Advisory M&A News – 8/12/2026

This article details several significant mergers and acquisitions within the financial advisory sector on August 12, 2026. Key announcements include Merit Financial Advisors acquiring Bridgeway Group LLC for $900M, Cetera Financial Group Inc. adding two wealth management teams, and Prudential Advisors recruiting a seasoned Ameriprise financial professional. Other notable deals involve Focus Financial Network expanding into employee benefits administration, J.S. Held acquiring Steeplechase Advisors, Paxel Financial Consulting joining LPL Financial, Cetera adding iTP Partners (a $3.5B RIA), and Voya Financial renewing its recordkeeping agreement with Baker Botts LLP.