Equitable to acquire Stifel Independent Advisors
Equitable, a financial services firm and principal franchise of Equitable Holdings, has agreed to acquire Stifel Independent Advisors , a subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp. The deal, expected to close in early 2026 pending regulatory approval, will bring more than 110 independent advisors managing $9 billion in client assets under Equitable Advisors, the company’s broker-dealer and registered investment adviser.
The acquisition strengthens Equitable’s position in wealth management—its fastest-growing business segment with $110 billion in assets under administration and 4,500 financial professionals nationwide. Stifel’s independent advisors will join Equitable’s supported independence model, gaining access to technology, marketing, compliance, and succession planning tools.
For Stifel, the move refocuses its efforts on its employee-advisor channel, which manages $500 billion in assets. The firm expects the divestiture to accelerate its path toward $1 trillion in assets under management.
Wealth Management is the fastest-growing segment for Equitable Holdings and plays a central role in the company’s integrated business model, focusing on helping more Americans meet their financial planning and advice needs. The acquisition further accelerates the growth strategy for Equitable Advisors, which includes approximately 4,500 financial professionals across the U.S. and more than $110 billion in assets under administration.[ii] Additionally, the transaction builds on Equitable Advisors’ strong momentum, complementing its 12% organic growth rate on a trailing twelve-month basis[iii] and its ongoing efforts to attract experienced advisors.
Stifel Independent Advisors will have access to a broad range of resources and benefit from Equitable Advisors supported independence model, which provides robust capabilities, resources and operational infrastructure. This includes an open-architecture platform, leading technology, marketing tools and real estate, as well as support with succession planning, team formation and compliance. The advisors can also leverage Equitable Advisors’ holistic approach to financial planning, which goes beyond investments to provide clients with advice that considers life goals, business goals, family situations, lifestyle and purpose.
“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 of 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 of 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 of Stifel Financial Corp.
