Leaders from both firms say the deal between wealthtech startup Opto Investments and financial services operating firm Merchant Investment Management isn't just about providing financial advisors greater access to the traditionally difficult-to-penetrate private market.

Brian Wood, Michael Peebles and DeAnn Gann are joining Legacy from Arvest Bank and will open a new office in Northeast Arkansas.

The financial services matchmaker and RIA investor are joining forces to provide succession seekers with more than just an introduction.

Since first partnering with Merchant in January 2018, AdvisorAssist has strengthened its internal resources and technology infrastructure to help advisors achieve maximum efficiency within an operational and risk management framework. Today, AdvisorAssist’s team of experienced consultants support over 700 registered investment advisory firms, with assets under management of more than $225 billion under its purview.

International wealth manager Brainvest has hired the former CEO of Julius Baer’s Brazilian family office operation to lead its business in Brazil and has also named a new global CEO as part of its international growth strategy, the firm announced on Wednesday.

Merchant Investment Management's stake will fund Mulholland Growth's acquisition plans of smaller RIAs, and help educate advisors on Redwood's "disruptive" asset management strategies.

Beachwood, Ohio–based RIAs MGO Investment Advisors and One Seven have merged, with Merchant Investment Management taking a minority stake in the new entity.

Merchant Investment Management continues to build up a portfolio of minority ownership stakes with the deal with $775 million, California-based Argos.

The serial RIA investor has made an investment in Crescent Bay Advisors (CBA), an RIA based in Corona Del Mar, Calif. that offers consulting services to wealthy individuals.

Merchant Investment Management has announced the purchase of minority stakes in four advisory firms so far in February, continuing its pattern of buying into growth-oriented registered investment advisors with a long-term view.

Fusion Family Wealth sells minority stake to Merchant

Inspiron Wealth Advisors, near Chicago, is the third RIA investment Merchant announced in 2022.

Summit Investment Advisory Services announced its partnership with Merchant Investment Management, an alignment that will support the firm’s specialized service offering for retirement planning and also bring focus to Summit as a destination firm for like-minded advisors.

River Wealth Advisors (RWA), one of the largest independent registered investment advisory firms in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley,, has entered a partnership with Merchant as the firm looks to accelerate growth under newly-elevated leadership

Merchant provided capital to become a minority investor in Southwestern Investment Group $6b AUM, as well as the debt facility for the principals and their advisors to buy their shares from the hybrid RIA's parent company.

Private Advisor Group, a prominent registered investment advisory overseeing $30 billion in client assets, has sold a minority stake to Merchant Investment Management.

Recognizing the opportunity to expand internationally, Merchant Investment Management has partnered with Brainvest Wealth Management, a $3 billion multi-shore firm offering wealth planning services and sophisticated, alternative investment solutions to complex, international families and entrepreneurs.

Matt Brinkerr spoke with Chana Zimmerman about M&A, roll-ups, and how 2022 may play out. Matt shares his perspectives on building national firms, differentiation, and expanding the scope of services we provide to clients.

Serial RIA investor Merchant Investment Management has taken a minority stake in Concurrent Advisors, an office of supervisory jurisdiction for a group of Raymond James-affiliated advisors with a combined $12.2bn in assets.