Integrating Culture in Successful RIA Mergers and Acquisitions: The Guide for Financial Advisors

With organic growth becoming more and more elusive, Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) activity within the RIA industry is at an all-time high. In 2019, RIA merger and acquisition activity accelerated its momentum compared to the halfway point last year, with a strong second quarter that saw 33 deals for a total of 65 for the first six months, according to the DeVoe & Co. Deal Book.

While M&As may seem like “easy” growth for firms, the only easy part may be signing on the dotted line. Maintaining success by merging two firms hinges on a handful of key factors, and one of them is the careful integration of culture.

In Integrating Culture in Successful RIA Mergers and Acquisitions, Greg Friedman, a veteran financial advisor, and Cynthia Greenfield, a leadership and change management coach, share their blueprint for achieving and maintaining a successful, positive work culture, tackling head-on the obstacles that may appear during an M&A event, and offering solutions based on real-world experiences.  This book will show the evolution of a $2B RIA over the course of 10 years, and pull back the covers with real stories of obstacles, adjustments, and victories along the way. 

Greg Friedman is an innovator and advocate for excellent wealth management. He is co-founder and CEO of Private Ocean, one of the West Coast's leading wealth management firms. He is the author of two books; Advisory Leadership: Using the Seven Steps of Heart Culture to Create Lasting Success for Any Wealth Management Firm, and The Financial Advisor M&A Guidebook: Best Practices, Tools, and Resources for Technology Integration and Beyond. 

Cynthia Greenfield is a Leadership Coach and owner of the consulting firm, in the Momentum, and also the Chief Experience Officer at Private Ocean Wealth Management. Working with executive teams and individuals, Cynthia focuses on the power of intention, thoughtful action, and accountability that drives and delivers meaningful results.