Independent wealth giant Cerity Partners is now officially on the 2025 M&A board as it lands a new multibillion-dollar partner firm in a key New England market.
On Thursday, the firm announced its merger with Boston-based Prio Wealth, adding $4.1 billion in assets under management to Cerity Partners and strengthening its presence in Boston.
The merger aims to enhance Cerity Partners’ capabilities in family wealth planning, financial and retirement strategies, and investment management. As part of the transaction, Prio Wealth will transition to operate under the Cerity Partners brand while continuing to serve its clients.
"Partnering with Prio Wealth reinforces our commitment to delivering integrated, personalized, and diversified wealth advisory solutions that address every aspect of our clients' financial needs," Claire O’Keefe, partner and head of partner development at Cerity Partners said in a statement Thursday.
"Prio's highly credentialed and experienced team will allow us to continue providing exceptional services, while building our presence in Boston, a market that continues seeing strong demand for best-in-class wealth management capabilities," O'Keefe said.
Earlier in December, Cerity Partners closed out its 2024 deal season via its combination with Fishman Block + Diamond, a full-service accounting, tax, and business advisory firm in Encino, California. Before that in October, it welcomed two new firms: SBC Wealth Management in Indiana and Janiczek Wealth Management in Colorado.
In September, it unveiled plans to merge with Touchdown Ventures, an advisory service provider to corporate VC programs with locations in Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, and Encino, California.
Prio Wealth, which has served clients for over three decades, views the merger as a way to expand its offerings while staying true to its mission of helping clients align their financial goals with their broader life objectives.
"For over three decades, we've remained steadfast in our mission of helping clients gain confidence and control of their financial lives by not only focusing on what they're invested in, but what they're investing for," said John Bratschi, managing partner and wealth advisor at Prio Wealth. "Merging with Cerity Partners will allow us to continue building on our mission, while providing clients with expanded access to financial advisory solutions and strategies to bring their money and life into sync."
Founded in 2009, Cerity Partners reportedly oversees more than $100 billion for high-net-worth individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations nationwide.
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.
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.
“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.
Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.
Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.
RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.
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.
