Merger of Coastal Bridge Advisors, Waddell & Associates, and One Charles Private Wealth Enhances Financial Services

Major Strategic Merger in Financial Advisory Sector

On July 2, 2026, Coastal Bridge Advisors (CBA), Waddell & Associates (W&A), and One Charles Private Wealth celebrated the successful closure of their strategic merger, which promises to reshape the financial advisory landscape. As of June 30, 2026, the newly formed entity boasts impressive assets under management exceeding $10 billion, solidifying its position as a significant player in the industry.

This merger combines the strengths of three reputable firms, integrating their vast resources, cutting-edge technology, and advisory expertise to better serve a growing clientele. The unified firm operates under the Coastal Bridge Advisors name and consists of approximately 20 partners and 52 professionals across several strategically located offices in Hingham, Massachusetts; Milford and Westport, Connecticut; Charlotte, North Carolina; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Los Angeles, California.

Leading the charge is an expanded multiregional leadership team. David Waddell, the former CEO and chief investment strategist of W&A, takes on the role of CBA's chairman and chief investment strategist. He is joined by Kevin G. Burns, CBA’s founder and co-chairman; Jim Betzig, CEO; Mark Dupont, president; and Bill Loftus, chief revenue officer. This skilled leadership team will leverage their combined expertise to foster growth and innovation within the firm.

Kevin Burns expressed excitement about this merger, emphasizing, "I am honored to welcome David as CBA's new chairman and chief investment strategist. His market acumen and the incredible culture he has developed over four decades complement ours perfectly. Together with our One Charles Private Wealth colleagues, we will enhance our ability to serve clients while maintaining our commitment to building proud legacies for generations of families."

David Waddell remarked, "This merger is not just about growth; it’s about improving our service for clients. This opportunity allows us to enhance the values and personal services our clients expect while offering deeper investment capabilities and advanced technology."

Mark Dupont highlighted the importance of scale in their industry, stating, "Combining our firms brings together a wealth of experience that’s immensely challenging to recruit in today’s marketplace. This strategic merger is designed to strengthen the quality and breadth of services we can provide to our clients."

In addition, this merger marks the retirement of two well-known brands: Waddell & Associates, a firm with a rich 40-year history, and One Charles Private Wealth, known for its unique “circle of care” service model. Paul Squarcia and Erik Wallin, the founding partners of One Charles Private Wealth, join CBA as managing partners of its Florida and Massachusetts offices, respectively. Perry Green, previously the chief financial officer of W&A, now serves as CBA’s chief planning officer, while Sean Gould, a former partner at W&A, joins as managing partner for the Tennessee region.

This move to unite under the Coastal Bridge Advisors banner reflects a collaborative vision for a prosperous future and reinforces the commitment to uphold the relationships and cultures that have characterized all three firms over their histories. For more information about Coastal Bridge Advisors, you can visit their website at www.coastalbridgeadvisors.com.

In conclusion, the merger of Coastal Bridge Advisors, Waddell & Associates, and One Charles Private Wealth represents a transformative step in the financial advisory space, paving the way for enhanced client engagement through innovative solutions and sophisticated financial strategies. By collectively leveraging their strengths, this new entity is poised to meet the evolving needs of its clients head-on.