Merit Financial Advisors Announces Acquisition of Towson Wealth Management, Expanding Presence in Maryland

Atlanta-based Merit Financial Advisors has acquired Towson Wealth Management, a Maryland-based firm overseeing approximately $502.5 million in total client assets. The transaction expands Merit's footprint in the Mid-Atlantic region and integrates a multi-generational team serving roughly 350 client households into its national platform. This move underscores the ongoing consolidation in the wealth management sector as smaller firms seek larger partners to provide the technology and operational infrastructure required for sustainable growth.

Merit Financial Advisors, an Atlanta-based firm specializing in high-net-worth individuals and life transitions, finalized the acquisition of Towson Wealth Management on July 17, 2026. Led by CEO Kurt Wiegert, the Towson, Maryland-based firm manages $297.5 million in assets under management and $205 million in assets under administration. As part of the transaction, Wiegert joins Merit as a Wealth Manager and Partner, bringing his entire four-person team—including two next-generation advisors he mentored from the start of their careers—to Merit’s national platform.

The decision to partner with Merit was driven by Towson’s need for advanced infrastructure to support its growth ambitions without compromising client service. Wiegert noted that the firm had reached a crossroads where further scaling would have required him to spend more time building out technology, marketing, and operational resources rather than focusing on financial planning. By joining Merit, the Towson team gains access to established leadership and resources designed to accelerate growth while maintaining their personal, relationship-based approach.

Merit executives highlighted that the acquisition was motivated by Towson’s strong foundation and its intentional focus on professional development. David Wahlen, Merit’s Executive Vice President of Strategic Partners, noted that the firm was attracted to Wiegert’s desire to accelerate growth rather than slow down, as well as the presence of a talented next generation of advisors. Tyler Vernon, Managing Partner at Merit, added that Towson’s long-term mindset and client-first culture aligned closely with Merit’s own mission to revolutionize the client experience.

Following the deal, Towson Wealth Management has rebranded as Merit Financial Advisors. Merit, which manages approximately $26 billion in total assets across more than 55 offices nationwide as of March 31, 2026, intends to use its dedicated growth resources to help the Towson team expand its reach in the greater Baltimore community. While specific financial terms were not disclosed, the partnership is designed to allow Towson’s advisors to play an active role in shaping the future of the broader organization.