Merit Financial Advisors' latest deal establishes presence in Oklahoma

Merit Financial Advisors' latest deal establishes presence in Oklahoma
The acquisition of $370 million Union Financial Advisors, based in Tulsa, marks Merit's sixth deal since taking private equity capital two years ago.
MAY 09, 2022

The acquisitions continue to mount for Atlanta-based Merit Financial Advisors, which Monday announced the addition of Union Financial Advisors, a Tulsa, Oklahoma-based firm with $370 million under management.

This is Merit’s sixth acquisition since it partnered with private equity investors Wealth Partners Capital Group and HGGC in December 2020.

Merit, which has grown to more than $6.3 billion, last month announced the acquisition of Tedstrom Wealth Advisors and I.M. Wealth Care, which added $381 million and established the firm’s presence in the Denver area.

In January, sister companies Biltmore Capital Advisors and Stone Creek Capital Management, which together managed $557 million, merged into Merit.

Union Financial specializes in providing financial planning services for small business owners, retirees, medical professionals and business executives.

The firm has been an independent adviser partner of Merit’s since January 2021 and will continue to leverage Merit’s back-office and operational support.

“Our team is deeply rooted in Oklahoma, and we are delighted to plant Merit’s flag in our community,” said Steven Henderson, who's part of the team leading Union.

Rich Gill, founding partner of Wealth Partners Capital Group, said the Union team is “a fantastic addition to Merit, and is poised to lead the charge in Oklahoma.”

“Merit’s explosive growth is without a doubt due to their company culture and operational expertise,” Gill added.

Latest News

NASAA moves to let state RIAs use client testimonials, aligning with SEC rule
NASAA moves to let state RIAs use client testimonials, aligning with SEC rule

A new proposal could end the ban on promoting client reviews in states like California and Connecticut, giving state-registered advisors a level playing field with their SEC-registered peers.

UBS sees a net loss of 111 financial advisors in the Americas during the second quarter
UBS sees a net loss of 111 financial advisors in the Americas during the second quarter

Some in the industry say that more UBS financial advisors this year will be heading for the exits.

JPMorgan reopens fight with fintechs, crypto over fees for customer data
JPMorgan reopens fight with fintechs, crypto over fees for customer data

The Wall Street giant has blasted data middlemen as digital freeloaders, but tech firms and consumer advocates are pushing back.

The average retiree is facing $173K in health care costs, Fidelity says
The average retiree is facing $173K in health care costs, Fidelity says

Research reveals a 4% year-on-year increase in expenses that one in five Americans, including one-quarter of Gen Xers, say they have not planned for.

Advisor moves: NY-based Coastline wealth adds three teams with over $430M in assets
Advisor moves: NY-based Coastline wealth adds three teams with over $430M in assets

Raymond James also lured another ex-Edward Jones advisor in South Carolina, while LPL welcomed a mother-and-son team from Edward Jones and Thrivent.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.