MAI Capital Management Hired Matt Barthel
The former Barron's editor joins the firm to help lead expansion of its nationwide financial adviser network.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Corporate Finance
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MAI Capital Management has appointed Matt Barthel as a managing partner of strategic adviser recruiting. Barthel will focus on growing the firm's adviser network through targeted recruitment and lift-outs.
Why it matters
The firm is prioritizing aggressive expansion of its advisory ranks to build upon its recent growth as a major wealth management player. Barthel's deep industry background is being utilized to attract talent and broaden the firm's reach.
MAI managed $73.8 billion in assets and $6.6 billion in assets under advisement as of June 30, 2026. The firm reached a valuation exceeding $2.8 billion following a majority stake acquisition by The Carlyle Group in March 2026.
The players
Matt Barthel
He is the new managing partner of strategic adviser recruiting at MAI Capital Management and a veteran financial journalist.
Jim Kacic
He serves as a managing partner at MAI Capital Management to whom the new leadership hire reports.
The Carlyle Group
This global alternative investment firm acquired a majority stake in MAI Capital Management earlier in 2026.
The details
Barthel brings 35 years of journalism experience and 20 years in wealth-management data operations to the role, having previously led financial adviser rankings at Barron's Magazine. He will report to Managing Partner Jim Kacic while leading efforts to scale the firm's professional network.
Timeline
Matt Barthel officially joined MAI Capital Management on October 12, 2026.
The Carlyle Group acquired a majority stake in MAI in March 2026.
Financial figures for assets under management were reported as of June 30, 2026.
Market Dynamics
This hire reflects the broader private equity consolidation trend in wealth management where firms utilize professional talent acquisition to scale rapidly. It positions MAI to compete more aggressively in the national landscape for top-tier advisory teams.
Clients of MAI may see an expanded range of advisory services as the firm grows its network of professionals. This shift toward larger-scale operations typically aims to broaden the scope of investment resources available to individual and institutional investors.
The takeaway
Firms backed by private equity are increasingly focusing on human capital recruitment to sustain growth targets. Investors should monitor how these rapid expansions affect the personalized service models traditionally offered by wealth management firms.
Further reading
Learn more about industry consolidation in the Corporate Finance section.
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Do you support wealth management firms aggressively recruiting and expanding their network of financial advisers?
