldman-sachs-elevation-point-game-changer-wealth-management-2509/]
[7] Goldman Sachs and Elevation Point Expand Partnership to Support Independent Financial Advisors [https://www.thewealthadvisor.com/article/goldman-sachs-and-elevation-point-expand-partnership-support-independent-financial-advisors]
[8] 2025 RIA Benchmarking Study [https://www.aboutschwab.com/ria-benchmarking-study-2025]
[9] Trends facing RIAs in 2025 [https://www.envestnet.com/financial-intel/trends-facing-rias-2025]
[10] GS's Market share relative to its competitors, as of Q2 2025 [https://csimarket.com/stocks/competitionSEG2.php?code=GS]
[11] Unlocking Growth: The Rise of RIAs and the Road Ahead [https://am.gs.com/en-us/advisors/insights/article/2025/unlocking-growth-the-rise-of-rias-and-the-road-ahead]