The Advisor Tech-Stack Checklist (2026)
Updated 2026-11-07 · AdvisorSupplies editors
Most advisory firms run on 8 to 15 tools. The goal isn't to own the most software; it's to make sure every core job is covered, the tools talk to each other, and client data lives in one place. Use this checklist to audit your current stack.
The core categories
- CRM — the hub for client records, tasks and workflows. Everything else should integrate with it. Browse CRM software.
- Financial planning — cash-flow, retirement and goals-based plans. See planning software.
- Portfolio management & reporting — performance reporting, billing data, rebalancing. See portfolio tools.
- Custodian or wealth platform — where assets are held and traded. See custodians & platforms.
- Compliance & archiving — email, text and social archiving plus compliance workflows. See compliance tools.
- Documents & e-signature — secure file sharing, client portals, onboarding forms. See operations tools.
- Marketing — website, email newsletters and content. See marketing tools.
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Nice-to-have categories
- Risk tolerance & proposals (risk tools) to document suitability.
- Tax & estate planning (estate & tax tools) for tax-return analysis and estate summaries.
- AI meeting assistants (AI tools) to draft notes and CRM updates. Check with compliance before recording client meetings.
- Billing & payments (billing tools) for flat-fee or subscription planning.
- Scheduling & communication (communication tools), including compliant texting.
Questions to ask every vendor
- Does it integrate with our CRM and custodian, and is the integration two-way?
- How is data exported if we leave? In what format?
- Does it meet our books-and-records and cybersecurity requirements? Ask for a SOC 2 report.
- What does onboarding cost, and how long does a typical migration take?
- How is pricing structured (per advisor, per household, AUM-based)?
Sequencing a migration
Change one core system at a time, starting with the CRM if it's the bottleneck, because other tools connect to it. Run old and new systems in parallel for a short period and reconcile data before switching off the old one.
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