The move takes Mariner's AuM to $9.5 billion - of which $2.4 billion is in the Northeast - while also increasing Mariner Holdings’ AuM to $30 billion.

Mariner Wealth Advisors’ expansion in the New York/New Jersey market began two years ago when it acquired New Jersey-based Brinton Eaton. It then acquired a majority stake in New York-based RR Advisory Group late last year - see here. They are two examples of the firm's ongoing plans to expand across the US.

Besides its latest investment in Housen Financial, Mariner Wealth Advisors has undertaken several strategic initiatives in recent months.

For instance, the firm launched FirstPoint Financial to provide financial advice and resources with no minimum asset requirements. More recently, in November 2013 it created Mariner Trust Company to provide a higher level of support to clients with their multi-generational wealth planning challenges.

Mariner Wealth Advisors is led by chief executive Martin Bicknell and provides financial planning, investment advisor services, wealth planning, risk management, philanthropy services, executive compensation planning, business succession planning, family office services, retirement planning services and insurance consulting.

Housen Financial has a 13-strong team and is led by Christopher Housen, who serves as president.

The firm offers financial advice including investments, retirement, education, taxes, estate planning, insurance and risk management, and business strategy/succession planning.