Cerity Partners accelerates expansion with dual mergers in Midwest, Southern California

Cerity Partners is widening its national footprint with two merger agreements that extend its reach into the Chicago area and Southern California, further advancing the firm’s growth strategy in the independent wealth management space.

The firm has announced transactions with Edge Financial Advisors, based in Wheaton, Illinois, and Running Point Capital Advisors, headquartered in El Segundo, California with the incoming teams set to operate under the Cerity Partners name.

The additions bring established regional firms with specialized planning capabilities onto Cerity’s national platform, reinforcing its focus on comprehensive advice for high-net-worth individuals and families.

Founded in 2005, Edge Financial Advisors has built its practice around integrated wealth management and business planning, with particular strength in retirement plan design, including Defined Benefit and Cash Balance plans. The firm serves clients throughout the Greater Chicago market and emphasizes long-term, relationship-driven advice.

Ed Meek, founder and CEO of Edge Financial Advisors, said the partnership enhances the firm’s ability to serve clients across generations.

“Cerity Partners shares our commitment to high-quality planning and long-term client relationships,” he said. “The firm’s mission has been to give our clients confidence in their future. This partnership provides our clients with access to broader resources and deeper expertise in areas like advanced tax and estate planning, positioning us well to support their dreams for generations to come.”

On the West Coast, Running Point Capital Advisors brings experience in sophisticated wealth planning strategies, including Private Placement Life Insurance and Private Placement Variable Annuities, along with multidisciplinary advisory services for affluent clients in the Greater Los Angeles area.

“This partnership brings together two firms with a shared culture of client-first advice and a commitment to being caring stewards of our clients’ wealth,” said Claire O’Keefe, Partner & Head of Partner Development at Cerity Partners. “By welcoming Running Point Capital Advisors, we are expanding our footprint in the Greater Los Angeles area with a team whose depth in sophisticated planning strategies – including PPLI and PPVA – meaningfully expands access to what we can offer high-net worth clients nationally.”

The dual transactions strengthen Cerity Partners’ presence in two key regional markets while adding depth in retirement planning and advanced insurance-based strategies. The deals reflect the firm’s continued pursuit of growth through alignment with independent advisory teams seeking broader resources and national reach.

The firm also recently expanded into institutional consulting through a merger with Verus Investments, marking the latest move by a large RIA to broaden beyond traditional wealth management. Lat year, Cerity struck a strategic partnership with Nasdaq Private Market, including a $10 million investment and an exclusive role advising employees participating in tender offers run on the platform.