$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

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.