Equitable, a leading financial services organization and principal franchise of Equitable Holdings, announced that its affiliate has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Stifel Independent Advisors, a subsidiary of Stifel Financial. The deal, expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, will further strengthen Equitable’s position in the U.S. wealth management market.
Stifel Independent Advisors is a premier independent broker-dealer and registered investment adviser with more than 110 independent advisors managing approximately $9 billion in client assets. Upon closing, these advisors will join Equitable Advisors, Equitable’s broker-dealer and registered investment adviser platform. The transaction does not include Stifel Financial Corp.’s employee advisor channel, allowing Stifel to focus on expanding its core employee-based business.
The acquisition aligns with Equitable’s long-term growth strategy, which emphasizes expanding its wealth management footprint through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions. Wealth Management remains the fastest-growing segment within Equitable Holdings, supporting the company’s mission to help more Americans achieve financial well-being through personalized financial planning and advice.
Equitable Advisors currently includes approximately 4,500 financial professionals across the U.S. with more than $110 billion in assets under administration. The addition of Stifel Independent Advisors builds on Equitable’s 12% trailing twelve-month organic growth rate and bolsters its efforts to attract experienced financial professionals.
Stifel Independent Advisors will gain access to Equitable Advisors’ supported independence model, which offers an open-architecture platform, advanced technology infrastructure, marketing tools, real estate support, and assistance with succession planning and compliance. Advisors will also benefit from Equitable’s holistic approach to financial planning, integrating investments with broader client goals related to family, business, lifestyle, and purpose.
Advisors/counsel: Legal counsel for the transaction includes Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP for Equitable and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP for Stifel.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are committed to growth in the wealth management space and take a disciplined approach to acquisitions, focusing on opportunities that deliver long-term value and align with our culture. Our acquisition of Stifel Independent Advisors does both, and this transaction complements our organic growth strategy to expand our Wealth Management business.”
Nick Lane, President, Equitable
“We’re proud to welcome the talented advisors from Stifel Independent Advisors to Equitable Advisors following the completion of this transaction. Our continuous investment in our platform provides advisors with the tools, resources and support they need to scale their practices and serve their clients holistically. We look forward to bringing this first-class experience to these advisors and the clients they serve.”
David Karr, Chairman, Equitable Advisors
“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. We expect that intensifying our focus on employee advisors will help advance our goal of growing assets under management from $500 billion to $1 trillion and strengthen Stifel’s position as a premier wealth management firm.”
Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman & CEO, Stifel Financial Corp.
