Partnership with $4.2B+ RIA strengthens Merchant’s commitment to client-aligned, independent firms across all stages of growth

After a lengthy search, Merchant Investment Management has added a trust company to its ever-expanding ecosystem, partnering with essential service providers within the wealth management industry.

Collaboration empowers RIAs with flexible, conflict-free trust administration options supporting long-term legacy planning for high- and ultra-high-net-worth clients

Tim Bello, co-founder and managing partner at Merchant, sees its new relationship with WRV as "an expansion of the vision we had and we invested in with Republic Capital Group," particularly for independent RIAs working with small- to mid-size entrepreneurs.

This collaboration significantly enhances the valuation capabilities available to Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and the business owners they serve across Merchant’s ecosystem and the broader independent wealth management industry.

In this role, Carlton will lead the strategy and execution of initiatives designed to deepen connectivity, drive partner collaboration and accelerate innovation across Merchant’s ecosystem of partner firms.

The minority RIA investor taps Candice Carlton to launch a new division focused on peer collaboration and growth strategies among Merchant’s over 100 portfolio firms.

‘We’re happy to welcome Stone Temple Partners to the Merchant community,’ Rick D’Amico, a Merchant managing partner, said in an email to Citywire. ‘Their deep client commitment, institutional investment capabilities and entrepreneurial vision align perfectly with the type of firm we’re proud to support.’

The private capital provider looks to make good on its promise as a lifecycle partner to advisors as it hires the former M&A head at Hightower Advisors.

Rich will help deepen engagement across Merchant’s ecosystem of service partners, supporting advisors with access to best-in-class solutions across the wealth management value chain.

Heather Kelly, who launched outsourced planning entity and solutions platform Mosaic Advanced Planning last week, spoke to Citywire about her aims for the future of the Merchant-backed company.

Heather Kelly’s Mosaic Advanced Planning is backed by Merchant and RIA Apollon.

Back by Merchant and available to broader wealth management community, MAP elevates advisory firms with integrated expertise and solutions

Venning supports businesses, individuals, and institutions with comprehensive financial, tax, and operational solutions—while advancing the industry through AI-driven innovation.

“Evolving beyond minority stakes to lifecycle equity partners means Merchant has the flexibility to invest across the spectrum, from minority to majority positions, ensuring we can meet firms where they are and grow with them," - Tim Bello, Co-founder and managing partner.

Capital from Merchant Investment Management will help Republic expand its service offerings and hire additional staff in the process.

Industry Veteran Todd Fithian joins Merchant to propel strategic opportunities to growth-oriented wealth management firms throughout Canada

Republic Capital Group has worked with a long list of RIAs, including Creative Planning, Pathstone and others.

Mergers and acquisitions in the registered investment advisory space are rising due to private equity interest, potentially overshadowing core values like fiduciary responsibility, but the evolving landscape for growth capital presents new strategic options for advisors to maintain independence and enhance firm value.

Merchant expects to double its network of RIAs over the next two to three years, as it continues to expand globally.