Mariner's 2025 Acquisition Spree: A New Era of Institutional Services

As the financial services industry kicks off 2025, Mariner, a leading national financial services firm, has wasted no time in solidifying its position as a premier partner for institutional consulting services. The firm has announced a series of strategic acquisitions that will significantly bolster its institutional practice and expand its national footprint. Let's delve into the details of these deals and explore the implications for Mariner and the broader financial landscape.

Mariner's acquisition spree began with the purchase of Cardinal Investment Advisors, an institutional investment consulting firm with offices in Chicago and St. Louis. This deal, announced on January 9, 2025, added $292 billion in assets under advisement and about 40 employees to Mariner's institutional practice. Cardinal's nationwide client base, focused on insurance companies, corporate retirement plans, healthcare systems, foundations, and endowments, will now be served by Mariner Institutional, a new division seeded last year with the acquisitions of AndCo Consulting and Fourth Street Performance Partners.

Following this initial acquisition, Mariner has continued its expansion with the purchase of three additional firms: Cassady Schiller Wealth, Jenkins Wealth, and Triton Financial Group. These deals, announced on January 14, 2025, add around $1.08 billion in assets under advisement to Mariner's portfolio. The firms, based in Cincinnati, Englewood, and Marlborough, respectively, will adopt the Mariner brand upon operational closes in the first quarter of 2025. Their current offices and teams will remain intact, allowing Mariner to expand its national footprint to 127 locations across the country.



These acquisitions align with Mariner's long-term growth strategy of reaching 5,000 advisors by 2027. By expanding its assets under advisement, growing its advisor base, and expanding its national presence, Mariner is well on its way to achieving this ambitious goal. The firm's commitment to client-focused services and its strong philanthropic culture have made it an attractive partner for these acquisitions, as evidenced by the statements from the acquired firms' leadership.

The integration of these firms will not only enhance Mariner's service offerings but also strengthen its position as a trusted partner to institutions around the country working to navigate the increasingly complex financial landscape. By bringing together the experienced capabilities and talented teams of the acquired firms, Mariner will be better equipped to address the unique challenges facing institutional investors and deliver innovative, reliable solutions tailored to their needs.

As Mariner continues to grow and adapt in the ever-evolving financial services industry, it is clear that the firm is committed to shaping the future of institutional consulting services while staying true to its client-first ethos. With a strong foundation of acquisitions and a clear vision for the future, Mariner is poised to lead the way as 2025 unfolds and beyond.