RIA moves: Beacon Pointe plants Washington, DC stake with $875M female-led RIA

It's shaping up to be far from a slow week in the world of RIA M&A, with Beacon Pointe, Carson Group, and Bluespring each announcing strategic acquisitions to strengthen their presence in key markets.

Beacon Pointe enters Washington DC market with The Family Firm

Beacon Pointe Advisors has established a presence in the Washington DC area through its acquisition of The Family Firm, a Bethesda-based RIA managing $857 million in assets.

The deal unveiled Tuesday brings Beacon Pointe’s total assets under advisement to roughly $49 billion and marks its tenth transaction of the year, including a six-deal spree over the course of two months.

The Family Firm's team of 10 professionals, led by partners Kate Fries and Stacy Bakri, has built a reputation for guiding professionals and business owners through complex wealth and retirement planning for more than four decades. The firm is known for its expertise in serving women clients and will contribute to Beacon Pointe’s Women’s Advisory Institute.

Bakri, who began her 20-plus years in the industry as an advisor affiliated with Schwab, noted how Beacon Point's leadership and shareholders “truly understand many of the unique challenges independent advisory firms face.

Beacon Pointe CEO Shannon Eusey said The Family Firm’s approach “mirrors what we truly value, which is a business model that is deeply personal, community-focused, and built to last.”

The acquisition closed September 15, with Alaris Acquisitions serving as advisor to The Family Firm.

Carson Group takes full ownership of Pittsburgh office

In Pennsylvania, Carson Group has fully acquired its Carson Wealth location in Pittsburgh, led by managing partner Neal McGrath.

The office, which manages about $358 million in assets, first joined Carson’s network in 2013 and has since more than doubled its growth over the past three years.

McGrath’s background as the child of first-generation immigrants from Trinidad and Tobago has informed his approach to helping families build multi-generational wealth. The Pittsburgh team is recognized for its expertise in tax and estate planning, as well as serving higher-net-worth clients with complex needs.

“Neal’s growth story is a powerful example of what happens when entrepreneurial vision meets the right platform,” said Burt White, CEO of Carson Group. He noted that McGrath’s team has “achieved extraordinary momentum that positions them for even greater success ahead.”

The acquisition – coming on the heels of Carson Group' s official debut in Alaska last week – is intended to provide the Pittsburgh office with additional resources and a broader career path for its professionals, while maintaining a focus on client relationships and long-term planning.

Bluespring adds Richmond firm to advisor network

Bluespring Wealth Partners has acquired Ray Olson, a Richmond, Virginia-based firm with more than $300 million in client assets. The deal is Bluespring’s seventh closed transaction this year and continues its strategy of adding both independent and hybrid RIAs to its network.

Last month, Bluespring extended its presence in Green Bay, Wisconsin as it acquired a $135 million Kestra-affiliated RIA.

Founded by veteran advisor Ray Olson, the latest RIA integrating with Bluespring evolved from a family business into a boutique wealth planning partner serving over 265 households.

Olson emphasized the importance of continuity for clients, stating, “My top priority was ensuring our clients continue to receive the same high-touch care for decades to come.”

He said Bluespring offers the support needed while preserving the firm’s entrepreneurial culture.

Bluespring President Pradeep Jayaraman described Olson’s team as exemplifying “the client-focused spirit we value,” and said the firm’s commitment to thoughtful planning and lasting relationships makes it a strong addition to the network.