Merit Financial Advisors Acquired Moldenhauer and Associates
The deal brings 1.1 billion dollars in client assets under the Merit Financial umbrella.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Financial Planning
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Merit Financial Advisors has acquired Orchard Park-based firm Moldenhauer and Associates, adding 1.1 billion dollars in client assets. Brett Moldenhauer and 12 employees from his firm have joined the Atlanta-based wealth management company.
Why it matters
Moldenhauer and Associates chose to join Merit Financial to leverage expanded support in marketing, human resources, technology, and operations. The move also follows a trend of several other Commonwealth Financial Network advisors transitioning to the Merit platform.
Merit Financial now oversees 32.9 billion dollars in total client assets across its 63 completed acquisitions. The acquired firm currently serves nearly 1,900 households and is projected to add approximately 100 million dollars in new assets this year.
The players
Merit Financial Advisors
An Atlanta-based wealth management firm that oversees over 32 billion dollars in total client assets.
Moldenhauer and Associates
A wealth management firm founded in 1974 and based in Orchard Park, New York.
Brett Moldenhauer
The leader of the acquired firm who has moved his team to Merit Financial Advisors.
Commonwealth Financial Network
An independent broker-dealer that previously served as the home for the acquired team.
LPL Financial
A financial services company expected to handle the transition of Commonwealth client assets.
The details
The integration provides the Orchard Park team with centralized operational support while allowing them to continue serving their existing client base. This deal marks the 12th acquisition for Merit Financial this year as the firm continues its rapid expansion strategy.
Timeline
Moldenhauer and Associates was founded in 1974.
The firm joined Commonwealth Financial Network in 2016.
Merit acquired a Southern California team in August 2026.
Merit acquired a team led by Tim Brennan in September 2026.
LPL Financial expects to transition Commonwealth client assets in November 2026.
Market Dynamics
This acquisition follows a pattern set by the broader trend of independent advisory firms joining larger, service-heavy platforms to scale operations. The move highlights the increasing consolidation within the wealth management sector as firms seek to outsource administrative complexities.
Clients of the former Moldenhauer and Associates firm can expect access to enhanced marketing, HR, and technical support resources through the Merit platform. These operational changes are intended to support long-term asset growth for the nearly 1,900 households managed by the team.
The takeaway
Advisory firms are increasingly merging to address the rising costs and complexities of modern financial operations. Investors should watch for changes in client services or communication channels as these teams integrate into larger corporate structures.
What happens next
LPL Financial is scheduled to oversee the transition of Commonwealth client assets in November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about strategic wealth management moves in the Financial Planning section.
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