MAI Capital Management announced the acquisition of Service Academy Capital Management (SACMGT), a Dallas-based registered investment advisor serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, institutions, and family offices. SACMGT will join MAI’s ultra-high-net-worth division, Evoke. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2015 by Brian Sears, SACMGT has focused on delivering customized wealth management services built around transparency, proactive advice, and tailored investment strategies. The firm specializes in portfolio construction and financial planning using both private and public market investments designed around each client’s specific goals and risk profile.
The acquisition strengthens MAI’s presence in Texas and enhances its capabilities in serving ultra-high-net-worth clients. SACMGT brings extensive experience across alternative investments, fixed income, complex financial planning, and family office-style client service.
Under the transaction, SACMGT clients will gain access to MAI’s broader platform, including compliance, operations, portfolio reporting, tax and estate planning, trust services, investment research, and family office resources. Brian Sears will continue leading client relationships and investment strategy as Investment Advisor and Senior Managing Director.
MAI said the addition of SACMGT supports its continued growth strategy and reinforces its position as a destination for advisors seeking a combination of institutional resources and client-focused independence. The acquisition also expands Evoke’s ability to provide comprehensive family office services, including sophisticated planning, tax, estate, and lifestyle support for multigenerational wealth.
SACMGT’s philanthropic focus on supporting military veterans aligns with MAI’s community engagement initiatives. As a 100% disabled veteran-owned firm, SACMGT has provided pro bono financial planning and advisory services to veterans and military families facing financial hardship.
The transaction became effective on May 29, 2026.
KEY QUOTES:
“Brian and his team have built just the kind of firm we seek out, one where the client relationship comes first and the investment approach is as unique as the clients they serve. Service Academy Capital Management’s depth of experience in alternatives, fixed income and complex planning, combined with a family office-style approach to each client relationship, will complement MAI’s platform, especially as we continue to expand our ultra-high-net-worth and family office offerings.”
Rick Buoncore, Chairman & CEO, MAI Capital Management
“The addition of the Service Academy Capital team enhances our ability to deliver comprehensive, high-touch service to clients across Dallas and the broader region, one of the country’s most dynamic markets. Ultra-high-net-worth families today tend to want more than investment access. Many are looking for a full family office experience, and through this partnership, Brian and his team will be able to provide their clients access to our Family Office Service Group, which offers sophisticated planning as well as tax, estate, and lifestyle support tailored to multigenerational wealth.”
David Hou, Managing Partner, Evoke
“I have known and worked with members of the Evoke leadership team since 1994. Over the years, we often discussed finding a way to partner, and once Evoke joined MAI last year, the decision was straightforward. After visiting MAI in Cleveland, meeting with leadership and sitting in on research calls, I found a firm that shares a philosophy similar to the one we built at Service Academy Capital Management, one that is dedicated to providing integrated wealth management solutions for clients, aims to make the right decisions for its people, and is deeply committed to giving back.”
Brian Sears, Founder, Service Academy Capital Management
