AlphaCore Wealth Advisory, a prominent alternatives-focused Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) headquartered in La Jolla, California, has announced a significant strategic acquisition: Brave Family Advisors, a respected boutique wealth management practice managing $700 million in assets under management (AUM). This move not only expands AlphaCore’s geographical footprint into the Northeast but also enhances its service offerings, particularly in specialized areas for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients. The transaction, which strengthens AlphaCore’s position as an acquisitive player in the wealth management sector, also underscores a broader trend of consolidation and strategic expansion within the industry.
The acquisition of Brave Family Advisors, founded in 1992 by Brett Haire, marks a pivotal moment for AlphaCore, which currently oversees more than $10 billion in client assets. The integration of Brave Family Advisors will lead to the establishment of a new AlphaCore office in Summit, New Jersey, thereby solidifying the firm’s presence in the vital New York metropolitan area and the broader Northeast region. This expansion is particularly noteworthy as AlphaCore operates under the backing of Constellation Wealth Capital, a strategic partner that facilitates such growth initiatives.
For Brave Family Advisors, the partnership with AlphaCore promises access to a comprehensive suite of in-house capabilities that complement its existing client-centric approach. These enhanced services include sophisticated tax strategies and preparation, specialized trust and estate planning, comprehensive philanthropic planning, robust family governance frameworks, and a deep focus on private markets investing. This integration is expected to provide Brave’s clientele with a more holistic and integrated wealth management experience.
The Brave Family Advisors team, comprised of four seasoned advisors and eight support staff members, will continue to operate from their existing offices in Summit, New Jersey, and Tiverton, Rhode Island. This continuity ensures a seamless transition for their established client base, many of whom have relied on the firm’s personalized services for decades. The firm’s long-standing commitment to serving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth households has positioned it as a trusted advisor in its markets.
Dick Pfister, founder and CEO of AlphaCore, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “Brave Family Advisors represents a foundational investment in our long-term strategy for expansion in the New York area.” This statement highlights the strategic importance of the Brave acquisition within AlphaCore’s broader growth objectives. The company’s consistent growth, previously marked by adding $1 billion with another Colorado RIA, demonstrates a clear pattern of strategic expansion through targeted acquisitions.
Turkey Hill Management served as the strategic advisor to Brave Family Advisors for this transaction, facilitating the complex negotiations and due diligence processes inherent in such a merger.
Wealth Enhancement Continues Aggressive Acquisition Spree with Miramar Capital Deal
In parallel developments within the wealth management landscape, Wealth Enhancement, a Minneapolis-based RIA managing in excess of $159.4 billion in client assets, has further cemented its position as one of the industry’s most active acquirers. The firm announced its acquisition of Miramar Capital, an Illinois-based RIA with approximately $592 million in AUM. This latest move underscores Wealth Enhancement’s ongoing strategy to consolidate market share and expand its service capabilities across diverse client segments.
Miramar Capital, founded in 2017, is led by Bob Kalman and Max Wasserman, who also served as majority owners. The firm specializes in a dividend growth investment strategy tailored for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, executives, multi-generational families, corporations, and foundations. This focus aligns well with Wealth Enhancement’s broad service model, which caters to a wide spectrum of affluent clients.
Max Wasserman articulated the rationale behind the acquisition, stating, “Our focus has always been and will always be on our clients, which is why joining Wealth Enhancement was the right choice for us. With their support, we look forward to expanding our capabilities and accelerating our growth.” This sentiment reflects a common driver for acquisitions: the desire to leverage a larger platform’s resources to enhance client service and accelerate business development.
Wealth Enhancement’s acquisition of Miramar Capital is the latest in a series of strategic moves. The firm recently acquired its first Alabama-based firm, signaling its continued commitment to national expansion. This aggressive acquisition strategy is reportedly supported by its private equity owners, TA Associates and Onex Corporation, who are reportedly exploring a potential sale of Wealth Enhancement to private equity firms like The Carlyle Group or Bain Capital. While neither Wealth Enhancement nor the potential buyers have commented on these discussions, the ongoing M&A activity within the firm suggests a dynamic period of growth and strategic repositioning.
Hue Partners provided advisory services to Miramar Capital in this transaction.
Summit Financial Broadens Reach with Acquisitions in Georgia and Oregon
Summit Financial, a Parsippany, New Jersey-based RIA backed by Merchant Investment Management, has significantly expanded its national presence through the acquisition of two investment advisory firms: Kamal Capital Group and M Group Investment Advisor. These additions bring approximately $520 million in combined client assets to Summit’s growing platform.
This dual acquisition propels Summit Financial to 65 partnerships, establishing a new footprint in Georgia and Oregon, while simultaneously strengthening its existing presence in Michigan, Florida, and Washington. The RIA platform now manages approximately $22.4 billion in client assets, reflecting substantial growth since its inception.
Kamal Capital Group, with $170 million in AUM, operates offices in Michigan and Georgia. Founded in 1984, the firm initially focused on retirement planning for airline pilots before broadening its services to encompass aviation professionals, corporate executives, and ultra-high-net-worth families. Led by Danny Kamal (chief investment officer and managing partner) and Rob Kamal (chief operating officer and managing partner), the firm’s integration into Summit is expected to enhance its service offerings. Danny Kamal commented, “Partnering with Summit allows us to enhance those capabilities with sophisticated planning tools and a broader platform that will help us scale while staying true to who we are.”
M Group Investment Advisor, managing approximately $350 million in AUM, is headquartered in Florida and maintains offices in Oregon and Washington. The firm distinguishes itself through its commitment to transparency and personalized service, with a particular focus on retirement planning for non-union construction companies engaged in government projects. The team is led by John Marcelia and Ed Leeper. Marcelia emphasized the alignment of values, stating, “Independence has always been at the core of M Group’s philosophy, giving advisors the flexibility to do what’s right for their clients. With Summit, we can maintain that independence while gaining access to expanded investment capabilities, advanced technology, and operational support.”
Aspen Standard Acquires Denver Private Wealth Management, Continuing Acquisition Momentum
Aspen Standard Wealth, a New York-based holding company specializing in acquiring majority stakes in RIAs, has continued its aggressive acquisition strategy with the addition of Denver Private Wealth Management, a Denver-based wealth manager overseeing approximately $550 million in AUM. This latest deal further expands Aspen Standard’s national reach and its portfolio of strategically acquired advisory firms.
Denver Private Wealth Management, established in 2014, provides comprehensive wealth management services including investment management, retirement planning, tax-efficient strategies, and legacy planning for families, business owners, and executives. Darin Snow, the managing partner and majority owner, expressed optimism about the integration, stating, “By joining the Aspen platform, we will be able to further expand the suite of services available to our clients and extend our legacy for decades to come. This is also an opportunity for our team to build their careers with a broader team of industry professionals.”
Aspen Standard’s acquisition model is characterized by taking majority stakes while preserving the acquired firms’ leadership teams, brand identities, and core service focuses. This approach aims to foster growth by combining the operational efficiencies and expanded resources of Aspen Standard with the established client relationships and expertise of the acquired firms. FP Transitions served as the advisor to Denver Private Wealth Management for this transaction.
Savvy Advisors Integrates Blue Barn Wealth and Paragon Private Wealth Management, Bolstering Tech-Forward Platform
Savvy Advisors, the New York-based affiliate of Savvy Wealth and a platform managing over $8 billion in AUM, has welcomed Blue Barn Wealth and Paragon Private Wealth Management to its network. These additions collectively bring approximately $550 million in client assets to Savvy’s technology-focused platform, reinforcing its commitment to attracting advisors through its innovative, AI-driven ecosystem.
The integration of these two firms significantly contributes to Savvy’s recruitment goals, bringing its total recruited assets for 2026 to $4 billion. Savvy, under the leadership of Ritik Malhotra, continues to validate its thesis that financial advisors are increasingly drawn to integrated, AI-powered wealth platforms that reduce administrative burdens and enhance client service.
Blue Barn Wealth, based in Orem, Utah, manages around $300 million in AUM and serves over 220 client households and multiple 401(k) plans. With roots tracing back to 1994 and acquired by its current owner, Jeff Brimhall, in 2017, the firm offers a range of wealth management services including tax planning, retirement planning, charitable giving strategies, estate planning coordination, and alternative investments.
Paragon Private Wealth Management, located in Franklin, Tennessee, oversees approximately $250 million in assets and serves individuals, families, and entrepreneurs nationwide. Founded by Allen Buckley, the firm was formerly part of the Sanctuary Wealth platform. Paragon provides integrated wealth management services encompassing investment management, financial planning, tax planning, and tax preparation. Allen Buckley highlighted the appeal of Savvy’s platform, stating, “Savvy’s platform stood out because it allows us to provide that experience through one connected ecosystem while leveraging technology and AI to reduce administrative complexity.”
These multiple acquisitions across the wealth management sector underscore a dynamic period of consolidation and strategic growth. Firms are increasingly seeking scale, enhanced service capabilities, and technological advantages to remain competitive and meet the evolving demands of affluent clients. The trend indicates a maturing industry where integration, specialization, and efficient client service are paramount for sustained success.
