Deals & Moves: $1B Maridea Lures LPL Team; $30B Waverly Expands in Washington

March 21, 2026 - 00:34

The wealth management industry is witnessing a significant week of high-profile moves and strategic acquisitions, highlighting the ongoing competition for top talent and assets. In a major recruiting victory, Maridea Capital Management, overseeing approximately $1 billion in client assets, has transitioned its team to LPL Financial's broker-dealer and corporate RIA platforms.

Simultaneously, Waverly Advisors, a substantial $30 billion registered investment adviser, is expanding its geographic footprint. The firm has announced a new office location in Washington state, signaling a deliberate growth strategy in the Pacific Northwest.

Further consolidating the trend, Carson Group has bolstered its presence by acquiring a New York-based financial planning practice managing $160 million in assets. In another notable transition, the advisor duo known as The Finance Couple have departed LPL to align with Osaic, formerly known as Advisor Group.

Adding to the recruitment momentum, RBC Wealth Management continues its aggressive campaign to attract experienced advisors, most recently adding a team from rival Morgan Stanley. This series of moves underscores the intense rivalry among major firms to secure established advisors and expand their market reach through both recruitment and acquisition. The landscape remains dynamic as advisors seek platforms that best align with their operational independence and client service models.