Merit Financial Advisors Expands Operations with TL Financial Group in Michigan

Merit Financial Advisors Marks a New Milestone with TL Financial Group in Michigan

In an exciting development for the financial advisory landscape, Merit Financial Advisors has announced its strategic acquisition of TL Financial Group, marking the company’s inaugural office in Michigan and significantly broadening its footprint in the Detroit metropolitan area. This strategic move, announced on February 3, 2026, not only strengthens Merit’s position but also introduces approximately $217 million in total assets to its portfolio.

Based in Southgate, Michigan, TL Financial Group has established itself as a reputable provider of comprehensive wealth management services tailored for high-net-worth individuals, pre-retirees, and retirees. The firm is well-regarded for its meticulous approach to financial, estate, and tax planning—factors that will enhance Merit’s already robust service offerings in this competitive market. With the integration of TL's services, Merit aims to deliver even higher levels of personalized service to its expanding client base.

Zach Mersberger, the Managing Principal and Partner at Merit, expressed excitement about this acquisition. He emphasized that expanding into new territories is not just about increasing geographical reach but involves finding partners whose values align with their own. TL's well-established presence in the local community and their commitment to a client-first culture are seen as ideal characteristics for maintaining the high service standards that Merit aspires to uphold.

The acquisition also underscores a notable trend in the financial advisory industry where there is a continued migration of advisors from firms like Commonwealth to more growth-oriented platforms like Merit. In fact, this move has attracted several seasoned advisors, including Alex Hansen, who has taken up the mantle as the new Chief Advisor Success Officer at Merit. Hansen’s involvement along with Tony LaJeunesse, TL’s Founder and President, who will transition to a Wealth Manager, Area Director, and Partner role at Merit, indicates a promising future for both organizations.

As the transaction finalized on January 23, 2026, the advisory was handled by MA consultants Austin Moon and Jeff Nash from Bridgemark Strategies—a firm recognized exclusively for its expertise in the wealth management sector. While the financial specifics of the deal were not disclosed, the strategic implications suggest a robust pathway for growth and opportunity for both advisory firms.

Merit continues its ambitious expansion strategy, having completed its fifty-fourth acquisition with this latest move. The firm recently acquired SSC Wealth, LLC, further consolidating its platform with a strategic advisor-CPA partnership, showcasing its ongoing commitment to innovation and service excellence.

Tony LaJeunesse shared his enthusiasm regarding this partnership, stating, "I’m incredibly excited about this next chapter and what it means for the families we serve. As our team has grown, it became clear that partnering with a firm that shares our values was the right next step. Merit provides the resources and infrastructure that allow our team to remain focused on delivering thoughtful planning and disciplined investment guidance. Together, this partnership strengthens our ability to support our clients for the years ahead."

As of January 1, 2026, Merit Financial Advisors managed an impressive $24.69 billion in assets, divided into various categories, including advisory, brokerage, and retirement assets—demonstrating its substantial impact within the financial advisory sector.

For more information about Merit Financial Advisors and the services it provides, interested individuals can visit www.meritfinancialadvisors.com. Investment advice is offered through Merit Financial Group, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser.

In conclusion, this acquisition not only signifies growth for Merit Financial Advisors but also presents greater opportunities for clients within the Michigan market, promising enhanced financial planning and wealth management services in the region.