Clearstead Expands UHNW Reach with $5.1B Seattle Family Office
Clearstead Advisors, LLC has acquired The Clarius Group, LLC, a Seattle-based multi-family office RIA overseeing $5.1 billion for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. The addition of 36 Clarius professionals, including founding partners Keith Vernon and Matthew Talbot, further enhances Clearstead’s capabilities serving UHNW and family office clients.
Clarius adds depth across investment advisory, integrated family office services, personal accounting, administrative support, and multi-generational planning. Talbot, Vernon, and four other Clarius partners will become Clearstead partners following the transaction.
“The addition of the Clarius team meaningfully expands our capabilities in the ultra-high-net-worth and family office space, while also creating new opportunities for professional growth across the firm,” said Brad Knapp, CEO of Clearstead.
“We have a common vision to continue building a firm that provides clients a boutique experience coupled with institutional capabilities,” added Keith Vernon, co-founder and partner of Clarius.
The acquisition marks another step in Clearstead’s growth strategy following its 2022 equity investment from Flexpoint Ford, which has supported a series of strategic combinations. Recent expansions include Waveland Family Office in Chicago; Wilbanks, Smith & Thomas and Baldwin Advisory in Norfolk, Virginia; and a new advisory team in Hudson, Ohio.
Following the transaction, Clearstead advises approximately $55 billion in total client assets, including $30 billion under management, with more than 300 professionals across 13 offices nationwide. Houlihan Lokey served as exclusive financial advisor to Clarius.
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