This edition of the Deals & Recruiting Roundup covers AlTi’s purchase of Kontora, Prime Capital’s acquisition of SineCera Capital, Mariner acquiring Ocean Heights, CAPTRUST’s acquisition of Carolinas Investment Consulting, Composition acquiring Vinoble Group and Unionview Wealth Partners, EP Wealth acquiring Holben Group, DecisionMap joining Dynasty, Compound Planning adding a former Choreo team, Oppenheimer appointing Robert Lowenthal as incoming CEO, Prudential naming Pat Hynes as President, Mercer appointing Ted Motheral as Principal, M&A Partner Development, and Verdence naming Sarah Mouser as Managing Director of Financial Planning.
Larry’s Take
This week we cover the curious case of a firm that was independent previously, gave that up, and now returns to it: DecisionMap made the round trip back to independence and joined Dynasty. Though I can’t read the minds of the DecisionMap team, for any team that’s close to the line when weighing the perks and downsides of employment versus independence, only a slight difference can tip the scales.
Many of the factors that form that decision shift with technology and trends, so the scales are constantly moving, while committing to a course of action takes time. Advisors moving to independence, acquisition or some other form of affiliation with a home office inherently take a long-term view on technology, services, valuations and needs in a shifting landscape – something akin to trying to predict who will win the Superbowl in five years.
The good news is – as DecisionMap demonstrates – advisors can fundamentally reverse course if they’re willing to put forth the effort and time to make the switch.
If you would like to discuss Larry’s Take further, including how these trends might impact your business, please contact me at larry.roth@rlrstrategicpartners.com.
Mergers & Acquisitions
AlTi Tiedemann Global Enters German Market With $15.2 Billion Kontora Acquisition
Independent global wealth manager AlTi Tiedemann Global acquires Hamburg, Germany-based Kontora Family Office. AlTi is an independent global wealth manager with over $77 billion in combined assets and a network of approximately 440 professionals across three continents.
Kontora is a multi-family office and asset management company focused on ultra-high net worth clients, primarily in Germany and Austria. It has assets under management (AUM) of approximately Є14 billion ($15.2 billion). Kontora’s Co-CEOs Stephan Buchwald and Patrick Maurenbrecher are expected to reinvest a portion of the proceeds into AlTi and take senior positions there.
“Germany is a sophisticated and deep market with established wealth and a thriving entrepreneurial scene, and we look forward to working with Kontora to offer best-in-class global access and solutions with the service of a boutique family office,” said Michael Tiedemann, CEO of AlTi Tiedemann Global. “The continued backing from Allianz X reflects their conviction in AlTi’s ability to build a leading position in the UHNW segment and demonstrates their clear value as a strategic investor.”
Prime Capital Financial Acquires $1.55 Billion SineCera Capital In Texas
Overland Park, Kansas-based RIA Prime Capital Financial acquires SineCera Capital, a boutique wealth management and family office services firm based in Austin, Texas. With the deal, Prime Capital establishes a new Austin division called Prime Capital Family Office, with a dedicated team focusing on ultra-high net worth families. The SineCera deal follows Prime Capital’s February announcement of the acquisition of Sugarloaf Wealth Management.
SineCera was founded in 2019 by Kevin A. Kaylakie, who becomes President of Prime Capital Family Office. The firm has assets under advisement of $1.55 billion.
“SineCera will be the key to expanding our family office offering,” said Glenn Spencer, CEO at Prime Capital Financial. “Their mastery of the UHNW space and commitment to personalized service perfectly align with our mission. This move is strategically aligned with Prime Capital’s focus on expanding our service offerings to meet the unique needs of each of our client segments.”
Mariner Acquires $730 Million Ocean Heights Advisors In California
Overland Park, Kansas-based Mariner Wealth Advisors announces that Ocean Heights Advisors, of Newport Beach, California, will fully integrate into Mariner. Ocean Heights has $730 million in assets under advisement and was previously on the Mariner Independent platform. Mariner and its affiliates advise on over $560 billion in assets.
The two firms first affiliated in 2022, and the firms said Ocean Heights nearly doubled its assets under advisement over the past three years. The Ocean Heights team — including Founders Kevin O’Grady and Nella Webster — will continue in their roles. Ocean Heights partners Kevin Barlow, Danielle Bronner and Kara Devar will become shareholders in Mariner. Barlow will lead Mariner’s Newport Beach division.
“Our partnership with Mariner has been instrumental in accelerating our growth,” said Kevin Barlow, Managing Partner of Ocean Heights Advisors. “After three years of successfully working together, fully integrating with Mariner is a natural evolution and will allow our team to provide even greater value to our clients while devoting more time to the personal relationships that have always been our hallmark.”
CAPTRUST Acquires $1.4 Billion Carolinas Investment Consulting In North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina-based CAPTRUST Financial Advisors acquires Carolinas Investment Consulting (CIC), adding its second location in Charlotte, North Carolina. It will convert to CAPTRUST branding. CAPTRUST has $852 billion in AUM as of its March 5 SEC ADV filing.
CIC, founded in 2001, is an investment consulting and financial planning firm that oversees $1.4 billion in assets. Founder and President George Edmiston brings a team of 20 to CAPTRUST.
“CAPTRUST got better today, and we are thrilled to have the CIC team join us. George and I have been friends and competitors for over 20 years,” said Fielding Miller, Co-Founder and CEO of CAPTRUST. “CIC has had a sterling reputation in the Carolinas which will immediately improve our market opportunities and elevate our brand.”
Composition Wealth Acquires Two Seattle Firms, Adding $930 Million
Los Angeles-based RIA Composition Wealth, previously known as Miracle Mile Advisors, acquires two Seattle-area wealth management firms with combined client assets of $930 million. The additions are Vinoble Group, with $630 million in AUM, and Unionview Wealth Partners with $300 million.
The Vinoble and Unionview deals are Composition Wealth’s first transactions under its new identity and boost its total client assets to $8.6 billion. Vinoble’s Brian Johnson, who brings a 15-person team, joins Composition Wealth as a Partner, Wealth Advisor. Unionview’s Managing Partner Katie Pieper and Partner Craig Hanson both become Partner, Wealth Advisors at Composition Wealth.
“These partnerships expand our presence in Seattle while staying true to our vision of bringing together accomplished advisors who share our client-first approach,” said Bruce Milam, CEO of Composition Wealth. “Both firms have built impressive practices by taking time to understand their clients’ individual needs and creating comprehensive solutions. This approach aligns perfectly with our commitment to helping clients craft their own financial success stories.”
EP Wealth Advisors Acquires $190 Million Holben Group In Colorado
Torrance, California-based EP Wealth Advisors expands its presence in Colorado to a third location, acquiring The Holben Group of Denver. The deal, which adds $190 million in AUM, marks EP Wealth’s second partnership of 2025, following its deal with Criterion Capital Advisors.
The Holben Group, founded in 2006 by Jeffrey Holben, provides financial planning and investment management services. At EP, Holben and Clint Demming each take the title of Vice President, Advisor and Partner while Patricia Parker joins as a Wealth Advisor.
“For over 25 years, EP Wealth has been built by entrepreneurs who are committed to long-term, personal relationships with their clients,” said Ryan Parker, CEO of EP Wealth. “Denver was our first office outside California as we started our journey towards a nationwide firm. The Holben Group team shares the values and vision that have been core to EP Wealth.”
Advisor Transactions
Dynasty Recruits DecisionMap Team Of Wealth Advisors In Virginia
St. Petersburg, Florida-based Dynasty Financial Partners announces that Great Falls, Virginia-based DecisionMap, an independent RIA, joins its network, returning to independence. Dynasty focuses on high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients.
DecisionMap launched in October 2023, co-founded by Chief Executive Officer Paul Bennett and President Mark Weber. Managing Director Luke Bennett runs the firm’s Atlanta office. Sandy Sitler is Vice President of Client Service and Luke Avery is Associate Vice President, Relationship Manager. The team was formerly with Goldman Sachs.
“As if market trends weren’t pointing to the value of RIA independence enough, DecisionMap’s return should sound the horn,” said Shirl Penney, CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners. “We are proud that the team entrusted us to bring them ‘back to the future.’ DecisionMap believes that financial planning is the bedrock of client relationships, a sentiment we share at Dynasty about our family of firms.”
Compound Adds Seven Advisors, Including A $1.2 Billion Advisor Team
New York-based Compound Planning announces it added seven advisors, including a four-person team in Des Moines, Iowa, that previously managed $1.2 billion. That addition includes Aaron Schomer, Joleen Scheer, Lindsey O’Neil and Kevin Lors, a team that previously served as Wealth Advisors at Choreo.
Compound also added Boyan Doytchinov in New York, along with Wiley Belknap and Patrick Scherer, both in Pittsburgh. Compound added 30 advisors in 2024 and reached $3 billion in AUM as of Jan. 31. The firm also recently named Courtney Holt as Chief Compliance Officer. She recently served as CCO of Perigon Wealth Management.
“We’re humbled by the momentum we’ve built so early in the year, as it’s extremely fulfilling to have quality advisors such as Aaron, Joleen, Lindsey, and Kevin recognize the value our firm can provide and align with our broader vision for the industry,” said Christian Haigh, Co-Founder and CEO of Compound. “The recruiting environment is more competitive than ever, but we’re thrilled to welcome them to the team and allow them to spearhead our new office location.”
Promotions & People Moves
Oppenheimer CEO Steps Down, Taps Son Robert Lowenthal
Oppenheimer Holdings announces that CEO Albert G. “Bud” Lowenthal plans to step down after 40 years at the helm. He will be succeeded by his son, Robert Lowenthal. Robert Lowenthal is currently President, Head of Investment Banking and a member of the board of directors. Bud Lowenthal will continue as Chairman of the company and become Executive Chairman of its subsidiary, Oppenheimer & Co (Opco).
Robert Lowenthal joined Oppenheimer over 25 years ago. Prior to leading investment banking, he was Opco’s Global Head of Fixed Income. The publicly traded company said it had a record year in 2024. It generated $1.4 billion in revenue and $71.5 million in earnings, while shares rose approximately 70% over the last 12 months.
“I am honored to be appointed CEO of Oppenheimer,” said Robert Lowenthal. “The Company has a storied history and a legacy of providing generations of clients with exceptional service and valuable insights into their investments. I am excited by the opportunities ahead and the ways in which we can continue to deliver value to our shareholders, employees and clients.”
Prudential Advisors Names Pat Hynes As President
Newark, New Jersey-based Prudential Advisors, the retail division of Prudential Financial, names Pat Hynes as President. Hynes, who is currently Head of Sales for Prudential Advisors, starts his new role on March 31. He replaces outgoing President Brad Hearn, who will become President and Chief Operating Officer-elect of Prudential Holdings of Japan.
The transition comes a few months after Prudential Advisors and LPL Financial launched a strategic relationship last November. Hynes will lead Prudential Financial’s retail and advice arm, which has grown to over 2,800 financial advisors and planners.
“With his extensive knowledge of the financial services industry and the needs of advisors and clients, as well as his proven ability to care for talent and build high-performing teams, Pat is uniquely positioned to lead Prudential Advisors,” said Caroline Feeney, CEO of Prudential’s U.S. businesses, and incoming CEO of Prudential’s Global Retirement and Insurance businesses.
Mercer Advisors Appoints Ted Motheral As Principal, M&A Partner Development
Denver-based RIA Mercer Global Advisors appoints Ted Motheral as Principal, M&A Partner Development. Motheral joins Mercer alongside Martine Lellis, who assumed the same role last year. Together, the pair leads the firm’s Partner Development team, supporting RIA owners who are exploring partnerships with Mercer Advisors.
Before joining Mercer Advisors, Motheral served as a Corporate and M&A Partner at Potomac Law Group. He specialized in M&A, as well as private debt and equity financing.
Motheral said, “I look forward to working alongside Martine and the entire M&A team to help prospective partners navigate their transition with confidence. I’m eager to help our new partners unlock the full benefits of Mercer Advisors’ fully integrated technology platform, unified team of specialists and enterprise-scale operations–empowering them to deliver an elevated client experience and realize the vision they have for their team and themselves.”
Sarah Mouser Joins Verdence Capital Advisors As Managing Director Of Financial Planning
Hunt Valley, Maryland-based Verdence Capital Advisors, a private wealth advisory and multi-family office firm, hires Sarah Mouser as Managing Director of Financial Planning. She will oversee the firm’s financial planning division.
Before joining Verdence, Mouser spent 11 years as Director of Financial Planning at Cassaday & Company. Prior roles include Financial Advisor at Savant Capital Management and Associate Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial Services.
Mouser said, “I’ve always thought the term ‘financial planning’ does not nearly capture what this work is actually about. Through effective financial planning, we can help families maneuver extremely complex financial goals. The role of financial planning is on the rise because the need for financial planning has never been greater.”
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