After a record year for RIA M&A, Cohen says deal activity is poised to speed up as private equity-backed firms hit the exit phase of their investment cycle.
Focus Financial says its latest CEO change was part of a succession plan, but the $520 billion RIA's transition gives the market only about seven weeks of public notice.
State-registered RIAs managing less than $100 million in Alabama can now use online reviews in their marketing, which SEC-registered advisors have been able to do since 2021.
Firm already manages over $5 billion for clients living beyond the U.S., and CEO Peter Mallouk says demand in the UK, Switzerland, and EU could lead to multiple European offices.
Citing a 10% organic growth rate, executives Rick Kent and Kay Lynn Mayhue say Merit is now positioned to chase a “transformational” M&A deal.
Advisors urge new parents to sign up for the $1,000 Treasury bonus, but note that brokerage accounts, UTMAs and 529 plans remain more flexible and tax-efficient with larger contribution caps.
$1.8 trillion asset manager SEI completed the first stage in its planned takeover, with company executive Michael Lane highlighting its belief in "the sustainability of the revenues related to financial advice."
Michael Patterson, founding partner of HPS Investment Partners, said his firm came close to going public before ultimately selling to BlackRock and later investing in the $38 billion RIA Lido Advisors.
Alaris Acquisitions CEO Allen Darby cautions of a 2026 slowdown in RIA M&A activity, as sellers find new homes this week at Creative Planning, Wealth Enhancement, Allworth Financial, and Sequoia Financial Group.
Nearly a dozen industry associations signed a letter of support for the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act, which would let mutual fund firms and transfer agents pause transactions if elder abuse is suspected.
