The Top 3 Tools You Need in Your RIA Tech Stack

Most advisors didn’t get into this business to manage software, but the truth is, your technology decisions shape almost everything: how efficiently you work, how easily you scale, and how well you serve your clients.

The problem isn’t a lack of tools. It’s that many financial advisors end up with a patchwork of platforms that don’t connect, don’t scale, and don’t actually solve the right problems.

You’re logging into five systems just to prep for one meeting, digging through emails to find documents, or missing out on automation that could’ve saved you hours.

The right tech stack solves that. With it, you get structure, clarity, and room to grow.

Here are three of the best tools to include.

What Is an RIA Tech Stack?

An RIA tech stack is an ecosystem of technology solutions you rely on to operate your business. It is composed of tools that manage client data, automate workflows, deliver portfolio management, and support everything from tax planning to lead generation.

It typically includes:

• CRM platform for managing relationships and pipeline
• Financial planning software for goal-based modeling and strategy
• Portfolio management software for performance reporting and asset allocation
• A client portal that makes information easily accessible to clients without constant back-and-forth
• Additional tools for document management, virtual conferencing, and data security

A smart, streamlined stack doesn't just deliver efficiency. It also gives you consistency, professionalism, and the ability to grow without the wheels coming off.

The 3 Core Tools Every RIA Tech Stack Should Include

Not every advisor needs a dozen different apps, but every growing firm needs a strong foundation.

If you want to scale efficiently, deliver consistent service, and stop relying on duct-taped systems, your RIA tech stack should include these options.

1. Bizware—Best for CRM, Client Engagement, and Marketing Automation

Many CRMs weren’t designed for financial advisors and the RIA space, but Bizware fills that gap with a system made for how RIAs actually work. It helps you track every client interaction, manage follow-ups, schedule meetings, and launch email and SMS outreach, all from one place.

If you're spending too much time switching between apps to manage your sales and marketing efforts (e.g., run campaigns, book meetings, or follow up with prospective clients), Bizware simplifies it all.

Key Features

• Customer relationship management (CRM) designed for financial professionals
• Built-in email marketing and SMS campaigns with automated sequences
• Calendar integration for booking appointments, reminders, and task tracking
• Tagging and segmentation of client information based on goals, services, or timeline
• Full visibility into past phone calls, meetings, and outreach

Why It Belongs in Your RIA Tech Stack

You don’t need one system for digital marketing, one for scheduling, and another for client notes.

Bizware consolidates the core workflows that drive business growth, so you can spend less time managing tools and more time building relationships.

It’s especially valuable for RIAs who don’t have a full-time operations team and want tools that automate workflows, improve consistency, and scale with their book of new and existing clients.

Get started with Bizware today!

2. Orion Advisor Tech—Best for Portfolio Management and Performance Reporting

For RIAs who want to get serious about scale, portfolio management can’t be piecemeal.

Orion Advisor Tech brings together trading, billing, rebalancing, and reporting into a single, advisor-focused platform.

Whether you're running model portfolios or creating custom allocations, Orion helps you execute and explain your strategies with less manual work and fewer errors.

Key Features

• Complete portfolio management software with rebalancing, billing, and trading automation
• Custom performance reporting with branded visuals and flexible dashboards
• Direct integrations with leading custodians and financial planning software
• A secure, customizable client portal for sharing real-time updates and performance
• Support for tax planning, asset allocation, and client-specific investment preferences

Why It Belongs in Your RIA Tech Stack

Orion becomes your central hub for everything related to investments. It eliminates spreadsheet sprawl, cuts down on manual performance calculations, and allows you to scale how you deliver portfolio insights to every client.

3. Addepar—Best for Data Aggregation and Complex Client Reporting

As your client base grows, especially into the high-net-worth and family office segments, so does the complexity of their holdings.

Addepar aggregates financial data from custodians, private assets, and alternative investments into one cohesive platform, so you can deliver clear, accurate insights to even the most sophisticated clients.

Key Features

• Aggregates data from custodians, alts, real estate, and structured products into one unified dashboard
• Advanced reporting tools for custom visuals, performance reporting, and multi-entity views
• Powerful analytics for drilling into portfolio exposure, liquidity, asset allocation, and time-weighted returns
• Supports nuanced reporting for wealth management industry clients like foundations, endowments, and family offices
• Robust security and client portal access for document sharing and reporting

Why It Belongs in Your RIA Tech Stack

If your firm is growing into higher tiers of client complexity, or you’re serving multi-generational wealth, Addepar helps you not just organize, but truly understand and communicate your clients’ entire financial picture.

Best Practices in Managing an RIA Tech Stack

A well-built and optimized tech stack can transform your operations, but only if it’s managed with intention.

Here are the best practices to keep your technology stack efficient, secure, and aligned with your goals:

Start With Your Workflow

Map your client service process from onboarding to review meetings. Identify where your current tools support or slow down that journey.

Use the Right Tools, Not More Tools

Avoid overlaps. Your CRM platform, financial planning software, and reporting system should each serve a distinct purpose.

Prioritize Integration

A disconnected system creates more administrative tasks and data silos. Choose platforms that connect with one another, share client information, and support seamless file management and data gathering.

Protect Your Client Data

Invest in cybersecurity software and role-based access controls, especially for client portal platforms and document sharing tools.

Review Regularly

As your RIA practice grows, revisit your tools and update your systems to meet new demands, whether that’s more clients, more complexity, or more specialization. For example, check if artificial intelligence (AI) tools can support scalability.

An intentional, lean stack will help you streamline operations, reduce errors, and focus on improving client satisfaction over time.

Complete Your RIA Tech Stack With Bizware

While most tech stacks focus on investment and planning, Bizware fills the operational gap.

It combines lead tracking, client onboarding, email and SMS marketing, appointment scheduling, and pipeline management into one system, which eliminates the need for six disconnected tools.

It’s ideal for RIA firms that want to grow their book, respond faster to new clients, and deliver a consistent experience across every touchpoint.

If your goal is to create more time, close more leads, and strengthen client relationships without adding more chaos to your tech stack, Bizware gives you the right technology to do it.

Get started today and see how Bizware helps RIAs scale smarter and serve better.

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FAQs About RIA Tech Stack

What is the RIA tech stack?

It’s the combination of technology tools an RIA uses to run the firm, typically including a CRM platform, financial planning tool, reporting system, and client portal.

What is RIA in technology?

In this context, RIA refers to a Registered Investment Advisor, not a technology term. An RIA’s tech stack includes tools that support operations, client satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.

What software do RIAs use?

RIA firms typically use a mix of financial planning software, portfolio tracking, document management, and marketing tools. Popular platforms include Bizware, Orion, and Addepar.

What is the RIA model?

The RIA model refers to independent advisors who provide fiduciary financial advice, often charging fees rather than commissions.

It emphasizes client-first service, long-term relationships, and personalized guidance tied to financial goals.

How does a strong RIA tech stack benefit my firm?

A strong RIA tech stack improves efficiency with modern tech tools, enhances the client experience, and supports tracking investments with greater accuracy. By leveraging advanced RIA technology and client portal productivity platforms, firms can operate more smoothly and scale with confidence.