Why the feared adviser exodus never arrived – and what it means for M&A in 2026

On this episode of the ifa Show, Forte Asset Solutions principal Steve Prendeville joins host Keith Ford to break down the advice sector M&A outlook and why the feared wave of exits never aligned with what he was seeing on the ground, particularly among advice business owners.

While consolidation is accelerating, Prendeville stressed that successful deals are less about headline price and more about cultural alignment, client continuity and protecting staff outcomes, with many advisers choosing to sell without exiting and remain in advice roles post-transaction.

Tune in to hear:

• Why adviser exits linked to the education deadline have been far lower than forecast.
• How rising fees and profitability are underpinning strong M&A activity, with demand from both private equity-backed groups and traditional buyer-to-buyer transactions.
• Why the bottom line price isn't always the biggest factor.