Modern Wealth Management announced that industry veteran Derek Bruton has joined the firm as Head of Mergers & Acquisitions, where he will lead the firm’s national inorganic growth strategy and guide its Partnership Development team. The appointment is intended to accelerate the firm’s expansion into key U.S. markets as it continues to acquire advisory firms that align with its client service philosophy and cultural vision.
Bruton brings more than three decades of experience across the RIA, custodian, and broker-dealer landscape, including leadership roles at Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, and LPL Financial. He has recruited more than 10,000 advisors and advised over 20,000 firms on growth and continuity, giving him extensive insight into the needs of advisory practices at various stages of development. Most recently, he worked with Gladstone Group, where he oversaw RIA sell-side transactions and led strategic consulting initiatives for wealth management organizations and asset management platforms.
In his new role at Modern Wealth, Bruton will oversee all M&A sourcing, evaluation, integration, and onboarding processes, while strengthening the firm’s relationships with investment bankers, consultants, and other industry advisors involved in RIA transactions. His leadership will support the continued growth of the Partnership Development team and help ensure consistency and alignment across newly acquired offices.
Modern Wealth has grown rapidly since its launch in April 2023, completing 18 acquisitions that have expanded its presence to 20 client-facing offices across 14 states and increasing its assets under management to more than $10 billion. The firm plans to continue establishing regional offices nationwide and is currently seeking additional talent for partnership development, particularly on the East Coast.
The firm was co-founded by former United Capital executives Gary Roth, Mike Capelle, and Jason Gordo to provide a comprehensive wealth management experience that integrates financial planning, tax planning, estate strategy, and other advisory services. Modern Wealth aims to provide financial professionals with a scalable platform while enabling clients to access a coordinated and personalized advisory model.
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“What Modern Wealth has built is impressive, and it starts with the people. The founders and executive team are individuals I trust and have enjoyed working with over the years. They’ve built a great business in a short amount of time, and I’m excited to help build on that success. What stood out to me most is how the team’s shared vision and trust have fueled Modern Wealth’s rapid growth – a trajectory I’m eager to help take to the next level.”
Derek Bruton, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions, Modern Wealth Management
“We’re grateful for Derek’s contributions to Gladstone and the leadership he’s shown in helping us navigate the surge of M&A activity in the wealth management industry. As consolidation continues across the industry at a rapid clip, collaboration between RIA buyers and M&A advisors has never been more important. Derek’s experience and ongoing relationship with our team will only strengthen the connection between Gladstone and Modern Wealth, creating new opportunities for both firms as we grow together.”
Daniel Kreuter, Founder & CEO, Gladstone Group
“Modern Wealth has achieved early success in our acquisition strategy over just 30 months, and Derek brings the industry knowledge, connections, passion and drive to take that momentum even further. Derek is a difference maker. We believe he will take our growth to the next level by drawing on the relationships and expertise he’s built over three decades in the industry. Bringing in talent of Derek’s caliber is an investment in our future and our continued national expansion.”
Jason Gordo, Co-Founder and President, Modern Wealth Management
