As 2026 comes into focus, it’s important to take stock of where you, your business owner clients, and the exit planning community as a whole stand heading into the second half of the decade.
With evolving technologies and the always-changing market conditions, here’s what you can do to set yourself up for a successful 2026.
The Exit Planning Environment in 2026
According to predictions from Ernst & Young, the 2026 deal market is expected to be a crowded one. This includes merger and acquisition deals, which are expected to rise by 3% in 2026 with a 5% upside, as well as the continued growth of private equity. Ernst & Young projects private equity deal volume to increase by 5% in the new year.
This makes the role of a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) even more critical, as, with their knowledge of the Value Acceleration Methodology™, they can help business owners looking to exit their business stand out from the crowd.
Among the most critical forces that will define how prepared you and your clients are for 2026 are technology, demographics, and your own positioning as an advisor.
A Focus on Artificial Intelligence
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to make inroads into daily life, business owners will face more pressure to implement it into their day-to-day operations. This pressure will come from both internal and external sources.
For example, from the perspective of a business owner, employees might request the implementation of AI to help automate repetitive tasks. From the CEPA’s perspective, the use of AI in this manner could help make a business more attractive to potential buyers, especially as AI becomes more common in business operations.
For CEPAs, as more AI tools enter the market, this means leveraging them not only for clients but also within their own practices. This includes using a data-safe AI platform to analyze large amounts of data and personalize value acceleration strategies, among other applications, giving you a leg up as the technology evolves.
Generational Shifts Continue
Even as more owners become aware of their options, many still lack the personal, financial, and business readiness necessary for a successful transition.
According to our Generational National State of Owner Readiness™ Report, younger owners are more likely to treat exit planning as an ongoing strategic process, with 52% of Millennials who participated in the Generational National SOOR considering exit planning as a priority.
Generally speaking, older owners, specifically Baby Boomers, face an opportunity for Value Acceleration. This creates a gap for the CEPA to assist business owners in preparing for their exit, whenever it happens, while also providing clear frameworks for discussions with owners from different generations.
Position Yourself for Success
Want to ensure you’re well-positioned for a successful 2026? EPI has plenty of opportunities available once the calendar flips to January 1. Join our weekly webinars, which touch on hot topics in the exit planning community. If you’re a CEPA, you also have access to CEPA Think Tanks, an interactive online learning and networking space.
For larger-scale networking, consider joining your local EPI Chapter or book your spot at the 2026 Exit Planning Summit in Nashville. The largest gathering of exit planning professionals, the Exit Planning Summit, offers both structured and open networking opportunities, as well as the chance to earn continuing education (CE) credits.
To earn CE credits at your own pace, check out EPI Academy, EPI’s online platform for continuing education and professional development courses. EPI Academy has several courses that can help set you up for success in the new year, as private equity and M&A continue to grow, and the tax outlook evolves, including:
To get more insights into how to get a head start on your professional development in 2026, check out our blog on goal setting in the new year.
About the Certified Exit Planning Advisor Credential
A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) is a professional credential for advisors who wish to engage with business owner clients through the exit planning process using the Value Acceleration Methodology™. Through the CEPA credential, advisors can provide new offerings for clients and stand out from their non-CEPA peers, all while gaining access to education, resources, and a vast network of like-minded professionals.
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