What Are the Top 7 KPIs Metrics of a Wealth Management Business?

Apr 6, 2025

As a small business owner or artisan in the ever-evolving marketplace, understanding and effectively tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial for driving success and staying competitive. In the world of wealth management, industry-specific KPIs play a pivotal role in measuring and analyzing the performance of artisan marketplaces. From customer acquisition costs to lifetime value, these metrics provide valuable insight into the health and growth potential of your business. In this blog post, we will explore 7 industry-specific KPIs tailored to the unique needs of small business owners and artisans, offering actionable strategies for leveraging these metrics to optimize performance and drive sustainable growth.

Seven Core KPIs to Track

  • Client Acquisition Rate
  • Net New Assets (NNA)
  • Client Retention Rate
  • Average Account Size Growth
  • Client Satisfaction Score
  • Financial Plan Implementation Rate
  • Digital Platform Engagement Rate

Client Acquisition Rate

Definition

Client acquisition rate is a key performance indicator that measures the effectiveness of a company’s sales and marketing efforts in acquiring new clients within a specific period. This KPI is crucial in the wealth management industry as it indicates the firm's ability to attract and convert prospects into clients. It also reflects the success of the business in expanding its client base, which is essential for sustainable growth and revenue generation. By tracking the client acquisition rate, wealth management firms can evaluate the impact of their sales and marketing strategies and make informed decisions to improve their overall business performance.

How To Calculate

The client acquisition rate is calculated by dividing the number of new clients acquired within a certain period by the total number of prospects or leads, then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. The formula is as follows:
Client Acquisition Rate = (Number of New Clients / Total Number of Prospects) x 100
In this formula, the number of new clients represents the individuals or entities that have signed on to become clients during the specified period, while the total number of prospects includes all the leads or potential clients that the firm has engaged with during the same timeframe.

Example

For example, if a wealth management firm acquires 25 new clients in a quarter and has engaged with 200 prospects during the same period, the client acquisition rate would be calculated as follows: Client Acquisition Rate = (25 / 200) x 100 = 12.5% This means that the firm has successfully converted 12.5% of its prospects into new clients within the quarter.

Benefits and Limitations

The client acquisition rate KPI provides insights into the effectiveness of the firm's sales and marketing strategies, allowing the business to identify areas for improvement and optimize its lead conversion process. However, it may not account for the quality of the acquired clients or the long-term value they bring to the firm. Additionally, fluctuations in the number of new clients and prospects can impact the accuracy of this KPI.

Industry Benchmarks

In the wealth management industry, the typical client acquisition rate can range from 5% to 15%, with above-average performance reaching up to 20%. Exceptional firms may achieve client acquisition rates exceeding 25% based on industry benchmarks.

Tips and Tricks

  • Implement targeted lead generation strategies to attract high-quality prospects.
  • Align sales and marketing efforts to communicate the unique value proposition of the firm effectively.
  • Leverage client referrals and testimonials to enhance trust and credibility.
  • Regularly analyze the client acquisition rate data to identify trends and adjust strategies accordingly.

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Net New Assets (NNA)

Definition

Net New Assets (NNA) is a key performance indicator that measures the amount of new assets acquired by a wealth management firm over a specific period, typically a quarter or a year. This KPI is critical to measure as it provides insight into the firm's ability to attract and retain clients, and its overall growth trajectory. Net New Assets is an important KPI in the business context because it directly impacts the firm's revenue, profitability, and long-term sustainability. It reflects the effectiveness of the firm's marketing and sales efforts, as well as its ability to provide value to existing clients, ultimately contributing to the overall success and competitive positioning of the business.

How To Calculate

The formula to calculate Net New Assets (NNA) involves subtracting the value of client redemptions and withdrawals from the total new assets acquired over a specific period. This provides a clear and concise indication of the net increase or decrease in assets under management during the period in question. The calculation takes into account the inflow of new clients' assets and the outflow from client redemptions, providing a comprehensive view of the firm's asset growth.

NNA = Total New Assets - Client Redemptions/Withdrawals

Example

For example, if Prosperity Partners Wealth Advisory acquires $10 million in new assets from new and existing clients and experiences $3 million in client redemptions and withdrawals during a quarter, the calculation of Net New Assets (NNA) would be: $10 million - $3 million = $7 million. This would indicate that the firm experienced a net increase of $7 million in assets under management during that quarter.

Benefits and Limitations

The main advantage of using Net New Assets (NNA) as a KPI is that it provides a direct measurement of the firm's ability to attract and retain client assets, offering clear insights into its growth and performance. However, a limitation of this KPI is that it does not provide information on the source or quality of new assets acquired, which can impact the firm's overall profitability and client relationships.

Industry Benchmarks

According to industry benchmarks within the US wealth management sector, typical Net New Assets (NNA) performance levels range from 5-10% of total assets under management for a given year. Above-average performance would fall within the 10-15% range, while exceptional firms may achieve net new asset growth of 15% or above, demonstrating particularly strong client acquisition and retention capabilities.

Tips and Tricks

  • Implement targeted marketing strategies to attract new clients
  • Strengthen client retention efforts through personalized services and ongoing support
  • Analyze client feedback and identify areas for improvement in the client experience
  • Track NNA regularly and adjust business strategies as needed to optimize asset growth

Client Retention Rate

Definition

The client retention rate is a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) that measures the percentage of customers or clients that a business successfully retains over a specific period. This ratio is critical to measure as it reflects the ability of a wealth management firm to maintain its client base. For the wealth management industry, client retention is crucial as it directly impacts the firm's revenue, profitability, and long-term sustainability. A high client retention rate indicates that the firm is able to satisfy its clients' needs, build trust, and provide ongoing value, leading to repeat business and referrals. On the other hand, a low client retention rate may signify issues with service quality, communication, or overall client satisfaction, which can have negative implications for the business.

How To Calculate

The client retention rate is calculated by dividing the number of clients at the end of a period by the number of clients at the beginning of that period, and then multiplying by 100 to express the result as a percentage.
Client Retention Rate = ((E-N)/N) x 100
Where: - E = Number of clients at the end of the period - N = Number of clients at the beginning of the period

Example

For example, if Prosperity Partners Wealth Advisory starts the year with 300 clients and ends the year with 320 clients, the client retention rate would be calculated as follows: Client Retention Rate = ((320-300)/300) x 100 = 6.67% This means that Prosperity Partners retained 6.67% more clients from the start of the year to the end of the year.

Benefits and Limitations

Maintaining a high client retention rate can lead to increased revenue, reduced marketing costs, and a strong reputation in the industry. However, relying solely on this KPI can overlook the quality of client relationships and the potential for growth with new clients. It's important for wealth management firms to balance client retention with the acquisition of new clients to ensure sustainable business growth.

Industry Benchmarks

In the wealth management industry, a typical client retention rate falls between 85% to 90%. Above-average performance would be anything above 90%, while exceptional performance would be a client retention rate of 95% or higher.

Tips and Tricks

  • Focus on building strong, personalized relationships with clients through regular communication and understanding their financial goals.
  • Implement feedback mechanisms to understand client satisfaction and address any concerns promptly.
  • Offer value-added services and educational resources to encourage client engagement and loyalty.

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Average Account Size Growth

Definition

The Average Account Size Growth KPI measures the increase in the average size of investment accounts managed by the wealth management firm over a specific period. This ratio is critical to measure as it reflects the firm's ability to attract and retain clients with larger investment portfolios, which can directly impact revenue and profitability. In the business context, this KPI is essential for assessing the firm's success in managing and growing its clients' wealth, as well as demonstrating its ability to provide value and attract new clients.

How To Calculate

To calculate the Average Account Size Growth KPI, divide the difference in the total value of investment accounts at the end of the measurement period by the total number of accounts managed. This provides the average increase in account size. The formula takes into account the growth of individual accounts and the ability of the firm to attract larger clients, which are both crucial for business success.

Average Account Size Growth = (Total Value of Investment Accounts at End of Period - Total Value of Investment Accounts at Beginning of Period) / Total Number of Accounts

Example

For example, if the total value of investment accounts at the beginning of the year was $100 million, and it increased to $120 million by the end of the year, with a total of 1,000 accounts managed, the Average Account Size Growth would be calculated as follows: (120,000,000 - 100,000,000) / 1,000 = $20,000

Benefits and Limitations

The main advantage of measuring Average Account Size Growth is that it provides insight into the firm's ability to attract and retain high-net-worth clients, which is crucial for revenue growth. However, a potential limitation is that the KPI does not account for the quality of the accounts or the profitability of individual clients, so it should be used in conjunction with other performance metrics to provide a comprehensive assessment of the firm's success.

Industry Benchmarks

According to industry benchmarks, the typical average account size growth for wealth management firms in the US is approximately $15,000 per account. Above-average performance would be considered to be around $20,000, while exceptional performance might surpass $30,000 per account.

Tips and Tricks

  • Focus on attracting and serving high-net-worth clients to increase average account size
  • Implement personalized wealth management strategies to grow individual accounts
  • Provide exceptional client service to retain and attract larger clients
  • Offer tailored investment opportunities for clients with larger portfolios

Client Satisfaction Score

Definition

The Client Satisfaction Score is a key performance indicator that measures how satisfied clients are with the services provided by the wealth management firm. This KPI is critical to measure because it reflects the overall client experience and their willingness to continue using the firm's services. A high satisfaction score indicates that clients are likely to remain loyal and will potentially refer new clients, contributing to business growth. On the other hand, a low satisfaction score can lead to client attrition and damage the firm's reputation.

Client Satisfaction Score = (Number of Satisfied Clients / Total Number of Clients) x 100

How To Calculate

The formula for the Client Satisfaction Score involves dividing the number of satisfied clients by the total number of clients and then multiplying the result by 100 to obtain a percentage. The number of satisfied clients represents those who have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the firm's services, often through feedback surveys or ratings. The total number of clients includes all active clients during the measurement period.

Example

For example, if Prosperity Partners Wealth Advisory has 150 active clients and 135 of them have provided positive feedback or ratings, the calculation of the Client Satisfaction Score would be as follows: (135 / 150) x 100 = 90%. This means that 90% of the firm's clients are satisfied with the services they received.

Benefits and Limitations

The main benefit of measuring the Client Satisfaction Score is that it provides valuable insights into the level of client loyalty and the potential for referrals. High satisfaction scores can lead to increased client retention and business growth. On the other hand, a limitation of this KPI is that it may not capture the reasons behind client satisfaction or dissatisfaction, requiring additional qualitative analysis.

Industry Benchmarks

According to industry benchmarks, a Client Satisfaction Score of 85% or above is considered typical for wealth management firms in the US. An above-average performance would be in the range of 90-95%, while an exceptional performance level would exceed 95%. These benchmarks indicate the level of satisfaction expected from clients in the industry.

Tips and Tricks

  • Regularly survey clients to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement
  • Address any negative feedback promptly to demonstrate commitment to client satisfaction
  • Implement client appreciation events or loyalty programs to strengthen relationships
  • Train staff on excellent customer service practices to enhance client satisfaction

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Financial Plan Implementation Rate

Definition

The Financial Plan Implementation Rate KPI measures the percentage of clients who have successfully implemented the financial plans outlined by the wealth management firm. This ratio is critical to measure as it provides insight into the firm's ability to translate recommendations into actionable strategies for clients. In the business context, this KPI is important as it indicates the effectiveness of the advisory services provided. It demonstrates whether the firm's financial advice is being put into practice and whether clients are taking necessary steps to achieve their financial goals. This KPI is critical to measure as it directly impacts business performance by reflecting the firm's value and impact on client outcomes.

How To Calculate

The formula for calculating the Financial Plan Implementation Rate KPI is the number of clients who have implemented the financial plan divided by the total number of clients, multiplied by 100. The number of clients who have successfully implemented the financial plan reflects the firm's ability to drive action, while the total number of clients provides the context for this achievement. The resulting percentage indicates the rate at which clients are putting the firm's recommendations into practice.

Write down the KPI formula here

Example

For example, if Prosperity Partners Wealth Advisory has 100 clients and 75 of them have successfully implemented their financial plans, the Financial Plan Implementation Rate can be calculated as 75/100 * 100 = 75%. This means that 75% of the firm's clients have translated the financial advice into actionable strategies.

Benefits and Limitations

The advantage of using the Financial Plan Implementation Rate effectively is that it provides a clear indicator of the firm's impact on client actions, highlighting the value it brings to clients' financial well-being. However, a potential limitation is that it may not fully capture the complexity of clients' financial situations and variations in their ability to implement recommendations.

Industry Benchmarks

According to industry benchmarks in the US, a Financial Plan Implementation Rate of 70-80% is typical for wealth management firms, indicating a high level of client engagement and implementation. Above-average performance levels can reach 85-90%, while exceptional firms may achieve rates of 95% or higher.

Tips and Tricks

  • Provide clear and actionable financial plans with specific steps for clients to implement.
  • Regularly follow up with clients to address any barriers to plan implementation.
  • Offer educational resources and guidance to support clients in executing their financial strategies.

Digital Platform Engagement Rate

Definition

The Digital Platform Engagement Rate KPI measures the level of user interaction and activity on a digital platform, such as a website, app, or social media profile. This ratio is critical to measure as it provides insights into the effectiveness of the platform in attracting and retaining user engagement, which is essential for the success of any digital business. A high engagement rate indicates that users are actively interacting with the platform, which can lead to increased conversions, customer loyalty, and brand advocacy. On the other hand, a low engagement rate may signal a need for improvements in user experience, content quality, or marketing strategies to drive better performance. Overall, this KPI is critical to measure as it directly impacts business performance by influencing customer behavior, satisfaction, and overall success in the digital space.

How To Calculate

The formula for calculating the Digital Platform Engagement Rate KPI is:
(Total Interactions / Total Users) x 100
Where: - Total Interactions: the sum of all user interactions on the platform, such as clicks, views, likes, shares, comments, etc. - Total Users: the number of unique users who have visited or interacted with the platform during a specific time period.

Example

For example, if a digital platform has 10,000 total interactions and 5,000 total users in a month, the calculation for the Digital Platform Engagement Rate would be: (10,000 / 5,000) x 100 = 200% This means that, on average, each user has interacted with the platform twice during the month, indicating a high level of engagement.

Benefits and Limitations

The advantage of measuring the Digital Platform Engagement Rate is that it provides valuable insights into user behavior and the overall effectiveness of the platform in driving engagement. By understanding how users interact with the platform, businesses can make informed decisions to enhance user experience, content strategies, and marketing efforts. However, a potential limitation of this KPI is that it does not account for the quality of interactions or the specific actions taken by users. A high engagement rate may not necessarily translate to meaningful conversions or business outcomes if the interactions are superficial or lack depth.

Industry Benchmarks

In the US context, industry benchmarks for the Digital Platform Engagement Rate vary across different sectors. Typical engagement rates for social media platforms range from 1-5%, while above-average performance levels can reach 10-20%. Exceptional or leading digital platforms may achieve engagement rates of 30% or higher, demonstrating a strong ability to capture and retain user attention.

Tips and Tricks

- Regularly analyze user behavior and engagement patterns to identify areas for improvement. - Implement A/B testing to optimize content and user experience based on engagement metrics. - Encourage user-generated content and community engagement to foster a sense of belonging and connection. - Offer personalized and interactive features to enhance user engagement and satisfaction. - Stay updated with industry trends and best practices to continuously evolve digital platform strategies.

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