Clearstead Advisors Expands Reach with The Clarius Group Acquisition

On February 3, 2026, Clearstead Advisors, a rapidly growing registered investment adviser (RIA), announced its acquisition of The Clarius Group, a multi-family office based in Seattle. This strategic move is expected to significantly enhance Clearstead's capabilities and offerings tailored to ultra-high-net-worth clients and families. The acquisition officially closed on January 31, 2026.

Strengthening Client Services

With this acquisition, Clearstead adds 36 professionals from Clarius, including founding partners Keith Vernon and Matthew Talbot, further enhancing its team. Clarius is known for managing approximately $5.1 billion in assets, and its expertise encompasses a wide array of services from investment advisory to integrated family office support.

This merger aligns with Clearstead's long-term strategy to expand its service offering for family offices while reinforcing its footprint in the Pacific Northwest. The transaction boosts Clearstead's total client assets to around $55 billion, including $30 billion under direct management with more than 300 professionals operating from 13 offices nationwide.

Brad Knapp, CEO of Clearstead, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We are pleased to welcome Clarius into the Clearstead family. The alignment of our values and commitment to client service creates meaningful opportunities not only for our clients but also for the professionals across our firm."

Shared Values and Vision

From the onset of discussions, the shared philosophy between the two firms has been evident. As Keith Vernon noted, both companies prioritize a client-first approach, striving for excellence while fostering a collaborative culture. This common vision paves the way for a future that focuses on providing clients with a boutique advisory experience, complemented by the institutional capabilities that Clearstead has developed over the years.

Matthew Talbot added that Clarius's merger with Clearstead enriches the resources available to their clients, particularly in crucial areas like tax compliance, trust services, and alternative investments. This transition not only broadens the scope of services but also preserves the core values and culture that have historically defined Clarius.

Support System for Growth

Regarding the financial aspects of this acquisition, Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial advisor for Clarius, guiding the deal to fruition. The acquisition is also backed by an equity investment from Flexpoint Ford, made in 2022, which aims to bolster Clearstead's growth, allowing it to undertake strategic expansions like this one.

Daniel Edelman, Managing Director at Flexpoint Ford, commented on the deal, stating, "Bringing Clarius into the fold reinforces our confidence in the long-term value of this partnership, thanks to the strong cultural alignment and complementary capabilities between these firms."

Recent Expansion Highlights

This acquisition marks a vital milestone in Clearstead's journey, which has recently included other strategic expansions such as Waveland Family Office in Chicago and Wilbanks, Smith & Thomas alongside Baldwin Advisory in Virginia. These efforts collectively position Clearstead as a formidable player in the financial advisory space, dedicated to offering enhanced services focused on satisfying the unique needs of high-net-worth clients.

About Clearstead Advisors

Founded in 1989 and based in Cleveland, Clearstead provides financial advisory services to a wide range of clients, managing approximately $55 billion in assets (as of January 31, 2026). Its holistic approach integrates financial planning and tax services with research-driven investment management, catering to both private clients and institutional investors.

For more information about Clearstead Advisors and its newly acquired partner, The Clarius Group, you can visit their respective websites: Clearstead and Clarius Group.