As the financial advisory world braces for a wave of retirements and increasing competition for top talent, the 2025 J.D. Power Financial Advisor Satisfaction Study delivers a timely look at how well firms are delivering on the support and tools advisors actually value.

This year’s results? A mix of familiar faces at the top, clear signs of generational change, and a growing demand for real tech investment.

Firm-by-Firm Satisfaction Scores

Why This Study Matters

• Talent Shortage Looms
  With nearly half of all advisors (46%) planning to retire by 2035, retention and succession planning are now urgent priorities across the industry.
  
  
• Generational Divide
  Advisors under 40 are looking for brand support, AI tools, and social media marketing—but only 32% say their firms deliver on that front.
  
  
• Technology Gaps
  A full 35% of all advisors say AI and digital marketing should be the top tech priority, but many firms are still playing catch-up.
  
  

What Sets the Leaders Apart

• Stifel continues to dominate the employee channel, excelling in advisor support, compensation, and culture.
  
  
• Commonwealth extends its streak atop the independent channel to 12 straight years, thanks to its strong operational support and commitment to advisor autonomy.
  
  

Firms that rise in these rankings tend to treat advisors like partners, not just producers. They invest in tools that actually help advisors grow, stay compliant, and meet clients where they are.

What Advisors Should Do with This Data

If you’re with a firm that ranks at the bottom—or didn’t make the list—it may be time to start asking hard questions. Are you getting the marketing support, tech tools, and payout structure that match what others are offering? Or are you leaving opportunity on the table?

At 3xEquity, we help advisors get answers and offers. A confidential snapshot of what other top firms are willing to offer you could be the first step toward a more supportive and profitable next chapter.

Get Your Custom Offers Now.