In a significant consolidation move that underscores the growing importance of Texas’s capital in the national financial scene, New York-based Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) Cerity Partners has officially merged with Austin Private Wealth. The transaction, which closed at the end of the previous year, integrates Austin Private Wealth’s substantial $1.4 billion in assets under management (AUM) into Cerity’s extensive portfolio, elevating the national firm’s total client assets to over $140 billion. This merger represents Cerity’s first major acquisition announcement of 2026, signaling an unwavering commitment to the aggressive growth strategy that characterized its activities in the preceding year. The deal is not merely an acquisition but a full integration, as Austin Private Wealth will now operate entirely under the Cerity Partners brand, effectively leveraging the national firm’s name recognition and resources to serve a rapidly expanding clientele in the heart of Texas.
A Strategic Expansion into a Key Growth Market
The decision by Cerity Partners to merge with Austin Private Wealth is a calculated move to secure a stronger foothold in what the firm has identified as a “key growth market.” Austin’s booming technology sector and burgeoning population of high-net-worth individuals make it a critical hub for wealth management services. By absorbing a well-established local RIA, Cerity gains immediate access to a mature client base and deep-seated community relationships that would otherwise take years to build. This strategic partnership is designed to be more than just a line item on a balance sheet; it is a foundational step in building a dominant presence throughout the Austin metropolitan area. The full rebranding of Austin Private Wealth to Cerity Partners is indicative of this long-term vision, ensuring a unified service model and brand identity that clients can rely on as the firm expands its regional influence and service capabilities to meet the complex demands of the local economy.
For the clients of the former Austin Private Wealth, this merger promises an immediate and significant expansion of available resources and expertise. Raoul Célèrier, Co-Managing Partner at Austin Private Wealth, emphasized that the partnership was forged to provide clients with a deeper well of professional talent and a more comprehensive suite of financial tools. Specifically, clients will now have access to more sophisticated estate and tax planning strategies, which are critical for preserving wealth across generations in an environment of evolving tax laws. Furthermore, the integration brings expanded investment solutions, allowing for greater diversification and access to opportunities previously unavailable to a smaller regional firm. The ability to offer comprehensive multi-generational wealth strategies ensures that financial plans can be crafted with a long-term perspective, addressing the unique needs of families as their wealth and objectives change over time, a crucial service for Austin’s dynamic and entrepreneurial demographic.
The Cultural and Operational Synergy
Beyond the financial metrics and strategic positioning, leaders from both organizations have stressed that a profound cultural alignment was the true cornerstone of this merger. Claire O’Keefe, Partner and Head of Partner Development at Cerity Partners, highlighted that the shared “client-first” philosophy was a non-negotiable prerequisite for the deal. In the RIA space, where personal relationships and trust are paramount, a clash of corporate cultures can undermine the very value an acquisition is meant to create. Both firms have built their reputations on a commitment to long-term financial planning and a collaborative internal environment. This emphasis on a strong partnership culture, where colleagues are highly valued, was a key factor identified by Republic Capital Group (RCG), the advisory firm that guided Austin Private Wealth through the process. RCG described the union as an “excellent” strategic fit, noting that this synergy would ensure a smooth transition for both advisors and clients, fostering continuity and stability.
The completion of the merger between Cerity Partners and Austin Private Wealth ultimately signaled a new chapter for the wealth management landscape in Austin. This transaction was not merely about consolidating assets; it was a strategic integration of talent, resources, and a shared client-centric ethos that set a higher bar for comprehensive financial advisory services in the region. The seamless absorption of a respected local firm into a national powerhouse demonstrated how strategic acquisitions could be used to rapidly scale capabilities and market presence. For other independent RIAs in high-growth markets, this event served as a powerful case study on the importance of cultural compatibility and the compelling advantages of joining a larger platform to enhance client offerings, from sophisticated tax planning to multi-generational wealth strategies. The undisclosed financial terms of the deal further suggested that the primary motivation was strategic positioning and long-term growth rather than a simple monetary exchange.
