ATLANTA, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Merit Financial Advisors ("Merit"), a Georgia-based financial advisory firm that specializes in financial planning and wealth management solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families and those navigating life transitions, announced today that it has acquired Global Wealth Advisors ("GWA"). This strategic acquisition expands Merit's national footprint, adding offices in Lewisville, San Antonio, Angleton, and Snyder, Texas; Naples, Florida; and Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. GWA brings approximately $860 million in client assets to Merit.

Founded with a focus on wealth preservation, asset protection, retirement income strategies, and estate planning, Global Wealth Advisors has built a reputation for delivering personalized financial advice to clients across multiple generations. The firm's President, Kris Maksimovich, and Managing Partner, Chris Powers, will join Merit as Regional Directors and Partners alongside their team of 14 advisors and client support staff. 

"This partnership is especially meaningful to me," said Kay Lynn Mayhue, President of Merit. "Kris and I started our careers together more than 25 years ago. I've witnessed him build a firm rooted in client service, integrity, and true leadership. It is a full-circle moment for us to now be working together under the Merit brand, and a powerful step forward toward our shared commitment to clients."

The addition of GWA solidifies Merit's strategic expansion in Texas, one of its largest and fastest-growing markets. As a result of the partnership, Merit now has seven offices in Texas and a significant leadership team, positioning Merit for continued growth in the region.

"I am a strong believer that things don't happen to you – they happen for you," said Kris. "We weren't actively looking to make a change but based on recent developments at our broker-dealer, we decided to seize an opportunity and make a change that's better for our clients and team. Joining Merit will help us maintain our personalized approach while expanding our presence in Texas."

By joining Merit, GWA will gain access to Merit's operational support and in-house wealth management platform, which will enable the team to focus on driving growth and enhancing client service.

"Kris and Chris and their high-caliber team of professionals bring both depth and dedication to their work," said Josh Mersberger, Managing Partner and Wealth Manager at Merit. "Welcoming this team to Merit enhances our capabilities and positions us to expand our reach and impact in Texas."

This is Merit's forty-first acquisition in four and a half years. Earlier in the month, Merit acquired Second Half Financial Partners, which expanded Merit's assets by $225 million and marked Merit's fifth office in Florida. 

The transaction was finalized on August 18, 2025. The financial and legal terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

About Merit Financial Advisors 
Merit Financial Group, LLC, doing business as Merit Financial Advisors ("Merit"), is a national wealth management firm that supports both the independent broker-dealer and RIA models. Merit exists to enrich the lives of those they serve, and its mission is to revolutionize the client experience by building the RIA of the future. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Merit has over 40 offices throughout the U.S. and managed $19.94 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025 ($14.06 billion in advisory, $2.6 billion in brokerage assets, $3.28B in retirement assets, and $332 million in assets under advisement). For more information, please visit www.meritfinancialadvisors.com. Investment advice offered through Merit Financial Group, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.

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SOURCE Merit Financial Advisors