RIA WorkSpace vs. Local IT Providers: A Clear Comparison for Advisory Firms

Your technology supports every part of your business—client communication, portfolio management tools, SEC compliance, cybersecurity, and the daily productivity of your team. Yet many RIA firms still rely on a general or local IT provider whose tools, processes, and expertise were built to support “typical” small businesses rather than highly regulated wealth-management firms.  That broader focus can mean their approach to security, documentation, and long-term planning doesn’t always align with the regulatory expectations and operational realities of an advisory firm.  That’s why more RIA firms are evaluating whether it’s time to move from a general IT provider to a partner built specifically for them.  This chart compares RIA WorkSpace with a standard local provider across the areas that most influence an RIA’s security, compliance posture, and day-to-day support experience.