San Diego, February 3, 2026
Cetera Financial Group has acquired Darnall Sikes Wealth Partners, a firm managing roughly $1.9 billion in client assets, enhancing its Registered Investment Advisor platform. This strategic move enables Cetera to bolster local services and expand its footprint across the country. The acquisition also integrates a team of experienced advisors, further improving service offerings for clients. Additionally, a long-term partnership with an affiliated CPA firm reflects the trend of collaboration in the financial sector, promoting economic growth in San Diego and beyond.
Cetera Financial Group Expands Influence with New Acquisition
Strategic move enhances their Registered Investment Advisor platform and strengthens local services
San Diego, CA – In a significant move for the financial services landscape, Cetera Financial Group has completed the acquisition of Darnall Sikes Wealth Partners, a Louisiana-based firm managing approximately $1.9 billion in client assets. This acquisition, finalized on January 22, 2026, underscores the resilience of firms like Cetera in expanding their footprint while navigating an ever-evolving economic environment.
Cetera’s headquarters in San Diego continues to lead the charge in empowering independent advisors and supporting the local economy. This acquisition not only strengthens Cetera’s Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) platform but also integrates a team of six seasoned advisors and six support staff who will continue to serve clients across more than 40 states from their established Louisiana locations.
Enhancing Client Services
Darnall Sikes Wealth Partners specializes in catering to high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and families. Now operating under the Avantax Planning Partners umbrella, part of Cetera’s RIA model, this acquisition positions Cetera to leverage Darnall Sikes’ robust expertise in wealth management, ultimately benefiting clients with enhanced service offerings and financial strategies.
Strategic Partnerships for Broader Impact
In an interesting tangent to this acquisition, Darnall Sikes & Frederick, an affiliated CPA firm based in Louisiana, will maintain its independence but has forged a long-term strategic partnership with Cetera. This alliance aims to provide more comprehensive support for shared clients, reflecting the trend of synergistic partnerships in the financial industry.
Growth of Cetera’s RIA & Branches Channel
Since launching its RIA & Branches channel in June 2025, Cetera has showcased significant growth. This latest acquisition exemplifies Cetera’s commitment to fostering opportunities for independent RIAs and affiliated branches, solidifying the company’s role as a leader facilitating financial advisor success.
Cetara’s Overview and Market Position
Headquartered in San Diego, Cetera manages approximately $625 billion in assets under administration and $284 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2025. This impressive portfolio indicates a robust operational capacity, allowing Cetera to maintain a substantial influence over market trends and investment strategies.
Encouraging Economic Growth in San Diego
The successful acquisition of Darnall Sikes Wealth Partners by Cetera exemplifies the potential for growth and resilience among financial service providers in San Diego and beyond. The local economy benefits from such entrepreneurial endeavors, which promote job creation and investment in diverse financial offerings, fostering a more dynamic business environment.
Conclusion
This acquisition by Cetera Financial Group signals a strengthening of the financial advisory landscape, enhancing both client service capacities and strategic partnerships. It is crucial for residents and stakeholders in San Diego to stay engaged with these shifts, as they represent key opportunities for economic expansion and innovation in the local business ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the significance of Cetera’s acquisition of Darnall Sikes Wealth Partners?
This acquisition enhances Cetera’s Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) platform by integrating Darnall Sikes’ team, which manages approximately $1.9 billion in client assets, serving clients across more than 40 states from four Louisiana locations.
How does this acquisition affect Darnall Sikes & Frederick?
Darnall Sikes & Frederick, an affiliated Louisiana-based CPA firm, remains independent but has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Cetera to further support shared clients.
What is Cetera’s RIA & Branches channel?
Launched in June 2025, Cetera’s RIA & Branches channel supports independent RIAs and affiliated branches, representing the latest growth in Cetera’s expansion efforts.
Key Features of the Acquisition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquired Firm | Darnall Sikes Wealth Partners |
| Assets Under Management | Approximately $1.9 billion |
| Client Reach | Serves clients in more than 40 states from four Louisiana locations |
| Integration | Joins Avantax Planning Partners within Cetera’s RIA model |
| Strategic Partnership | Darnall Sikes & Frederick remains independent but enters a long-term partnership with Cetera |
| Cetera’s RIA & Branches Channel | Launched in June 2025, supports independent RIAs and affiliated branches |
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