Why RIA Growth Was So Expensive Before AI

Uncover the hidden drivers behind $3,119 CAC—including outdated tactics, manual processes, and advisor time.

*Avaliable in PDF

Most RIAs are still spending far too much to acquire new clients. This short, punchy guide breaks down the outdated tactics and hidden time traps that made pre-AI marketing so expensive—and shows you a smarter way forward.

$3,119 per client. That’s the average CAC for RIAs using traditional methods—with most of that cost being your time.

The Referral Trap: Why relying on word-of-mouth limits scale and predictability

Seminar Fatigue: The real cost behind steak dinners and in-person events

Legacy Ad Waste: Why print, TV, and mail campaigns rarely deliver ROI

Manual Prospecting: How cold calling and lead buying burn advisor hours

Targeting Gaps: How poor segmentation drives low-quality conversions

Compliance Costs: Why outdated processes inflate legal and review time

The AI Platform that Systematizes Client Acquisition for

Advisors, RIAs, and Networks

VastAdvisor is more than just a tool; it’s a comprehensive AI-powered growth platform designed specifically to programmatically systematize client acquisition for RIAs and wealth management firms. By automating and optimizing each stage of the client journey—from lead identification and qualification to engagement and nurturing—VastAdvisor enables firms to create a predictable, scalable pipeline of high-quality clients.

With VastAdvisor, firms can move beyond traditional, time-intensive client acquisition methods, replacing manual efforts with AI-driven automation that strategically targets, qualifies, and nurtures prospects. The platform empowers RIAs to build sustainable growth models that don’t just add clients but actively enhance client engagement, retention, and lifetime value. Through this innovative, systematic approach, VastAdvisor positions your firm to expand its reach and accelerate growth while staying compliant, efficient, and focused on delivering exceptional client experiences.

About The Author

Ian Karnell, CEO

Ian has 20+ years of executive experience in companies ranging from early-stage businesses to the Fortune 500 and has expertise in digital transformation, digital product innovation/development, revenue operations and marketing

Serial entrepreneur that has founded 4 companies, including one which that scaled to more than $100M in gross revenue and over 200 employees - One to One Interactive.

As CEO of One to One Interactive, a digital agency based out of Boston, MA., One to One was recognized as one of Fortune Magazine's Fastest-Growing Companies, BtoB Magazine’s Agency of the Year, and one of AdAge's Top 100 Agencies in the United States. State Street was an early investor and client of One to One.

In early 2021, sold a fintech startup called Truelytics to Envestnet. Truelytics was a SaaS-based platform that enabled financial advisors and wealth management firms to leverage data analytics for practice valuation, succession planning, and business continuity. The platform provided data-driven insights to help RIAs, Broker-Dealers, and Enterprise firms understand and grow the intrinsic value of their practices. Acquired core IP and team from industry leaders with extensive expertise in wealth management and advisor analytics.

As Head of Strategic Initiatives at Envestnet, Ian led many of the early AI initiatives and helped to formalize the first AI governance committee.