Ranked among the top acquirers in a recent Fidelity report, Savant Wealth Management, like a number of firms, continues to accelerate its national expansion with this latest transaction.

Savant Wealth Management, a fee-only registered investment advisor (RIA) with about $56.5 billion in assets under management (AuM), has partnered with Socha Financial Group, an RIA in Corning, New York, with about $542 million in AuM. The partnership closed August 31, 2026. Savant did not disclose financial terms of the deal. FP Transitions served as the M&A consultant and valuation advisor to Socha Financial Group.

The partnership marks Savant's third office in New York. With the addition of Socha Financial Group, Savant now has 71 offices across 28 states. 

Founded in 1983 by Nancy Socha, the firm has developed relationships with individuals and families throughout the Corning region and is known for its specialized services to employees and retirees of Corning Incorporated, the firm said in a statement. Michelle Socha Vang, managing partner and chief operating officer (COO), and Jolie McCarthy, managing partner, are joining Savant as member-owners and employees. The rest of the team will join as Savant employees. CEO and chief investment officer Michael Socha is joining as a member-owner of Savant but will not be an employee.

Savant has been ranked among the top acquirers in a recent Fidelity report which shows that the first half of 2026 continued to show strong M&A activity within the RIA industry. While the number of reported transactions declined slightly to 120 deals from 132 in the first half of 2025, the scale of acquisitions expanded dramatically. Aggregate acquired assets reached $342.9 billion, nearly doubling the $182.8 billion reported a year earlier, the report shows.

"Socha Financial Group has spent more than four decades building a legacy centered on comprehensive financial planning, with a goal of providing exceptional client service and strong community relationships," said Brent Brodeski, founder and CEO of Savant Wealth Management. "Socha’s commitment to helping clients navigate every aspect of their financial lives aligns closely with Savant's planning-driven approach. We are especially impressed by the culture they have created and the longstanding client relationships they have supported over the years."

Socha Vang said the partnership will allow the firm to continue its personalized service model while benefiting from Savant's expanded capabilities and resources.

"Throughout our history, our focus has been on building meaningful relationships and helping clients make informed financial decisions through comprehensive planning," she said. "As our firm has grown, we recognized the need for additional resources, technology, and specialized expertise to continue providing high-quality service to clients. Savant provides those resources while preserving the values and culture that have defined our firm for more than 40 years."

McCarthy said the firms share a commitment to putting clients first and delivering advice grounded in integrity and long-term relationships.

"When evaluating potential partners, we looked for a firm that shared our philosophy and dedication to comprehensive financial planning," she added. "Savant stood out because of its commitment to serving clients, its collaborative culture, and the breadth of services available to support families through every stage of life."

Recently, Savant wrapped up partnerships with North Ridge Wealth Advisors and Desmond Wealth Management.

A lot of RIAs, for example Denver-headquartered Mercer Global Advisors, are making an increasing number of acquisitions. Most recently, Mercer acquired NorthAvenue Financial Advocates, a Columbus, Ohio-based wealth management firm with more than $220 million in assets under management.

M&A volume transactions for RIAs have been soaring to new highs. However, valuations haven’t kept up, and price expectations between buyers and sellers are widening, as our US correspondent has reported here.