Merit Financial Advisors Expands in New York with $1.1 Billion Acquisition of Moldenhauer & Associates

Merit Financial Advisors Expands in Western New York with Acquisition of Moldenhauer & Associates

On October 7, 2026, Merit Financial Advisors, a key player in the financial advisory landscape based in Georgia, disclosed its acquisition of Moldenhauer & Associates, a wealth management firm located in Orchard Park, New York. This strategic partnership marks an important milestone as Merit seeks to solidify its presence in the Western New York market. Moldenhauer & Associates, led by Brett Moldenhauer, manages approximately $1.1 billion in client assets, serving close to 1,900 households.

In a statement, David Wahlen, Executive Vice President/Strategic Partners at Merit Financial Advisors, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "Moldenhauer & Associates embodies the type of firm we aspire to partner with, given their remarkable business culture and client relationships. Brett Moldenhauer's commitment to growth aligns perfectly with our vision for the future."

Brett Moldenhauer, whose family founded the firm, brings over two decades of expertise to the table. His father, Richard Moldenhauer, began the practice focused initially on life insurance before transitioning to comprehensive wealth management solutions. Under Brett's leadership, the firm has cultivated a reputation for its dedication to client referrals and robust long-term relationships, which have been pivotal for its continued growth. In fact, Moldenhauer & Associates is poised to add around $100 million in new assets this year alone, demonstrating a remarkable trajectory that saw the firm grow from under $150 million in assets when they joined Commonwealth Financial Network in 2016 to surpassing the $1 billion mark today.

The rationale behind Moldenhauer’s decision to partner with Merit is clear; he aims to leverage the additional support Merit offers in areas such as marketing, human resources, technology, and operations. This, he believes, would enable his team to devote more time to clients and future initiatives.

"Running a growing business is increasingly complex, and we realized that with Merit’s support, we could maintain our trajectory without losing our client-centered focus," Moldenhauer shared.

He noted that the high caliber of professionals—many of whom were once affiliated with Commonwealth—who are choosing to join Merit, reaffirmed his decision to align with the firm.

"The caliber of advisors selecting Merit was significant to me. These are successful individuals I respect, eager to foster their companies' growth while embracing the future," Moldenhauer added, emphasizing the shared vision of continuing the legacy of client care and service.

Looking forward, the future of Moldenhauer & Associates not only revolves around securing the legacy of the firm, but also centers on cultivating the next generation of advisors. Moldenhauer mentioned having three advisors in their 30s and another who has been with the firm for over four years, all contributing to a well-rounded team focused on client success.

The acquisition signifies more than just a business transaction; it is a commitment to ensuring continuity for both clients and employees. "As our business expands, considerations for succession and continuity become vital—not just for me but for the entire team and our nearly 1,900 client households," Moldenhauer stressed.

Wahlen echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that many growth-oriented advisors increasingly recognize that succession doesn’t necessitate an exit from the business. "Brett’s proactive approach to succession and his engagement in the business underscore a growing trend among established advisors at Merit. Our goal is to provide Brett and his team with the necessary resources and scale to further strengthen their business," Wahlen concluded.

The acquisition became effective on September 25, 2026, with the financial terms of the deal remaining undisclosed. Merit Financial Advisors now boasts over $32.92 billion in managed assets across 70 offices nationwide, solidifying its position as a significant player in the wealth management industry.

In conclusion, the partnership between Merit Financial Advisors and Moldenhauer & Associates represents a pivotal step towards a promising future, both for the firms involved and for the clients they serve. With their shared commitment to excellence and innovation, they are well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of wealth management.