RIA moves: Merit lands deal for Second Half in Florida

The structural story of M&A and private investment in the RIA space was alive and well this week.

Apart from new acquisitions by Merit Financial and New York-based Maridea Wealth Management, Lido Advisors announced the official completion of a major strategic investment.

Merit welcomes first responder-focused planning firm in Florida

Merit Financial Advisors has acquired a specialized team from Second Half Financial Partners, focused on serving Florida’s first responders. This move marks Merit’s fifth office in Florida and adds $225 million in assets to its platform.

Based in Sebring, the team brings expertise in investment and retirement strategies tailored for firefighters and law enforcement professionals. Mike Fitch, who led the Second Half team, will join Merit as a wealth manager and partner, along with his colleagues.

“Our first responders dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities, and it's a privilege to support their financial well-being,” Fitch said in the announcement.

He added that joining Merit provides the operational infrastructure to “expand our reach, deepen our service model, and help more of these local heroes thrive financially.” 

The deal follows Merit’s acquisitions of Olympic Wealth and AMP Wealth in June and represents its fortieth deal in four and a half years.

Motley Fool Wealth Management founders join Maridea

Maridea Wealth Management has acquired Hoot Wealth, a Colorado-based advisory firm founded by Nick Crow and Bryan Hinmon.

Crow and Himnon bring a proven track record to Maridea, having launched Motley Fool Wealth Management and presiding over its early growth to hit $2.3 billion in assets

The two will join Maridea’s executive team, overseeing investment management and organic growth strategies, and will become material equity holders, Maridea told InvestmentNews.

The partnership brings together Hoot’s investment rigor and Maridea’s national platform, with Crow and Hinmon reuniting with former Motley Fool colleagues now at Maridea.

“What excites me most is building a firm where clients are central to thoughtful planning, serious investing, and an experience that feels personal, approachable, and even a little fun,” Crow said. He described Maridea as a place “intentionally being built for people to stay,” emphasizing a culture of loyalty and long-term focus.

Maridea’s founder and CEO, Mier Wang, said the addition of Crow and Hinmon “sets a new standard for the type of firm we aspire to become.” The acquisition also strengthens Maridea’s presence in the mountain states.

Lido secures strategic backing from HPS

Separately, Lido Advisors announced it has completed a strategic investment from funds managed by HPS Investment Partners, a global alternative investment firm with approximately $150 billion in assets under management.

Under the relationship first announced in May, HPS is joining existing partner Charlesbank Capital Partners and more than 135 Lido employee-owners to support the firm’s continued growth.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Lido has over $30 billion in assets under management and 40 offices across the US.

“This partnership with HPS marks an exciting new chapter for Lido, and we are extremely well positioned to continue our momentum delivering for our clients and team,” said Jason Ozur, chief executive of Lido.