Mariner adds another $1B in deal trifecta

It's still early days in the 2025 deal season, but Mariner Advisors, the RIA giant backed by Neuberger Berman, isn't wasting much time.

On Tuesday, Mariner announced that it has acquired three advisory firms: Cassady Schiller Wealth in Cincinnati, Jenkins Wealth in Englewood, Colorado, and Triton Financial Group in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

The three deals combined bring approximately $1.087 billion in assets under advisement to the firm, supporting Mariner’s national expansion and its lofty goal of reaching 5,000 advisors by 2027.

“At Mariner, we value partnerships with firms that demonstrate exceptional client focus and a proven track record of success,” Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner, said Tuesday. “Cassady Schiller, Jenkins Wealth and Triton Financial Group embody the principles our clients have become accustomed to and will be instrumental in building the holistic ecosystem that redefines how wealth is managed in this country.”

Cassady Schiller Wealth, a firm with more than three decades of experience, specializes in serving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, including business owners and medical professionals. The eight-member team focuses on wealth management, tax planning, and retirement strategies. “To take the firm to the next level for our clients and employees, we realized we needed to align with a like-minded partner, and Mariner stands out as the perfect match,” said Mike Clark, partner at Cassady Schiller.

Founded in 2002, Jenkins Wealth focuses on providing financial planning and investment strategies designed to reduce volatility and improve long-term outcomes. Founder Brad Jenkins emphasized his team’s alignment with Mariner’s mission: “Joining Mariner will enable us to expand our offerings and continue to serve our clients with the same dedication and transparency that have always defined our approach.”

Finally, Triton Financial Group, established in 1995, takes a "three-pronged approach" to wealth management, integrating financial planning, investment management, and risk management. President Bob Gustafson highlighted a strong cultural fit with "Mariner’s focus on client-first service and its strong philanthropic culture."

The triple-acquisition was announced shortly after Mariner's mega-merger with Cardinal Investment Advisors, which added $292 billion in assets under advisement to Mariner's institutional division and brought the wealth giant's total AUA to roughly $550 billion.