Creative Planning Buys $1B West Coast Advisory Firm 

Creative Planning has acquired Monterey Private Wealth, a Monterey, CA-based advisory firm that manages over $1 billion in assets, expanding its presence on the West Coast. 

Monterey Private Wealth specializes in financial planning and investment management, serving high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions. Through this acquisition, the firm’s clients gain access to Creative Planning’s in-house expertise in tax planning, estate planning, and retirement strategies.  

The move integrates Monterey Private Wealth’s team and clients into Creative Planning’s operations, which, as of late 2024, oversaw more than $354 billion in combined assets under management and advisement. 

The acquisition marks Overland Park, KS-based Creative Planning’s fourth acquisition of the year. Peter Mallouk, President and CEO, emphasized the compatibility of the two firms, noting Monterey Private Wealth’s client-focused approach and strong ties to the local community as key factors in the decision. 

The deal was facilitated by ECHELON Partners, acting as the exclusive sell-side financial advisor, with both firms utilizing Charles Schwab as their custodian. 

This acquisition is a continuation of Creative Planning’s aggressive expansion efforts through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Earlier in 2025, the firm acquired Maxwell Wealth Strategies, another California-based RIA, further solidifying its presence in the state. 

Creative Planning’s recent acquisitions have been partially driven by a minority investment from TPG Capital, a San Francisco-based private equity firm, made in September. This investment has brought TPG Capital alongside General Atlantic, an existing investor that continues to hold its minority stake in the firm.