Updated
Updated · InvestmentNews · Aug 12
Merit Financial Buys $900 Million Bridgeway Group, Expanding Southern California Footprint
Updated
Updated · InvestmentNews · Aug 12

Merit Financial Buys $900 Million Bridgeway Group, Expanding Southern California Footprint

2 articles · Updated · InvestmentNews · Aug 12

Summary

  • $900 million Bridgeway Group has been acquired by Merit Financial Advisors, bringing the Pasadena and Covina firm’s entire nine-person team into the Atlanta-based RIA.
  • Bridgeway’s founders Matt Dupon, Sean Montgomery and Scott Miller all joined Merit in new leadership roles after 13 years with Commonwealth Financial Network; the firm had grown assets at a roughly 22% annualized rate over five years.
  • The deal strengthens Merit in Southern California and lifts the Constellation-backed firm to more than 55 offices nationwide with about $30.1 billion in client assets as of July 20.
  • Bridgeway is Merit's third acquisition of 2026 and its sixth former-Commonwealth firm since LPL bought that broker-dealer in April 2025, part of a pace that has already reached nine deals this year and 61 overall.

Insights

What hidden vulnerabilities in LPL's recent mega-merger is Merit exploiting to aggressively poach top-tier wealth management firms?
Can a boutique firm maintain its incredible referral-driven growth once swallowed by a massive corporate wealth management machine?
Does surrendering independence to a $30 billion behemoth truly benefit clients, or is it just a strategic play for private equity backers?