Steward Partners Acquires $950M Georgia-Based RIA American Financial Advisors
Steward Partners, a Connecticut-based registered investment advisor (RIA) with over $57 billion in assets under management and more than 175 advisory teams, has acquired Marietta, Georgia-based American Financial Advisors. The firm, founded by Michael Stark in 1991 and managing nearly $1 billion in client assets, is now part of Steward's M&A hybrid platform. Michael Stark transitioned from a Marine Corps pilot to Delta Airlines before founding his RIA after helping colleagues with financial planning. His focus on service-first principles aligned well with Steward’s values, making the acquisition a strategic fit for both parties. The deal highlights continued strong activity in the RIA market and expands Steward's presence into Atlanta. Steward has seen robust M&A momentum this year, including its largest wirehouse breakaway team from UBS earlier in 2026. With nine more deals currently in progress—many involving larger teams—the firm remains optimistic about growth opportunities.
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