Cetera Financial Group Expands Its National Reach with Marmo Financial Group Acquisition

In a significant move for both firms, Cetera Financial Group, Inc. has officially acquired the assets of Marmo Financial Group, based in Johnson City, Tennessee. This acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Cetera, which is now poised to grow its national footprint in the employee-advisor Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) space.

As of June 25, 2026, Marmo Financial Group’s transition into the Cetera family brings along approximately $300 million in assets under management (AUM), nicely encompassing around 620 clients. Scott Marmo, the founder and principal advisor of Marmo, along with his dedicated team, will join Cetera Planning Partners - a collective that integrates various Cetera entities to provide comprehensive financial advisory services.

This merger isn’t merely a fiscal maneuver; it embodies a significant alignment of values and service ideals. Marmo expressed that the decision to partner with Cetera wasn’t simply about financial incentives; rather, it stemmed from a mutual cultural fit and a shared vision for delivering exemplary client services. This sentiment is reinforced by his intent to enhance the services available to his clients through Cetera’s robust platform.

"We had multiple offers from large firms, but the alignment of our cultures was paramount," Marmo stated in an interview. He cited the access to in-house estate planning, legal support, and CPA services as crucial offerings that can better serve client needs. With Cetera backing, Marmo believes they can now provide a more extensive suite of financial capabilities all under one roof.

The decision also reflects broader trends within the RIA space, where the pressure to consolidate and provide a wider array of services is increasingly felt. Marmo noted that organic double-digit growth within his independently run firm can be challenging amidst rising complexities and technological demands, leading to the realization that a larger partner would enable further growth without sacrificing service quality.

By joining Cetera as W-2 employees, Marmo and his team will benefit from additional career development resources and a national platform that streamlines many of the operational burdens, allowing them to refocus on nurturing client relationships. This operational shift aims to bring about a fully integrated experience for clients, encompassing financial planning, tax strategy, investment management, estate planning, insurance, and retirement solutions in a seamless manner.

Jennifer Hanau, President of Cetera RIA and Branches, welcomed Marmo warmly, emphasizing the strong alignment and disciplined approach that Marmo brings. Highlighting the impressive organic growth and client-centered focus of Marmo Financial Group, Hanau noted that this acquisition is a perfect illustration of the kind of synergy Cetera values in its partnerships.

Kevin Conard, Head of Cetera Planning Partners, echoed these sentiments, praising Marmo’s thorough evaluation of potential partners which underscored Cetera’s competitive positioning in the financial advisory market.

In summary, Cetera Financial Group's acquisition of Marmo Financial Group not only exemplifies a merger of market strengths but also a confluence of philosophies that prioritizes outstanding client service. The strategic move will not only broaden Cetera's reach but will undoubtedly enrich the tapestry of financial solutions available to clients, setting a strong precedent for future growth and collaborations.

For continual updates and detailed insights regarding this merger and its implications in the financial landscape, stay tuned to Cetera Planning Partners’ platform.

About Cetera

Cetera stands as a leading financial advisor network, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support tailored to their unique needs. As of March 31, 2026, Cetera reported management of approximately $630 billion in assets, underscoring its pivotal role in the financial sector. With about 12,000 financial professionals operating within its ecosystem, Cetera combines a modern approach with a community-driven culture, ensuring that advisors have the resources necessary for sustainable growth.