$66B Mercer Advisors strikes deal for women-focused Frango Financial

$66B Mercer Advisors strikes deal for women-focused Frango Financial
The PE-backed RIA giant's latest partnership gives it additional locations in Washington, DC, Maryland, and South Carolina.
DEC 03, 2024

Mercer Advisors is broadening its footprint in the wealth space again with another key acquisition.

On Tuesday, top-ranked RIA announced its acquisition of Frango Financial, an independent firm managing approximately $110 million in client assets.

The addition strengthens Mercer’s presence in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and South Carolina, while enhancing its focus on financial services tailored to women.

Founded in 2011, Frango Financial provides financial planning services, including investment management, retirement planning, tax and estate planning, and cash flow management. The firm is led by Frances Goldman and Pamela Postma Khinda, who will join Mercer Advisors as part of the deal.

“Our commitment is to deliver value that exceeds our fee, and it was important for us to identify a partner with whom we had strong cultural and fiduciary alignment,” Goldman said in a statement Tuesday. “We are excited to join forces with Mercer Advisors and leverage their expanded resources to help us further secure our clients’ financial futures.”

The acquisition aligns with Mercer Advisors’ broader focus on empowering female clients and fostering gender diversity within its client-facing teams, which CEO Dave Welling emphasized.

“With women increasingly taking the lead with managing their own and their families’ finances, we see a tremendous opportunity for Frango Financial and Mercer Advisors to provide financial guidance that truly resonates with their experiences and goals,” Welling said. “The addition of Frango Financial will not only bolster our presence in the Washington, D.C., and Charleston metro areas but also strengthens our ability to deliver personalized advice that empowers women at every stage of their financial life.”

The acquisition also highlights Frango’s strong foundation and dedication to client service. “Fran and Pamela bring together financial acumen and a deep commitment to their clients’ best interests—qualities that embody the fiduciary principles we value and seek to support,” said Martine Lellis, principal of M&A partner development at Mercer Advisors, who was promoted to the newly created role in May.

The top-ranked national RIA's acquisition of Frango Financial comes on the heels of another double-deal in November, in which Mercer Advisors added nearly $1.675 in client assets while extending its reach in Colorado and Minnesota.

Latest News

Merrill lands four advisor teams as May recruiting data shows firm's two-way churn
Merrill lands four advisor teams as May recruiting data shows firm's two-way churn

Merrill's latest hires span Colorado to Louisiana, even as industry-wide recruiting data suggests the firm is losing almost as many advisors as it gains.

Fund manager sues Kandeo, alleges $100 million FinSocial loss
Fund manager sues Kandeo, alleges $100 million FinSocial loss

The $36 million buy allegedly hid inflated books and a $50 million diversion.

Advisor gets $200,000 from Ameriprise in 'emotional distress' lawsuit
Advisor gets $200,000 from Ameriprise in 'emotional distress' lawsuit

“An award citing emotional distress is very unusual,” an industry executive said.

Workplace financial education linked to stronger financial habits, but participation remains low
Workplace financial education linked to stronger financial habits, but participation remains low

New EBRI research found workers who participated in employer financial education reported higher confidence, literacy and financial satisfaction.

The rise of the super advisor: How AI is redefining competitive advantage in wealth management
The rise of the super advisor: How AI is redefining competitive advantage in wealth management

Beyond operational excellence, the winning advisors of the future are the ones who can reach across multiple disciplines without discarding specialist skills.

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income