Analysis:
Analysis

Business and financial services M&A update: Q1 2026

As technology levels the playing field among RIAs, branding and positioning have become increasingly critical for differentiation, client acquisition, and scalability—particularly for advisers managing $200 million to $5 billion in AUM.¹

Business and financial services quarterly update: Q1 2026
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Business and financial services trends

  • Business process outsourcing
    Outsourcing demand is predominantly driven by scaling sectors facing large volumes of administrative work, high operational complexity, and persistent talent shortages—particularly in the financial services and health care industries.2
  • Consulting
    As AI capabilities reshape traditional consulting services and become embedded in delivery models, firms face strategic decisions about where to invest in automation and how to price AI-enabled work.3
  • Education and training
    The workforce development and employee reskilling market has experienced robust demand due to its consistent performance in variable economic environments, light regulatory oversight, and as AI developments have led employers to invest in additional training programs.4
  • Insurance, legal, and risk services
    The rate of claims reaching litigation is increasing, driving demand among companies and claims adjusters for efficient risk management and claims handling solutions.5
  • Staffing and recruiting
    The IT staffing market has shown initial recovery signs in early 2026 and is projected to grow throughout the year, driven largely by health care sector hiring and demand for AI deployment roles.6

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References

1 Behzad Raza, “Branding as the next RIA differentiator: Why the bar has moved,” SoftPak Financial Systems, accessed April 3, 2026.
2 Viva Sync, “BPO trends: What’s actually changing in 2026 and why it matters,” March 10, 2026.
3 NMS Consulting, “Business consulting services industry challenges 2026: Outlook, 5 C’s of consulting, and rule of 3,” last updated February 18, 2026.
4 Amy Wollensack and Julia Boyd, “2026 Perspectives in Private Equity: Education,” Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, March 31, 2026.
5 Gallagher Bassett, “Evaluating 2026’s leading trends with Gallagher Bassett’s claims and risk management experts,” accessed March 17, 2026.
6 Amy Horvat, “IT staffing (finally!) poised for modest gains,” Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), March 31, 2026.

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James Miller

James Miller

Managing Director | Deloitte Corporate Finance LLC
+1 704 614 9121