Equitable has agreed to acquire Stifel Independent Advisors in a deal including more than 110 independent advisors managing about $9 billion in client assets, the firm announced Monday.
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. As part of the transaction, Stifel’s independent advisors are expected to join Equitable Advisors, Equitable’s broker-dealer and registered investment adviser.
The transaction does not include Stifel Financial Corp.’s employee advisor channel.
Nick Lane, president of Equitable, said in a statement that the transaction fits in with the firm’s disciplined approach to acquisitions, focusing on opportunities that deliver long-term value.
“Our acquisition of Stifel Independent Advisors does both, and this transaction complements our organic growth strategy to expand our wealth management business,” Lane said.
The transaction is expected to bring Equitable Advisors past the 4,500-advisor mark, with more than $110 billion in total assets under administration.
Upon closing, Stifel Independent Advisors will have access to a range of resources and benefit from Equitable Advisors' supported independence model. This includes an open-architecture platform, planning technology, marketing tools and real estate — as well as support with succession planning, team formation and compliance.
“This transaction reinforces Stifel’s unwavering commitment to our core employee-channel advisory business, while ensuring that our independent advisors continue to thrive with an excellent partner that shares our values,” added Ronald Kruszewski, chairman & CEO of Stifel Financial Corp.
Kruszewski said the firm expects that intensifying its focus on employee advisors will help advance its goal of growing assets under management from $500 billion to $1 trillion.
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