In the March edition of the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) & Broker-Dealer (BD) Roundup, FINTRX--your trusted source for AI-powered private wealth data intelligence--details the most notable advisor and team moves, M&A deals, and new firm launches that occurred throughout the month.
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Rep & Team Movements
- Wells Fargo added $1.7B Snow Pine team from UBS to its FiNet platform
- Raymond James landed $800M Commonwealth team; Farther added $185M Greenside Team in Georgia
- &Partners recruited $950M Wells Fargo team in Virginia, surpassing 100 practices
M&A Activity
- Savant partnered with $3.9B Heritage Financial, its largest deal to date
- Wealth Enhancement acquired $6.7B H Group / FocusPoint, launching Advisory Solutions Group
- Hightower acquired $5B Journey Strategic Wealth into Signature Wealth division
- Wealth Enhancement added $1.2B Archer Team, entering Kansas
- Arax acquired $460M Pinnacle Peak, integrating into Ashton Thomas platform
- NewEdge acquired $6B Stonegate Investment Group for its pillar channel
- Merit acquired $434M Yeomans Consulting Group in Atlanta
- Creative Planning acquired $660M Duncan & Haley in Seattle
- Waverly acquired $181M McBride Financial Advisors in Washington
- Composition Wealth merged with $900M Edgewater team in Tacoma
- Beacon Pointe acquired two RIAs totaling $695M across TX, TN, and CA
New Firm Launch
- $248M Luedtke & Associates launched in Wisconsin from Commonwealth
Read on for more info...
UBS Private Wealth Team With $1.7 Billion Jumps to Wells FiNet in Minnesota
A $1.7 billion private wealth team from UBS Wealth Management USA has left the wirehouse to join Wells Fargo’s FiNet platform in Minnesota, marking another significant breakaway amid ongoing advisor attrition. The Snow Pine Private Wealth team, an eight-advisor group generating over $11M in annual revenue, adds meaningful scale to FiNet and reflects a broader trend of large UBS teams departing following compensation changes, as Wells Fargo continues to expand its independent channel.
→ A $1.7B UBS team generating $11.3M in revenue transitioned to Wells Fargo’s FiNet platform
→ The eight-advisor team includes multiple senior veterans, with leadership averaging 25–30+ years of experience
→ Move follows other recent UBS departures, including $1.3B and $1.5B teams leaving for independent and wirehouse platforms
→ Wells Fargo continues building out its independent channel, including new leadership and upcoming RIA custody capabilities
View Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network in FINTRX
Advisor moves: Raymond James lands $800M New York team, Farther adds $185M team in Georgia
Raymond James and Farther both added experienced advisor teams this week, bringing on groups overseeing a combined ~$985 million in client assets. Raymond James recruited a six-advisor team from Commonwealth Financial Network, now operating as OakWood Financial Services in New York, while Farther expanded in Georgia with the addition of the Greenside Team, a $185 million practice focused on retirement and transition planning.
→ Raymond James added a six-advisor team overseeing $800M+, now operating as OakWood Financial Services in New York
→ The group serves high-net-worth clients, business owners, and retirees with a coordinated planning approach
→ Farther expanded in Georgia with the addition of the $185M Greenside Team
→ The practice focuses on retirement transitions, including income distribution, Social Security timing, and estate planning strategies
View Raymond James in FINTRX | View Farther in FINTRX
&Partners Reels In $950-Million Wells Fargo Team in Virginia
&Partners has recruited a $950 million team from Wells Fargo, adding the Charlottesville-based Bay Ridge Private Wealth group to its growing platform. The team, led by three senior advisors with long tenures across major firms, joins alongside additional support staff and further deepens &Partners’ presence in the Mid-Atlantic. Since launching in 2023, &Partners has rapidly scaled to over 100 advisor practices representing $52 billion in prior assets, with a clear focus on recruiting experienced teams from wirehouse and legacy firm channels.
→ &Partners added a $950M team from Wells Fargo, led by three senior advisors and supported by additional staff
→ Since its 2023 launch, the firm has recruited advisors representing $52B in prior assets across 100+ practices
→ Recent leadership hires are focused on accelerating advisor recruiting and expanding into minority investing
→ Long-term targets include 150 practices and $120B in assets by 2028
Massachusetts-Based Heritage Financial Joins Savant Wealth Management
Savant Wealth Management has partnered with Heritage Financial Services, a $3.9 billion Massachusetts-based RIA, in its largest deal to date. The transaction brings over a seasoned leadership team, including founder Chuck Bean and CEO Sammy Azzouz, and expands Savant’s presence across New England. Notably, the partnership aligns two majority employee-owned firms with similar planning philosophies, while also enhancing Savant’s ability to deliver expanded services, including tax, estate, and family office capabilities.
→ Savant partnered with Heritage Financial, a $3.9B RIA with 47 employees across three Massachusetts offices
→ The deal marks Savant’s largest transaction to date and expands its footprint to four offices in Massachusetts
→ 15 Heritage employees, including senior leadership, joined as member-owners, while the full team transitioned to Savant
→ Savant now operates 50 offices across 21 states, continuing its national expansion strategy
View Savant Wealth Management in FINTRX
Wealth Enhancement Announces Acquisition of The H Group and Affiliated Wealth Management Practice
Wealth Enhancement has acquired The H Group and its affiliated practice, FocusPoint Solutions, adding more than $6.7 billion in client assets and marking its first deal of 2026. Led by founder Chris Hicks, the businesses bring an established presence across the Pacific Northwest and Southwest and will play a key role in the firm’s evolving advisor partnership model. FocusPoint Solutions will integrate into the newly launched Advisory Solutions Group, positioning Wealth Enhancement to support affiliated RIAs operating outside its core advisory platform.
→ Wealth Enhancement acquired The H Group and FocusPoint Solutions, adding $6.7B in client assets
→ The firms are led by founder Chris Hicks and operate across the Pacific Northwest and Southwest
→ FocusPoint Solutions will integrate into Advisory Solutions Group, a new platform supporting affiliated RIAs
→ Total client assets now exceed $142.6B across advisory, brokerage, and trust businesses
View Wealth Enhancement in FINTRX
Hightower Advisors has agreed to acquire Journey Strategic Wealth, a $5 billion RIA, marking the first external deal within its Hightower Signature Wealth (HTSW) division. The addition brings a 24-person team serving nearly 1,000 clients and deepens HTSW’s presence across 27 locations, positioning the division to surpass $25 billion in assets post-close. Founder Penny Phillips will take on an expanded leadership role focused on advisor strategy and client experience, signaling a broader push to integrate high-growth advisory teams with centralized capabilities across planning, investments, and client delivery.
→ Hightower is acquiring Journey Strategic Wealth, adding $5B in AUM and 24 professionals, including 16 advisors
→ The deal is the first external acquisition into Hightower Signature Wealth, which will surpass $25B in AUM post-close
→ Founder Penny Phillips will take on an expanded leadership role focused on advisor strategy and client experience
→ The transaction enhances capabilities across tax, estate planning, and public and private market access
View Hightower Advisors in FINTRX
Wealth Enhancement Lands RIA Breakaway Team Managing $1.2B
Wealth Enhancement has acquired a six-advisor team managing approximately $1.2 billion in assets from TFB Advisors, further expanding into the Kansas market with its first office in the state. The group, now operating as The Archer Team, includes six advisors and four support staff serving high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and healthcare-focused clients. The transaction marks the firm’s third acquisition of the year and follows a $6.7 billion deal alongside the launch of its Advisory Solutions Group platform, bringing total client assets to approximately $143.8 billion.
→ A $1.2B team from TFB Advisors has joined Wealth Enhancement as The Archer Team
→ The group includes six advisors and four support staff serving HNW, business owner, and healthcare clients
→ This marks the firm’s third acquisition of the year and its entry into the Kansas market
→The move follows a $6.7B deal and the rollout of its Advisory Solutions Group platform
→ Total client assets now stand at approximately $143.8B across the platform
View Wealth Enhancement in FINTRX
Arax Adds $460M AUM Pinnacle Peak To Ashton Thomas Division
Private equity-backed Arax Investment Partners has acquired Pinnacle Peak Private Client Group, a $460 million Arizona-based RIA, further expanding its multiboutique platform and presence in the Southwest. The team will integrate under Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, gaining access to broader resources and capabilities while continuing to serve a diverse client base. The deal marks Arax’s third acquisition of the year as Arax Investment Partners continues executing its growth strategy backed by private equity.
→ Arax acquired Pinnacle Peak, a $460M RIA based in Scottsdale, Arizona
→ The team will join Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, a partner firm within the Arax platform
→ Pinnacle Peak serves individuals, families, business owners, and federal employees
→ The team will be rebranded as the Pinnacle Peak Private Wealth Team under the platform
View Arax Advisory Partners in FINTRX
NewEdge Advisors Adds $6B Alabama Team to Employee Channel
NewEdge Advisors has acquired Stonegate Investment Group, a $6 billion Birmingham-based RIA, marking a major addition to its growing partnership platform. The deal significantly expands its pillar channel, designed for scaling established firms, and reflects increasing demand from independent RIAs seeking infrastructure and growth support. Notably, NewEdge Advisors is increasingly targeting existing RIAs, not just wirehouse breakaways, as demand for partnership models continues to grow.
→ NewEdge acquired Stonegate Investment Group, a $6B RIA and multi-family office, marking its largest addition to the pillar channel
→ The pillar channel now exceeds $14B in assets and targets established firms looking to scale with shared infrastructure
→ Stonegate was formed in 2021 after breaking away from UBS Financial Services
→ The firm expects 2026 to be its most acquisitive year as it expands both W-2 and independent channels
View NewEdge Advisors in FINTRX
Merit Financial Advisors Partners with Yeomans Consulting Group; Expands Presence in Atlanta
Merit Financial Advisors has acquired Yeomans Consulting Group, a $434 million Georgia-based wealth management firm, continuing its steady M&A expansion in the Southeast. The deal brings a multi-generational leadership team with an established presence in the Metro Atlanta market and a scalable, education-driven growth model. Founder Randy Yeomans and President Nicholas Yeomans will remain on as partners, ensuring continuity across client relationships while gaining access to additional infrastructure and operational support.
→ Merit acquired Yeomans Consulting Group, adding approximately $434M in assets under management
→ The firm is led by founder Randy Yeomans and President Nicholas Yeomans, who will remain on as partners
→ The deal strengthens Merit’s presence in the Metro Atlanta market and broader Southeast region
→ This marks Merit's 56th acquisition as it continues to scale its national footprint
View Merit Financial Advisors in FINTRX
Creative Planning Acquires Duncan & Haley, Adds $660 Million in AUM
Creative Planning has acquired Duncan & Haley, a $660 million Seattle-based RIA, continuing its steady expansion across key markets in 2026. The deal adds an established firm with nearly three decades of experience and strengthens Creative Planning’s presence in the Pacific Northwest, while enhancing its ability to deliver integrated financial planning services. The team serves both private clients and retirement plans, with capabilities across tax, estate, and investment management.
→ Creative Planning acquired Duncan & Haley, adding $660M in assets under management
→ The Seattle-based firm brings 28 years of experience and a strong reputation in fiduciary planning
→ The firm also advises employer-sponsored retirement plans, expanding Creative Planning’s institutional reach
→ This marks Creative Planning’s second acquisition of 2026, following its international expansion into Switzerland
View Creative Planning in FINTRX
Waverly Advisors Acquires McBride Financial Advisors
Waverly Advisors has acquired McBride Financial Advisors, a $181 million Washington-based RIA, continuing its targeted expansion in the Pacific Northwest. The deal brings a founder-led practice with a strong fiduciary focus and deep client relationships, while enhancing Waverly’s ability to deliver comprehensive wealth planning services. The firm provides financial planning, retirement, estate, tax-aware investment, and philanthropic strategies. The transaction marks the firm’s second in the region this year.
→ Waverly acquired McBride Financial Advisors, adding approximately $181M in assets under management
→ Founder Michael McBride will join Waverly as a Wealth Advisor
→ This marks Waverly’s second Pacific Northwest acquisition in 2026 and its 31st overall since 2021
→ Waverly now manages approximately $30.4B in assets across its national platform
View Waverly Advisors in FINTRX
Composition Wealth adds $900m ex-Northwestern Mutual team
Composition Wealth has completed its first deal of 2026, merging with Edgewater Wealth Management, a $900 million Tacoma-based practice formerly affiliated with Northwestern Mutual. The 16-person team, led by founding partners, strengthens the firm’s West Coast presence and reflects its continued push to scale nationally through acquisitions. The transaction builds on a series of recent deals and marks one of the first under CEO Nate Angelo, as Composition Wealth continues expanding with private equity backing.
→ Composition Wealth added a $900M, 16-person team from Northwestern Mutual, including eight advisors
→ Edgewater Wealth Management was founded in 2019 and is led by three partners
→ The deal expands Composition’s presence in the Pacific Northwest and broader West Coast
→ This is the firm’s first announced acquisition of 2026 and follows multiple deals completed in 2025
→ Composition manages ~$10B in assets and is backed by Corsair Capital
View Composition Wealth in FINTRX
Deals & Moves: Beacon Pointe Acquires Two RIAs with $695M in AUM
Beacon Pointe Advisors has acquired two RIAs, MGB Wealth Management and Pacifica Wealth Advisors, adding a combined $695 million in client assets and expanding its presence in key markets including Texas, Tennessee, and California. The deals bring experienced leadership and specialized client expertise, including a focus on high-net-worth families and sudden wealth transitions, while both firms will rebrand under the Beacon Pointe name. The transactions also deepen Beacon Pointe’s footprint in Dallas and strengthen its presence near its Newport Beach headquarters, where Pacifica will align with the firm’s existing team.
→ Beacon Pointe acquired two firms totaling $695M in assets, including $475M MGB Wealth Management and $220M Pacifica Wealth Advisors
→ MGB marks the firm’s 10th partnership in the Dallas-Fort Worth market
→ Pacifica brings specialization in sudden wealth transitions, including liquidity events and inheritances
→ Both firms will operate under the Beacon Pointe brand following the acquisitions
→ The platform now includes over 750 employees across 90+ offices nationwide
Ex-Commonwealth team in Wisconsin launches $248m RIA
A Wisconsin-based advisor team managing $248 million in assets has left Commonwealth Financial Network to launch its own independent RIA, Luedtke and Associates. The father-son team made the move to gain full control over their client experience, opting for independence over joining another large platform following Commonwealth’s acquisition by LPL Financial. The launch reflects continued momentum among advisors choosing to build standalone firms supported by customized technology and client-first flexibility.
→ A $248M father-son team launched Luedtke and Associates after leaving Commonwealth Financial Network
→ The move was driven by a desire for independence following Commonwealth’s acquisition by LPL
→ The firm is developing a custom technology platform with Advisor360
→ The transition required addressing client concerns around cost, technology, and service continuity