Merit Financial Advisors, 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 the acquisition of SSC Wealth, LLC, the wealth management division of SSC CPAs + Advisors. SSC Wealth manages approximately $259.6 million in AUM and serves primarily high-net-worth individuals and business owners and specializes in tax strategies and business valuation and optimization for those clients. 

As part of the transaction, four SSC Wealth professionals will join Merit Financial Advisors including Bert Falley, Wealth Manager and Partner and Michele Hammann, who will assume an expanded role as Regional Vice President and Partner at Merit Financial Advisors, while continuing to serve as Chief Strategy Officer of SSC CPAs + Advisors. 

In her dual role, Hammann will help deepen relationships between SSC's CPA's and professionals and Merit advisors, supporting referral collaboration and joint client engagement.

This marks the fifty-third acquisition and the first in 2026, for the Georgia based RIA and follows Merit's last acquisition of BluePrint Wealth Advisors which added over $1.2B in AUM and served as an entry point for Merit's presence in the Chicagoland area. 

While Merit is acquiring SSC Wealth's advisory business, assets, and employees, the broader significance of the transaction lies in the long-term strategic partnership formed between Merit Financial Advisors and SSC CPAs + Advisors, a nationally recognized, high-end accounting, tax planning and advisory firm.

"This is not a traditional acquisition," said Rick Kent, CEO of Merit Financial Advisors. "This is about organic growth, differentiation, and doing what's best for clients. We believe deeply in staying true to our core area of focus, comprehensive wealth management. Rather than bringing our tax services exclusively in-house, we are also partnering with one of the most respected CPA firms in the country so our clients can benefit from their expertise."

Established in 2008, SSC Wealth LLC, has historically served clients who are also engaged with SSC's comprehensive tax planning services. SSC CPAs + Advisors employs more than 95 professionals and specializes in advanced tax planning, business succession strategies, and accounting services for complex client situations.