&Partners has expanded its advisor network with the addition of Principality Private Wealth, an Arlington Heights, Illinois-based practice that managed approximately $1 billion in client assets prior to joining. The team, which previously operated under Wells Fargo, is led by partners Andrew Buchta, Charles Collins, and Nicholas Bova, and includes support staff Katie Buchta, Mary Bronton, Brian Kotowski, Jennifer Hernandez, Ryan Seth, and Kate Buxton.
This move underscores the rapid growth trajectory of &Partners, which now comprises 115 advisor practices representing roughly $56 billion in pre-hire assets. The firm has attracted teams from major competitors including Ameriprise, Commonwealth Financial Network, Edward Jones, Merrill Lynch, Raymond James, UBS, and Wells Fargo Advisors. The addition of Principality Private Wealth further solidifies &Partners' presence in the Midwest and reflects the ongoing consolidation trend among wealth management platforms.
In a separate transaction, MCF Advisors, a Lexington, Kentucky-based registered investment advisor, has acquired Hoff Bujnoch & Associates, a Newport, Kentucky wealth management firm overseeing approximately $250 million in assets under management. The acquisition strengthens MCF's footprint in Northern Kentucky and enhances its financial planning and wealth management capabilities. Digger Bujnoch, who led Hoff Bujnoch & Associates, will join MCF as senior financial advisor and partner, bringing his entire team with him.
MCF Advisors, founded in 2004, reported $4.68 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2026. The firm's acquisition of Hoff Bujnoch & Associates aligns with its strategy of expanding through partnerships with planning-led, relationship-focused practices. This deal follows a broader industry trend where RIAs are acquiring smaller firms to gain scale and deepen regional expertise.
Janney Montgomery Scott has also bolstered its advisor roster, welcoming Shane Kelly to its Darien, Connecticut office as first vice president of wealth management. Kelly, who joined from Oppenheimer, oversees more than $120 million in client assets and brings 14 years of industry experience. He offers clients financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, and wealth preservation strategies.
These moves come as wealth management firms increasingly prioritize both recruitment and acquisition to capture market share. The addition of experienced advisors and teams allows firms to expand their geographic reach and service capabilities. For advisors, joining larger platforms often provides access to enhanced technology, compliance support, and broader product offerings, which can be attractive in a competitive landscape.
Industry observers note that the pace of advisor movement and M&A activity remains elevated, driven by factors such as succession planning, regulatory changes, and the desire for scale. Firms like &Partners and MCF Advisors are capitalizing on these trends to build out their networks, while wirehouses and regional broker-dealers like Janney continue to attract experienced talent.
