The RIA channel is set to be the next near-term growth opportunity for the annuity industry – and according to one leading voice in the space, it's been a long time coming.
In its latest annuity industry survey report published earlier this month, Goldman Sachs Asset Management found 45% of respondents from the insurance industry expect the biggest growth in the registered investment advisor channel over the next three years, outpacing the independent space (38%) and wirehouses (8%).
"These findings align to broader industry trends focused on high net-worth investor needs and demand for RIA support moving upmarket on the wealth spectrum," the report from Goldman Sachs said.
According to the authors, this year's findings mark a shift from previous surveys, where respondents had the highest hopes for the independent channel.
For David Lau, founder and CEO of annuity platform DPL Financial Partners, it's a shift that's been years in the making.