Sanctuary Wealth announced that it has welcomed Valen Private Capital as its newest partner firm. Founded by former Merrill Lynch advisor John Durham, J.D., LL.M., the firm launches with approximately $477 million in assets under management and will focus on serving ultra-high net worth families with complex financial, estate, and multi-generational planning needs.
Valen Private Capital was established to provide investment management, planning coordination, and personalized service to a concentrated group of affluent families. The firm’s approach emphasizes helping clients navigate wealth transfer, legacy planning, and long-term capital stewardship while encouraging future generations to create value beyond inherited wealth.
According to Sanctuary Wealth President of Wealth Management Vince Fertitta, Durham sought an independent platform capable of supporting sophisticated ultra-high net worth client relationships while allowing him to expand the services and solutions available to clients. Sanctuary’s platform provides advisors with access to investment, planning, technology and operational resources while preserving flexibility and control over their businesses.
Durham brings more than 25 years of wealth management experience to his new venture. He joined Merrill Lynch in 2004 and built a practice serving individuals and families with substantial wealth. His educational background includes a Juris Doctor from Delaware Law School, a Master of Laws in Taxation from Villanova University School of Law, and an Estate Planning Certificate from Villanova University School of Law.
Joining Valen Private Capital are Benjamin Durham, formerly a Wealth Management Specialist at Merrill Lynch in New York, who will serve as Partner and Director of Financial Planning, and Lisa Downey, who has worked alongside John Durham for many years.
Sanctuary Wealth said the addition of Valen Private Capital reflects continued momentum in attracting experienced wirehouse advisors seeking greater independence, ownership and control over their client relationships and business operations.
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“John has spent decades building a highly specialized practice around the needs of an exclusive group of families. As he considered establishing his own firm and unlocking the asset he worked so hard to build, John’s top priority was a robust platform with UHNW capabilities that would enable him to fulfill his vision of expanded services and solutions for the families he serves. Free from the constraints of a wirehouse environment, he is now positioned to play an even more significant role in his clients’ lives and able to provide them with bespoke, holistic advice.”
Vince Fertitta, President, Wealth Management, Sanctuary Wealth
“As I evaluated independence, I wanted a partner that would allow me to build Valen Private Capital around my clients – not force my clients into someone else’s model. Sanctuary offered the combination of flexibility, experienced support and UHNW resources I was looking for, while allowing me to retain control of the firm I am building. That was important to me, my family and the families we serve.”
John Durham, Founder, Valen Private Capital
“Valen Private Capital reflects the kind of sophisticated advisor who continues to choose Sanctuary. John wanted more than a place to affiliate. He wanted a platform that would respect the business he built, strengthen the resources available to his clients and give him room to create value over time. We are excited to welcome John, Ben and Lisa to Sanctuary and look forward to supporting Valen Private Capital in this next phase.”
Adam Malamed, CEO, Sanctuary Wealth
