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Quick Answer
Managed IT services for most Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) typically cost between $150 and $279 per user per month, depending on the firm’s size, cybersecurity requirements, compliance needs, and included services.
For a boutique RIA with 1–20 employees, that often translates to $150–$5,600 per month. Firms with advanced cybersecurity, compliance documentation, virtual CIO services, or specialized software support may invest more.
While cost is an important consideration, the better question is: What services are included, and how well do they support your firm’s cybersecurity and compliance goals?
Why Pricing Varies
Not every managed IT provider offers the same level of service.
Some providers simply respond when something breaks.
Others provide proactive cybersecurity, strategic planning, compliance support, and ongoing monitoring.
Understanding what’s included is often more important than comparing monthly prices alone.
Four Factors That Affect Managed IT Pricing
1. Number of Employees
Most providers price services on a per-user, per-month basis.
Examples:
| Employees | Estimated Monthly Investment* |
|---|---|
| 1–5 | $150–$1,250 |
| 5–10 | $750–$2,800 |
| 10–20 | $1,500–$5,600 |
*Illustrative industry ranges. Actual pricing varies by provider, scope, and included services.
As your firm grows, your technology needs typically become more complex.
2. Cybersecurity Requirements
Basic IT support costs less than a comprehensive cybersecurity program.
Examples of services that can influence pricing include:
- Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
- Security awareness training
- Email security
- Multifactor authentication
- Microsoft 365 security configuration
- Vulnerability scanning
- Dark web monitoring
- Security reporting
The more proactive your cybersecurity strategy, the more resources are generally required to support it.
3. Compliance Support
This is where RIAs differ from many other businesses.
Compliance-related services may include:
- Cybersecurity documentation
- Risk assessments
- Vendor management support
- Policy reviews
- Technology recommendations aligned with regulatory expectations
- Preparation for cybersecurity-related examination requests
Not every IT provider offers these services, and they may affect overall pricing.
4. Included Services
Always compare what’s included—not just the monthly fee.
Questions to ask include:
- Is unlimited help desk support included?
- Are Microsoft 365 licenses included?
- Are backups included?
- Is endpoint protection included?
- Are security awareness training and phishing simulations included?
- Is strategic IT planning included?
- Are after-hours emergencies covered?
- Are projects billed separately?
A lower monthly price may exclude services you’ll end up purchasing elsewhere.
What Should a Small RIA Expect?
For most RIAs with 1–20 employees, a managed IT relationship should provide more than technical support.
A well-rounded service often includes:
- Help desk support
- Device management
- Microsoft 365 administration
- Cybersecurity monitoring
- Backup management
- Patch management
- Vendor coordination
- Strategic technology guidance
- Documentation support
- Regular technology reviews
The goal is to give small firms access to enterprise-level expertise without hiring a full-time IT department.
Cheapest Isn’t Always Least Expensive
Imagine two providers:
Provider A
- $150 per user
- Break/fix support
- Limited cybersecurity
- No compliance guidance
- Projects billed separately
Provider B
- $279 per user
- Unlimited support
- Cybersecurity tools
- Compliance documentation assistance
- Strategic planning
- Security reporting
- Vendor management
While Provider B costs more each month, it may reduce risk, simplify operations, and eliminate additional vendor costs.
When evaluating proposals, focus on overall value rather than the lowest monthly price.
Questions Every RIA Should Ask Before Signing an IT Agreement
Before choosing a provider, ask:
- Do you specialize in Registered Investment Advisors?
- What cybersecurity services are included?
- How do you support firms preparing for SEC examinations?
- What reporting will we receive?
- How quickly do you respond to support requests?
- Are projects included or billed separately?
- What happens if our firm grows?
- Who owns our documentation?
- How are vendors managed?
- What isn’t included in the monthly fee?
These questions often reveal more than the price itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is managed IT priced per device or per user?
Many providers use a per-user pricing model, although some charge per device or offer customized pricing for larger organizations.
Why don’t some MSPs publish pricing?
Every RIA has different technology needs, cybersecurity requirements, and service expectations. Many providers prefer to understand a firm’s environment before providing a customized proposal.
Should cybersecurity be included in managed IT?
Many modern managed IT agreements include foundational cybersecurity services, but the specific tools and level of protection vary by provider. Always ask what is included.
Is outsourcing IT less expensive than hiring an employee?
For many RIAs with 1–40 employees, outsourcing can provide access to a broader team of specialists than hiring a single full-time IT professional. The right choice depends on your firm’s size, complexity, and business goals.
Final Thoughts
Managed IT pricing is about more than a monthly number. It’s about finding a partner who can support your firm’s technology, strengthen cybersecurity, and help you operate more efficiently.
For most RIAs, the best value comes from understanding exactly what’s included, how the provider approaches cybersecurity, and whether they have experience serving firms in the investment advisory industry.
About CyberSecureRIA
CyberSecureRIA provides managed IT and cybersecurity services with a strong focus on Registered Investment Advisors. We help firms with 1-40 employees simplify technology, strengthen cybersecurity, and build practical, compliance-conscious IT programs designed to support long-term growth.
