Merit Financial Advisors Acquires Strategic Retirement Plans, Its 57th Deal, to Bolster Platform Reach and Client Services
Atlanta‑based Merit Financial Advisors announced that it has completed the purchase of Strategic Retirement Plans (SRP), an independent wealth‑management boutique headquartered in Billings, Montana, with an additional office in Gillette, Wyoming. The transaction, finalized on March 27, 2026, adds roughly $586 million in client assets—$582 million in assets under management and $4 million in retirement plan assets under advisement—to Merit’s balance sheet and brings an estimated 800 households into its network.
The acquisition marks Merit’s 57th acquisition since its founding, underscoring the firm’s aggressive national expansion strategy that relies on integrating established advisory teams rather than building new practices from scratch.
Who is Strategic Retirement Plans?
Founded with a focus on retirement income planning, SRP has carved out a niche by helping clients replicate the predictability of a paycheck after they leave the workforce. The firm’s client roster is heavily weighted toward individuals employed in the regional energy sector—including coal mining and oil refining—alongside business owners and families seeking a high‑touch advisory relationship.
Previously aligned with Commonwealth Financial Network, SRP built a reputation for referral‑driven growth and a strong community presence, regularly hosting both virtual and in‑person events that blend market commentary with local networking.
Deal specifics and timeline
The agreement was signed in early March, with the closing occurring on March 27, 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed, a common practice in wealth‑management consolidations where the focus is on strategic fit rather than headline‑grabbing valuations. All SRP employees will transition to Merit, preserving continuity for existing clients.
Leadership transition
Gabe Lapito and Ryan Gomendi, the owners and principal advisors of SRP, will assume the roles of Area Directors, Wealth Managers, and Partners within Merit’s organizational structure. Their move brings not only client relationships but also operational expertise that aligns with Merit’s platform‑centric model.
“Strategic Retirement Plans is an exceptional firm with a talented and growing team that shares our commitment to client relationships and long‑term stewardship,” said Josh Mersberger, Managing Principal and Partner at Merit Financial Advisors. “Gabe, Ryan and their team have built a practice rooted in trust, community engagement and a deep understanding of their clients’ financial lives. We are excited to welcome them to Merit and support their continued growth.”
Platform synergies and operational benefits
By joining Merit’s ecosystem, SRP gains immediate access to a sophisticated investment platform, centralized compliance oversight, human‑resources support, and technology infrastructure. These resources are designed to reduce back‑office friction, allowing advisors to focus on client engagement and business development.
“One of our greatest goals is helping clients with their return on investment so they can focus on their return on life. We strive to combine the excellence of Wall Street with the personal touch of Main Street, because how clients experience their money is just as important as how much they have. We’re excited to partner with Merit Financial Advisors to continue delivering on that mission,” said Gabe Lapito, Owner and Financial Advisor at Strategic Retirement Plans.
“We are extremely excited to be joining the Merit team. One of our highest priorities has always been to take excellent care of our clients, and we quickly saw that the team at Merit shares that same commitment. As we met with their team and understood what they built, and what they continue to build, it was everything we dreamed about for our clients. We are so excited for this transition,” added Ryan Gomendi, Owner and Financial Advisor at Strategic Retirement Plans.
The integration also positions SRP to leverage Merit’s compliance framework, which is increasingly critical as regulators tighten oversight of fiduciary practices, data security, and client disclosures across the wealth‑management sector.
Client impact and service continuity
Clients of SRP can expect a seamless transition, with the same advisory team remaining in place while benefiting from expanded investment options and enhanced reporting tools. Merit’s platform offers a broader suite of asset classes, including ESG‑focused funds and alternative investments, which could broaden the portfolio choices available to the 800 households now under its umbrella.
The firm’s emphasis on community engagement is expected to persist, as Merit has historically allowed acquired practices to retain their local branding and event programming. However, SRP will rebrand to Merit Financial Advisors, aligning its public identity with the parent company while preserving the advisory relationships that have driven its growth.
Consolidation trends in wealth management
Merit’s acquisition spree reflects a broader wave of consolidation in the wealth‑management industry, where scale and technology are becoming decisive competitive advantages. According to recent industry surveys, more than 60 % of independent advisory firms plan to merge or be acquired within the next three years, driven by the need to meet rising compliance costs, client expectations for digital tools, and the desire to access sophisticated investment platforms without building them in‑house.
The transaction also illustrates how regional firms that specialize in niche client segments—such as energy‑sector workers in the Mountain West—are attractive targets for larger platforms seeking geographic diversification and sector‑specific expertise.
Regulatory considerations
The acquisition does not raise immediate antitrust concerns given the modest size of the combined assets under management relative to industry giants. Nonetheless, the transaction will be subject to standard FINRA and SEC oversight, particularly around client data migration, fiduciary duty continuity, and the integration of compliance policies.
Outlook for both firms
With the rebranding complete, Merit Financial Advisors now operates a more robust national footprint that spans the Southeast, Midwest, and now the Mountain West. The addition of SRP’s client base and advisory talent strengthens Merit’s position in a market where high‑net‑worth individuals increasingly demand both sophisticated investment solutions and personalized service.
For SRP’s existing clients, the partnership promises expanded product choices, improved technology, and continued access to advisors who understand the regional economic landscape. The combined entity is well positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for retirement income planning, especially as baby‑boomers transition into the next phase of their financial lives.
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