The deal marks MAI’s 21st acquisition since January 2024 and expands the firm’s presence in Texas while strengthening its Evoke Advisors division, which serves UHNW and family office clients.

MAI Capital Management, a registered investment advisor (RIA), has acquired another RIA, Dallas-based Service Academy Capital Management. SACMGT manages about $563 million in assets under management (AuM) and serves ultra-high net worth (UHNW) individuals and their families, institutions and family offices.

SACMGT has joined MAI’s UHNW division, Evoke, effective May 29, 2026. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2015 by Brian Sears, SACMGT was built on the philosophy that clients deserve a fundamentally different kind of wealth management experience: one grounded in transparency, customization and proactivity. The firm, which brings more than a century of combined experience, specializes in delivering bespoke portfolios and financial planning advice. Utilizing both private and public market investments, SACMGT constructs portfolios specific to each client’s risk profile and investment objectives.

Prior to founding SACMGT, Sears served as one of the co-heads of Barclays Wealth America, overseeing the Western US. He was also a global co-head of Distribution and Product Development for Alternative Investments at Neuberger Berman and a financial advisor at Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch. After a career at some of Wall Street's most recognized institutions, Sears founded SACMGT to advance what he believed was a better model built on honesty, integrity and a genuine alignment of interests between advisor and client.

“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,” said Rick Buoncore, chairman and CEO, MAI. “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.”

The addition of SACMGT will enhance MAI’s UHNW capabilities and bench strength, while reinforcing its position as a destination for advisors who share its commitment to bespoke, client-centered wealth management.

“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,” said David Hou, managing partner, Evoke.

“I have known and worked with members of the Evoke leadership team since 1994,” said Sears. “Over the years, we often discussed finding a way to partner, and once Evoke joined MAI last year, the decision was straightforward.”

As a 100 per cent disabled veteran-owned firm, SACMGT's philanthropic mission of giving back to service members is deeply aligned with MAI's commitment to serving its communities. SACMGT has long offered pro-bono financial planning and advice to US veterans and their families facing financial hardship, as well as supporting other charitable endeavors.

The acquisition marks MAI's 21st addition since January 2024, bringing MAI’s total acquisitions to more than 50 since its founding as the company continues to scale to meet the needs of clients across the country. It is part of a powerful M&A trend in the North American wealth sector. See more here about MAI’s recent acquisitions.