RIA & Broker-Dealer Roundup: April '25 Moves, M&A Deals & Emerging Players

- Morgan Stanley added a $875M JPM team but lost a $270M advisor to Wells Fargo
- Rockefeller opened its first Florham Park, NJ office with a top UBS team
- Stifel added two Merrill teams in Dallas totaling $2.9B
- Rockefeller expanded in Chicago with two Merrill teams totaling $1.5B
- Stifel added a $873M UBS team in Houston
- RBC picked up a $500M Merrill team in Austin after 18 months of due diligence
- Ampersand recruited a $1.1B Wells Fargo team to boost service capabilities
- Mercer entered Kentucky via two acquisitions totaling $883M in AUM
- Align Impact acquired Conscious Endeavors, naming its founder president
- EP Wealth acquired $660M Peninsula Wealth in San Francisco
- Cerity Partners entered NC via $529M Cook Wealth acquisition
- Waverly bought $500M NBW in Boston
- Modern Wealth added $1B+ via CA RIAs Wade & Planned Asset
- Aspen Standard acquired $2.9B NEPWA in Boston, maintaining independence
- Waverly acquired $110M Fiduciary Wealth in Florida
- Creative Planning made its largest 2025 deal: $1B Monterey Private Wealth
- EP Wealth acquired $385M AlphaMark Advisors in Kentucky
- Pure Financial acquired $900M Fairhaven in IL—its second deal this month

- Elevation Point took a strategic stake in Fortage Capital Advisors in Michigan
- Lido Advisors acquired $870M BluePointe Capital, expanding in Silicon Valley
- Merit acquired $597M Safeguard Wealth, known for its 67K-subscriber YouTube
- SoundRidge Private Wealth launched in NYC with $380M AUM
- Turas Wealth launched in Ohio by UBS breakaways with $175M AUM
- Summit Wealth Group spun out from Commonwealth with $2.1B AUM
- Verita Strategic Wealth launched in SF by JP Morgan alums

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Rep Movement

Morgan Stanley Lands $875-Mln JPMorgan Chase Team, Loses $285-Mln Broker to Wells 

Morgan Stanley experienced both a win and a loss last week in the advisor talent race. The firm added Michael C. Briese and his $875M private wealth team from JPMorgan Chase in New York City, marking a rare move from JPMorgan’s bank-based private client program to Morgan Stanley’s high-net-worth-focused private wealth unit. Briese, a top-ranked broker under 40, joins with four junior advisors and a client associate. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley lost Brandon M. Gioia—a $270M producer—to Wells Fargo in New Jersey, where he was drawn by the opportunity to transition to independence via Wells' Financial Network. These shifts come as Morgan Stanley continues to reorganize field leadership across New Jersey.

→ Michael C. Briese, who managed $875M, left JPMorgan Chase to join Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth division in NYC
→ JPMorgan’s bank-based advisors face legal challenges when transitioning due to customer ownership disputes and non-Protocol hiring status
→ Brandon M. Gioia, a $270M producer, departed Morgan Stanley to join Wells Fargo in Paramus, NJ
→ Gioia was drawn by Wells’ independent advisor platform and left due to support limitations at Morgan Stanley

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Rockefeller Global Family Office Welcomes Florham Park, NJ-Based Private Wealth Team 

Rockefeller Global Family Office has welcomed Chase Newman Riordan Wealth Partners as its first private advisor team based in Florham Park, New Jersey—a strategic location for the firm’s expansion. Led by Ray Chase, Angie Newman, and Dan Riordan, the team was formerly with UBS and has been recognized as a Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Team” for three consecutive years. With a full-service support staff and deep client relationships, the group will operate under Rockefeller’s New York Metro Division, reporting to Michael Outlaw. This move further strengthens Rockefeller’s national growth efforts, enhancing its ability to serve high-net-worth clients across the Garden State and beyond.

→ Rockefeller adds its first Florham Park, NJ-based advisor team, formerly with UBS
→ The team, led by Forbes “Best-in-State” honorees Ray Chase, Angie Newman, and Dan Riordan, will report to Michael Outlaw, Rockefeller’s Head of Enterprise Strategic Growth.
→ The group includes a full support team spanning financial planning, client service, and investment roles

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Stifel Nabs Two Merrill Private Wealth Teams With Nearly $3 Billion Combined in Dallas 

Stifel Financial made a major recruiting splash by landing two Merrill Lynch Private Wealth teams in Dallas managing a combined $2.9 billion in assets. Melissa Transier and Christopher W. Green ($1.5B) and solo advisor Ryan Bell ($1.4B) joined with three client associates, strengthening Stifel’s high-net-worth capabilities in Texas. The move follows months of due diligence and was influenced by the team’s long-standing relationships with Stifel executives and former Merrill leaders Robert Johnson and Jeffrey Markham. This marks at least the third billion-dollar team Stifel has recruited in 2025, a notable win amid ongoing industry-wide recruiting challenges.

→ Stifel recruited two Merrill Lynch teams in Dallas managing nearly $3B in combined assets
→ Advisors include Melissa Transier, Christopher Green, and Ryan Bell, supported by three client associates
→ The move was influenced by past ties to Stifel execs Robert Johnson and Jeffrey Markham, both ex-Merrill leaders
→ Teams cited Stifel’s client-first culture and direct access to execs and analysts as key drivers of the switch

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Rockefeller adds 2 Chicago wealth teams from Merrill Lynch

Rockefeller Global Family Office has expanded its presence in Chicago with the addition of two five-person teams—Rathi Wealth Partners and Singh Wealth Partners—both formerly with Merrill Lynch. Together, the teams reportedly managed $1.5 billion in assets and now bring Rockefeller's Chicago footprint to 10 advisory teams. The additions strengthen Rockefeller’s influence in a key Midwest market and reflect the firm’s continued momentum as an active recruiter of top advisor talent in 2025. Both teams will report to Northern Division Director Brett Thelander and are expected to play pivotal roles in the firm's regional growth strategy.

→ Rockefeller added Rathi Wealth Partners and Singh Wealth Partners, each five-person teams formerly with Merrill Lynch
→ Combined, the two teams managed approximately $1.5B in assets prior to joining Rockefeller
→ The hires bring Rockefeller’s total number of Chicago-area advisory teams to 10
→ Both teams will report to Brett Thelander, Rockefeller’s Northern Division Director

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Stifel Nabs $6.5-Million UBS Team in Houston 

Stifel Financial has recruited an $873 million UBS team—MainStreet Wealth Management Group—led by longtime UBS advisors John Carolyn, Andrew McGee, and Mark Lopez. The team, which generated $6.5 million in annual revenue, joined Stifel citing alignment on client-first values and reduced bureaucracy. Their move caps off a high-velocity week of advisor transitions across the industry, with at least nine teams and $16 billion in AUM shifting firms. Stifel’s momentum this week includes two $2.9 billion Merrill Lynch teams in Dallas, further solidifying its aggressive expansion strategy under regional head Jeffrey Markham.

→ Stifel added UBS’s $873M MainStreet Wealth Management Group, generating $6.5M in annual revenue
→ The team is led by UBS veterans John Carolyn, Andrew McGee, and Mark Lopez, with four support staff
→ The team chose Stifel over RBC, Raymond James, and Morgan Stanley after meetings with senior leadership
→ UBS’s recent comp structure changes were a factor, though the team had been eyeing a move for two years
→ The move marks one of at least nine advisor team transitions last week, totaling $16B in client assets

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RBC Lassos $500 Million Merrill Private Wealth Team in Austin 

RBC Wealth Management-U.S. has added The MK Group, a $500 million Merrill Lynch Private Wealth team based in Austin, Texas. Led by advisors Nancy McDonald and Jason Khawaja, the team joins RBC after an 18-month due diligence process, citing the firm’s autonomy, support, and robust planning resources as key reasons for the move. The pair, who have worked together for over a decade, considered multiple competitors including Rockefeller and Morgan Stanley before choosing RBC. This marks one of several significant team moves following tax week, including another major $5B hire by RBC from J.P. Morgan Advisors in NYC.

→ RBC added The MK Group—a $500M Merrill team generating over $3M in annual revenue—led by Nancy McDonald and Jason Khawaja, based in Austin, TX.
→ The team cited RBC’s autonomy and leadership accessibility as key drivers
→ The move adds to RBC’s growing roster amid a flurry of post-tax season advisor transitions

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Ampersand Nabs $1.1B Wells Team 

Ampersand Wealth Management has recruited The Northshore Group, a former Wells Fargo advisory team managing $1.1 billion in client assets as of June 2024. The move reflects Ampersand’s ongoing strategy to scale by attracting established advisor teams with deep client relationships. The addition of The Northshore Group is expected to expand Ampersand’s service capabilities and strengthen its presence in key markets.

→ Ampersand Wealth Management has added The Northshore Group, a $1.1B team formerly with Wells Fargo
→ The Northshore Group brings substantial experience and a strong client base to Ampersand’s growing platform
→ The transition will allow The Northshore Group to enhance service offerings under Ampersand’s infrastructure

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M&A Activity

Mercer adds $883m, first Kentucky offices, in double deal 

Mercer Advisors has expanded its national footprint with the acquisition of two wealth management firms totaling $883 million in AUM—marking its entry into Kentucky. The firm acquired $583 million Vishria Bird Financial Group, serving clients with ties to India across multiple states, and $300 million D. Scott Neal Inc., which caters to professionals and retirees across 17 states. These deals bring Mercer’s total client assets to approximately $71 billion and reflect continued momentum after a busy Q1. Mercer now establishes its first Kentucky offices in Lexington and Louisville, as it continues to build out its national presence through strategic M&A.

→ Mercer Advisors has acquired $583M Vishria Bird Financial Group, founded in 2018 by Harish Vishria and Robert Bird after breaking away from Ameriprise.
→ Mercer has also acquired $300M D. Scott Neal Inc., its first entry into Kentucky, expanding with offices in Lexington and Louisville.
→ D. Scott Neal Inc. was founded in 1995 and serves clients across 17 states, including business owners, retirees, and healthcare professionals.
→ These acquisitions bring Mercer’s total AUM to roughly $71B 

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$4.3bn Align Impact buys ESG-focused RIA

Impact-focused RIA Align Impact has acquired Conscious Endeavors LP, a like-minded ESG wealth management firm founded by Jack Meyercord, who will join Align as president. Kristin Viola also joins as director of finance. The two firms have collaborated for years, with the acquisition reflecting a long-anticipated strategic fit. Conscious Endeavors previously reported managing $113 million in discretionary assets. The deal aligns with Align’s broader plan to deepen its leadership bench and scale operations as it evolves from a subadvisor to a direct advisor for high-net-worth clients and foundations. Align currently manages $782 million in regulatory AUM and continues to build out its ESG investment infrastructure.

→ Align Impact has acquired Conscious Endeavors LP, an ESG-focused wealth management firm founded by Jack Meyercord in 2019.
→ Jack Meyercord has joined Align as president; Kristin Viola joins as director of finance.
→ Conscious Endeavors previously managed $113M in discretionary assets, according to SEC filings.
→ The two firms had a longstanding working relationship, with Conscious Endeavors serving on Align’s investment committee.

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EP Wealth acquires $660m San Francisco RIA 

EP Wealth Advisors has acquired San Francisco-based Peninsula Wealth, a $660 million RIA serving high-net-worth tech and biotech clients, marking EP’s first office in San Francisco proper. Co-founded by Rahul Shah, who joins EP as a regional director and partner, Peninsula brings EP’s total Bay Area assets to over $3 billion. The acquisition continues EP’s aggressive 2025 M&A streak, following earlier deals in Nashville and Denver, and builds on its strategy to grow nationally through high-quality, culturally aligned partnerships. With nearly 50 offices in 16 states, EP has no plans to slow down its acquisition momentum, according to CEO Ryan Parker.

→ EP Wealth acquired Peninsula Wealth, a $660M RIA specializing in tech and biotech clients in the Bay Area→ 
→ Co-founder Rahul Shah joins EP as a regional director and partner, along with his six-person team
→ The deal expands EP’s presence to San Francisco proper and brings Bay Area AUM to over $3B
→ Peninsula is EP’s third 2025 acquisition, following deals in Nashville ($500M) and Denver ($190M)

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Cerity Partners buys $529m Raleigh RIA
Cerity Partners has acquired Cook Wealth, a $529 million RIA based in Raleigh, North Carolina, marking its first entry into the state and its second acquisition in a single week. Founded by Brian Cook and co-owned with CEO Jason Deshayes, Cook Wealth brings 27 employees into Cerity, further expanding the firm's national footprint and service capacity. The deal builds on Cerity's recent momentum following the $1.9 billion West Coast Financial merger and January’s $4.1 billion acquisition of Prio Wealth. With $123 billion in AUM and private equity backing from Genstar Capital and Lightyear Capital, Cerity continues to solidify its position as a top consolidator in the RIA space.

→ Cerity Partners has acquired $529M Cook Wealth, adding its first office in North Carolina
→ The firm was founded by Brian Cook and co-led by CEO Jason Deshayes; 27 team members are joining Cerity
→ The move follows Cerity’s merger with $1.9B West Coast Financial and its January acquisition of $4.1B Prio Wealth in Boston, underscoring its aggressive M&A streak.
→ The firm manages $123B in AUM and is backed by Genstar Capital and Lightyear Capital

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Waverly expands in Boston as First Manhattan adds $500M RIA

Waverly Advisors and First Manhattan have each completed strategic acquisitions aimed at expanding their investment capabilities and geographic reach. Waverly acquired Boston-based NBW Capital, a $500 million RIA serving high-net-worth clients, marking Waverly’s entry into Massachusetts and its fourth new market of 2025. Meanwhile, First Manhattan added Grand-Jean Capital Management, also managing over $500 million, with founder Steven Grand-Jean joining as managing director and portfolio manager. Both deals bolster the firms’ service offerings and align with their broader growth strategies—Waverly through aggressive M&A momentum and First Manhattan through platform enhancement and deepened advisory support.

→ Waverly Advisors acquired NBW Capital, a $500M Boston-based RIA, marking its debut in Massachusetts and 16th state overall
→ NBW leader Chris Blakely joins Waverly as partner, Boston regional director, and portfolio manager; most of the NBW team transitions
→ The deal is Waverly’s 24th since 2021 and second in two weeks, following the acquisition of GGM Wealth Advisors
→ First Manhattan added Grand-Jean Capital Management, a $500M RIA founded by investment banking veteran Steven Grand-Jean
→ Grand-Jean joins First Manhattan as managing director and portfolio manager, enhancing its $34B platform and advisory depth

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Modern Wealth adds over $1bn in California double deal 

Modern Wealth Management has acquired two California-based RIAs—Wade Financial Advisory and Planned Asset Management—adding over $1 billion in client assets and expanding its talent and tax planning capabilities. Wade Financial, managing $700M in Silicon Valley, brings 13 employees and a strong tax platform that will integrate into Modern’s offering. Planned Asset Management, managing $350M, joins as part of a succession plan led by founder Morrie Reiff and his daughter Jamie Reiff, who will become a managing director at Modern. These are Modern’s first announced deals for 2025, and it continues its aggressive expansion strategy backed by Crestview Partners.

→ Modern Wealth has acquired $700M Wade Financial and $350M Planned Asset Management, adding over $1B in total AUM
→ Wade Financial brings a tax-integrated financial planning model and will fold its tax platform into Modern’s infrastructure
→ CIO Neelesh Champaneri from Wade will join Modern Wealth’s investment team
→ Planned Asset Management’s succession plan brings Jamie Reiff to Modern as managing director
→ Modern, backed by Crestview Partners, continues to prioritize depth in planning, tax, and next-gen advisor talent

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Aspen Standard Wealth Acquires $2.9 Billion AUM New England Private Wealth Advisors

Aspen Standard Wealth has acquired New England Private Wealth Advisors (NEPWA), a Boston-based RIA managing $2.9 billion in client assets. Founded in 2005, NEPWA provides high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions with tailored investment and wealth planning services. The acquisition aligns with Aspen’s unique model of forming long-term, permanent partnerships with RIAs—preserving their brand, culture, and independence while providing growth support and resources. NEPWA CEO Ira Rapaport emphasized the strategic fit, highlighting Aspen’s ability to drive the firm’s next stage of growth without compromising its identity.

→ Aspen Standard Wealth has acquired $2.9B Boston-based RIA New England Private Wealth Advisors (NEPWA)
→ CEO Ira Rapaport cited Aspen’s alignment with NEPWA’s culture and long-term vision as a key factor in the deal
→ Aspen offers RIAs a permanent partnership model focused on long-term growth—not resale or roll-up
→ The deal expands Aspen’s platform of independent RIAs and reinforces its commitment to preserving firm legacies

Waverly buys $110m Florida RIA 

Waverly Advisors, a $17 billion RIA and one of the industry's most active acquirers, has acquired Fiduciary Wealth Advisors, a Sarasota-based RIA managing $110 million. Led by founder Scott Collins, the firm becomes Waverly’s sixth Florida office and fourth acquisition of 2025. Collins will join Waverly as a partner and wealth advisor. This marks Waverly’s 25th deal since receiving backing from Wealth Partners Capital Group and HGGC in 2021. CEO Justin Russell, who succeeded the late Josh Reidinger, reaffirmed the firm’s plan to complete 10 to 12 acquisitions annually as it continues its national expansion.

→ Waverly Advisors has acquired Fiduciary Wealth Advisors, a $110M Sarasota-based RIA led by founder Scott Collins
→ Collins joins Waverly as partner and wealth advisor, bringing approximately 35 clients to the platform
→ This is Waverly’s fourth deal of 2025 and its sixth office in Florida, expanding its Central Florida footprint
→ The acquisition is Waverly’s 25th since taking private equity backing from Wealth Partners Capital Group and HGGC in 2021

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Creative Planning buys $1bn Cali RIA 

Creative Planning has completed its largest acquisition of 2025 to date, acquiring $1 billion Monterey Private Wealth, a central California-based RIA. The move strengthens Creative’s West Coast presence and adds a well-established team of advisors in a region rich with wealth. CEO Peter Mallouk praised the firm’s talent and local leadership. The deal closed on March 31, with Monterey’s partners Cristofer Cabanillas, Gary Alt, and Steven Merrell remaining in place. Backed by TPG and General Atlantic, Creative Planning has grown into a $354 billion firm through a mix of organic growth and increasingly large-scale M&A activity.

→ Creative Planning has acquired Monterey Private Wealth, a $1B RIA based in Monterey, California
→ The deal marks Creative’s largest acquisition of 2025 and expands its presence in a high-net-worth coastal market
→ Monterey was jointly led by Cristofer Cabanillas, Gary Alt, and Steven Merrell, all of whom remain with the firm
→ CEO Peter Mallouk emphasized the firm’s growing appetite for larger RIA acquisitions across the country
→ Creative Planning, valued at $16B, is backed by TPG and General Atlantic and manages $354B in assets

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EP Wealth acquires $385m Kentucky RIA 

EP Wealth Advisors has acquired AlphaMark Advisors, a $385 million RIA based in Fort Wright, Kentucky, marking its fourth deal of 2025 and first entry into the Kentucky and Cincinnati markets. Founded in 1999 by Michael Simon, AlphaMark specializes in retirement planning, small business services, and life transition support. Simon and partners Kelly Owens and Drew Becker, along with their support team, will join EP as the firm continues its national expansion. Supported by Wealth Partners Capital Group and Berkshire Partners, EP operates across 16 states, manages more than $31 billion in client assets, and continues to scale through strategic acquisitions.

→ EP Wealth Advisors acquired AlphaMark Advisors, a $385M RIA in Fort Wright, KY, expanding into the Kentucky and Cincinnati markets
→ AlphaMark was founded by Michael Simon and is known for retirement, small business, and life transition planning
→ This marks EP Wealth’s fourth acquisition in 2025 and follows recent deals in San Francisco and Michigan
→ The firm is backed by Wealth Partners Capital Group and Berkshire Partners

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Pure Financial Advisors buys $900m Chicagoland RIA 

Pure Financial Advisors has acquired Fairhaven Wealth Management, a $900 million RIA based in Wheaton, Illinois, marking Pure’s second acquisition in a month and signaling a renewed push into M&A. The deal, which closed April 11, was financed through a combination of cash and equity, with Fairhaven founder Marc Horner retaining equity and remaining on board. Headquartered in San Diego, Pure manages around $8 billion in assets and is backed by Lee Equity Partners and Emigrant Partners. The acquisition follows Pure’s March purchase of $567M Personal Investment Management in Washington and reinforces the firm’s focus on cultural alignment and long-term partnerships.

→ Pure Financial Advisors acquired Fairhaven Wealth Management, a $900M RIA based in suburban Chicago
→ Founder Marc Horner remains with the firm and took equity in the deal, signaling a long-term partnership
→ The transaction was Pure’s second acquisition in a month, following its March deal with $567M Personal Investment Management
→ Pure now manages approximately $8B in client assets and is backed by Lee Equity Partners and Emigrant Partners

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Jim Dickson's Elevation Point adds Michigan firm in 3rd deal of 2025 

Elevation Point, a $3.4 billion RIA minority investment firm led by former Sanctuary Wealth CEO Jim Dickson, has made its third deal of 2025 by taking a strategic stake in Fortage Capital Advisors, based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Founded by Andrew Moss, a former Merrill Lynch executive and Transcend Capital Advisors partner, Fortage will join Elevation Point’s Form ADV and receive operational and growth support. The move reflects Elevation Point’s continued expansion and deepening of its advisor network, with more deals expected throughout the year as the firm grows its presence in the independent wealth space.

→ Elevation Point has taken a strategic stake in Fortage Capital Advisors, based in Bloomfield Hills, MI
→ Fortage is led by founder Andrew Moss, formerly of Merrill Lynch and Transcend Capital Advisors
→ Moss is joined by teammates Matthew Harbarcuk and Carrie Angott, also ex-Merrill and Transcend colleagues
→ This marks Elevation Point’s third 2025 deal, with CEO Jim Dickson indicating a strong pipeline for further investments

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Lido Advisors Acquires $870M Tech Industry-Focused RIA 

Lido Advisors, a $29 billion RIA based in Los Angeles, has acquired BluePointe Capital Management, an $870 million fee-only advisory firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The acquisition expands Lido’s presence in Silicon Valley and adds a specialized focus on serving tech entrepreneurs and executives with complex needs around pre-liquidity event planning, alternative investments, and legacy strategies. BluePointe founder Sanjeev Sardana will join Lido as a partner, along with his seven-person team, further enhancing Lido’s expertise in one of the nation’s wealthiest and most innovative markets.

→ Lido Advisors has acquired BluePointe Capital Management, an $870M firm based in Menlo Park, CA
→ BluePointe brings a niche focus on advising tech entrepreneurs and executives on pre-liquidity and wealth strategies
→ Founder and CEO Sanjeev Sardana will join Lido as a partner along with his seven-person team
→ Lido now manages $29B in client assets across a growing national platform

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$12bn Merit acquires $597m YouTube-famous RIA

Merit Financial Advisors has acquired Safeguard Wealth Management, a $597 million RIA known for its fast-growing YouTube presence. Co-founded by Eric Sajdak and Anthony Hellenbrand, Safeguard runs a YouTube channel with over 67,000 subscribers, publishing educational content on retirement planning and portfolio strategy. The acquisition enhances Merit’s digital marketing capabilities while aligning with its goal of expanding both organically and through M&A. The fully virtual firm, based primarily in Wisconsin, becomes Merit’s fifth acquisition of 2025 and its 36th overall since receiving backing from Wealth Partners Capital Group in 2020.

→ Merit acquired $597M Safeguard Wealth Management, a fully virtual RIA with a 67K-subscriber YouTube channel
→ Co-founders Eric Sajdak and Anthony Hellenbrand join Merit as partners, with Sajdak becoming director of content
→ Safeguard is Merit’s fifth acquisition of 2025 and 36th since being backed by Wealth Partners Capital Group
→ Merit manages $9.9B in AUM and is also backed by HGGC and Neuberger Berman

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New Firm Launches

New financial advisory firm SoundRidge Private Wealth launched in NYC 

SoundRidge Private Wealth, a new financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, has officially launched under the leadership of Noah Doyle and Charles Princiotto. Formerly operating as Battery Park Financial Partners at Janney Montgomery Scott, the duo brings with them $380 million in client assets. SoundRidge is now operating on the FiNet platform, which provides robust infrastructure while preserving the firm’s independent and tailored approach. The practice will focus on serving high-net-worth clients, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the entertainment and sports industries, emphasizing strategic, personalized wealth planning.

→ SoundRidge Private Wealth launched in NYC, founded by Noah Doyle and Charles Princiotto with $380M in AUM
→ The team previously operated as Battery Park Financial Partners at Janney Montgomery Scott
→ The firm joined the FiNet platform to access enhanced infrastructure while maintaining independent service flexibility
→ SoundRidge will focus on comprehensive wealth planning for HNW individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and entertainers

Father-Son Duo Leave UBS to Start RIA On Kestra Platform 

Former UBS advisors John and Shea Marmion have launched Turas Wealth Partners, an independent RIA based in Worthington, Ohio, managing over $175 million in client assets. The father-son team joins the Kestra Private Wealth Services platform, aiming to deliver personalized, client-first financial planning outside the constraints of large financial institutions. Both advisors bring prior experience from UBS and Wells Fargo and will now operate independently under Austin-based Kestra’s network.

→ John and Shea Marmion launched Turas Wealth Partners with $175M in client assets
→ The new RIA is based in Worthington, OH, and joins the Kestra Private Wealth Services platform
→ The firm was founded to provide more flexible, personalized financial planning free from large-firm constraints
→ Turas aims to emphasize a client-first, tailored approach within the Kestra network of RIAs

$2.1bn Commonwealth team breaks away to form Colorado RIA 

Summit Wealth Group, a Colorado Springs-based advisory team formerly affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network, has broken away to form an independent RIA managing an estimated $2.1 billion in client assets. Approved by the SEC in late March, the firm is led by CEO Randy Morris and CFO/President Daniel Cook, and now operates 10 branch offices across five states with 69 employees, including 25 advisors. The move, initiated prior to the announcement of LPL Financial’s acquisition of Commonwealth, is not directly tied to the deal but comes amid growing advisor uncertainty. Summit’s shift underscores a broader trend of advisors seeking independence and cultural control as industry consolidation accelerates.

→ Summit Wealth Group has broken away from Commonwealth to launch an independent RIA, approved by the SEC in March
→ The firm is led by CEO Randy Morris and CFO/President Daniel Cook, with 69 employees across 10 offices in five states
→ Summit reported overseeing $2.1B in client assets, though not all advisors transitioned to the new RIA
→ The move predates LPL’s acquisition of Commonwealth and is not tied to the $2.7B transaction

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JP Morgan alums launch San Francisco RIA 

Former JP Morgan executives Christine Leong Connors and Kelly Coffey have launched a new independent RIA, Verita Strategic Wealth Partners, based in San Francisco. The firm is also joined by Patrick Hayes as chief compliance officer. Coffey, most recently CEO of City National Bank and previously head of JP Morgan’s U.S. Private Bank, brings decades of high-level experience in private banking, corporate finance, and M&A. Connors, a longtime JP Morgan leader, served as head of the private bank in Northern California. Their new venture is part of a growing trend of seasoned executives from major financial institutions launching RIAs to offer more personalized, independent wealth management.

→ Christine Leong Connors and Kelly Coffey, both former JP Morgan executives, have launched Verita Strategic Wealth Partners in San Francisco
→ Coffey previously served as CEO of City National Bank and led JP Morgan’s U.S. Private Bank
→ Connors formerly led JP Morgan’s private banking efforts in Northern California
→ Patrick Hayes, also CCO at Wealthquest, joins the firm as chief compliance officer

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