Merit Financial Advisors Expands Reach with Acquisition of Obsidian Planning Solutions

Merit Financial Advisors Expands Wealth Management with Strategic Acquisition

Merit Financial Advisors, a prominent financial advisory firm based in Georgia, has made a significant move in the financial services sector by acquiring Obsidian Planning Solutions. This strategic acquisition not only marks Merit’s fiftieth acquisition but also introduces the firm's first operations in Maryland, specifically in the cities of Rockville and Columbia. The addition of Obsidian brings an impressive $476 million in assets to Merit, substantially strengthening their capabilities in business succession planning.

Understanding the Acquisition

Founded in 2015, Obsidian Planning specializes in guiding business owners through crucial financial planning processes, especially related to succession planning. Their expertise is invaluable at a time when an estimated trillions of dollars in wealth will transition from the aging Baby Boomer generation to younger successors. Tyler Vernon, Managing Principal and Partner at Merit, expressed enthusiasm about the capabilities Obsidian brings: "Their expertise in business succession planning enables Merit to expand our offering to this underserved market." This insight is invaluable, considering the massive generational wealth transfer on the horizon.

The acquisition allows Obsidian to utilize Merit’s extensive operational and marketing resources. This synergy is expected to enhance both operational efficiency and client service, benefiting not only the firms involved but also their clients. Partners Patrick Carroll and Todd Feldman, along with their dedicated team, will join the Merit fold, aligning their successful strategies with Merit's robust framework.

Significance of Business Succession Planning

Business succession planning is increasingly critical in today’s evolving market. With many Baby Boomers either retiring or looking to transition their businesses, there exists a significant gap in the planning required for a smooth transition. As many of these companies are privately owned, having seasoned guides like Obsidian becomes vital.

The implications of this acquisition are profound. As the market anticipates a substantial transfer of wealth, financial advisors must be prepared to assist clients in navigating their exit strategies. Todd Feldman, a partner at Obsidian, remarked, “Partnering with Merit has been a crucial part of our strategy. This partnership enables us to optimize staffing and leverage Merit's operational support, allowing us to grow and enhance our offering.”

Future Outlook for Merit Financial Advisors

This development follows a minority investment from Constellation Wealth Capital in July 2025, solidifying Merit's commitment to growth in the financial advisory market. With over 40 offices nationwide and assets under management totalling $19.94 billion, Merit stands poised to revolutionize client experiences in the wealth management space.

“Our mission is to enrich the lives of those we serve,” stated Vernon, highlighting the firm’s commitment to its clients. By continually expanding their services and operational capacities, Merit Financial Advisors aims to be at the forefront of changing landscapes in wealth management.

As this acquisition comes to fruition, the team at Merit Financial Advisors is keenly aware of the transformational potential their new partnership offers. With the expertise of Obsidian, they can better serve a diverse range of clients, catering to complex financial needs as they navigate life transitions.

For more information about Merit Financial Advisors, visit Merit’s Website. Investment advice is offered through Merit Financial Group, LLC, which is registered with the SEC.