Top-ranked RIA Brings Mariner Expanded Client Roster of Community Banks and Credit Unions

Overland Park, Kan. – August 2, 2022 – Mariner Wealth Advisors, a national wealth advisory firm, today announced it acquired Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based Heber Fuger Wendin Investment Advisors (HFW) at the end of July, marking the latest in a series of strategic acquisitions that will expand the firm’s scale, expertise and integrated capabilities across the U.S.

HFW has origins dating back to 1934 and is one of the most tenured registered investment advisors in the United States. Led by President and CEO Dave Barnes, the firm manages an impressive $8.6 billion¹ in assets under management. The addition of HFW expands Mariner Wealth Advisors’ catalog of offerings significantly with its niche focus on advising community banks and credit unions – a previously untapped clientele for the wealth advisory firm.

“At Mariner Wealth Advisors, we know that true client service goes beyond the portfolio, and this is a motto that HFW lives by every day,” said Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner Wealth Advisors. “In addition to being aligned with their business philosophy, we’re excited to work with them to grow their very valuable offering supporting community banks and credit unions. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the Mariner family.”

HFW has demonstrated incredible growth in the past several years; the firm was ranked #17 on the RIA Channel’s list of top 50 wealth managers by growth in assets from 2020 to 2021. In addition to community banks and credit unions, the firm advises clients across the Midwest and Southern United States, including insurance companies, hospitals, foundations, manufacturing companies, and individuals seeking a wealth advisory partner. The firm’s services include bank investment and credit union investment advisory services, asset liability management (“ALM”), 3^rd party reviews of ALM models, investment portfolio accounting, mortgage servicing rights valuation, financial planning for individuals, and other financial consulting services.

“Mariner Wealth Advisors fully understands and appreciates their status as a fiduciary who, like HFW, is inspired to act in the best interest of their clients and put the clients’ interests first,” said Barnes. “We’re eager to be progressing to this next stage in our development backed by the support and resources of the Mariner Wealth Advisors’ team.”

HFW assumed the Mariner Wealth Advisors’ name following the July 31 closing and continues operations as before with its current team of 11 in place. This is Mariner Wealth Advisors’ 75^th location nationwide, fourth office in Michigan, and second in Bloomfield Hills.

ECHELON Partners served as the financial advisor to HFW in the transaction.

¹As of 3/31/22.