Merchant, a serial RIA investor and strategic partner to independent wealth firms, has partnered with IFC Advisors, a Los Angeles-based registered investment advisor managing approximately $2.5 billion in assets. Through the partnership, IFC Advisors will gain access to Merchant’s talent support, technology, operational infrastructure, M&A sourcing and execution, and advisory-adjacent services, supporting an active growth strategy built around recruiting experienced advisors and selectively acquiring like-minded RIAs. 

“IFC Advisors exemplifies what we mean by partnering with purpose,” said Tim Bello, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Merchant. “They’ve built a firm where values are a practical framework for decision-making, not a tagline.” 

“Partnering with Merchant enables us to further invest in our people, capabilities, and growth without compromising our mission or fiduciary commitment,” added Marc Ackerman, Founder and Managing Partner of IFC Advisors. “This partnership strengthens our ability to serve clients with clarity, conviction, and impact.” 

For Merchant, the deal expands a global ecosystem that now encompasses more than 125 partner firms and RIA practices across six countries, collectively overseeing more than $300 billion in assets. The agreement follows Merchant’s partnership with Validus Capital, another Los Angeles-based RIA with roughly $2.5 billion in client assets.