Join us for a dynamic discussion featuring insights from Fidelity’s latest M&A report. Since we began tracking transactions in 2015, we have witnessed profound change in the M&A space, including the acceleration of transactions, the size of deals, and the players involved. In 2024 alone, purchased assets for RIA and broker-dealer M&A transactions totaled nearly $1T ($909.7B).1
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Unless otherwise expressly disclosed to you in writing, the information provided in this material is for educational purposes only. Any viewpoints expressed by Fidelity are not intended to be used as a primary basis for your investment decisions and are based on facts and circumstances at the point in time they are made and are not particular to you. Accordingly, nothing in this material constitutes impartial investment advice or advice in a fiduciary capacity, as defined or under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, both as amended. Fidelity and its representatives may have a conflict of interest in the products or services mentioned in this material because they have a financial interest in the products or services and may receive compensation, directly or indirectly, in connection with the management, distribution, and/or servicing of these products or services, including Fidelity funds, certain third-party funds and products, and certain investment services. Before making any investment decisions, you should take into account all of the particular facts and circumstances of your or your client’s individual situation and reach out to an investment professional, if applicable.
1 M&A data is gathered from press releases, trade articles, and other secondary research sources. All publicly announced transactions involving the acquisition of an independent advisory firm are reviewed for inclusion
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Laura Delaney is a vice president and senior business consultant for Fidelity Institutional®. Fidelity Institutional is a division of Fidelity Investments that offers investment insights, strategies, and solutions, as well as trading services to a wide range of wealth management firms and institutional investors. Fidelity Investments is a leading provider of investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits outsourcing, and other financial products and services to institutions, financial intermediaries, and individuals.
In this role, Ms. Delaney helps business owners identify and address strategic challenges critical
to achieving high performance and growth. She leads Fidelity’s mergers & acquisitions consulting
program and is a frequent speaker in industry conferences.
Prior to joining Fidelity, Ms. Delaney had a 16-year career with BNY Mellon | Pershing®. Ms. Delaney held several roles including enterprise & product consulting and vice president global strategy & product management. Ms. Delaney is the recipient of the BNY Mellon Star award; awarded once in a BNY Mellon career to those who exemplify outstanding achievements. Ms. Delaney brings 25 years of experience in the wealth management industry to her role.
Ms. Delaney earned her MBA degree from Dowling College in Oakdale, NY. She also holds the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series 7, 24, and 63 licenses. She is a graduate of WOMEN Unlimited, Inc. and serves as a standing mentor for the program.
Claire O’Keefe serves as Partner, Head of Partner Development, and member of the Leadership Team at Cerity Partners. She has a deep appreciation for the unique fabric of our firm which she regularly refers to as her “forever home”.
Central to Claire’s philosophy is human connection. As Head of Partner Development, she is passionate about building relationships with both current and prospective partners and colleagues who are excited by the vision of our firm, share our cultural values, and are committed to serving the best interests of clients, colleagues, and the communities in which we operate. She believes that authenticity, empathy, active listening, high emotional intelligence, and genuine curiosity, form the bedrock of effective communication and trusted relationships. In her words, “The magic of our partnership is our people.”
Cerity Partners is more than just a firm; it’s a community. A community where everyone’s voice counts, where an entrepreneurial spirit thrives, and where decisions prioritize our clients, free from external pressures.
Prior to joining Cerity Partners, Claire served as Chief Operating Officer and client advisor for two wealth management firms. In these roles, Claire’s responsibilities included strategic planning, client and colleague development, and client advisory for affluent individuals, business owners, executives, and nonprofit organizations.
Education
B.A. from Trinity College
MBA from Stony Brook University
Highlights
Member of Vistage International
Former member of the Henry Viscardi School Board of Trustees
Designations and Licenses
Brian is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®.
Experience and Education
As part of the corporate development team, Brian leads and executes growth strategies for the firm. His work includes the strategic lift-out of advisors and teams, assessing and identifying key talent for recruiting, as well as RIA firm acquisitions across the U.S. Brian has more than 25 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Mariner, he spent 19 years at Fidelity Investments, where he served in a range of leadership roles, including business development, regional market management strategic business planning, recruiting, coaching and professional development. Before joining Fidelity, Brian was with American Express, where he held several positions providing business development and investment product support to investment professionals. Brian has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Personal Interests
Brian is a volunteer with Catholic Charities of Fort Worth, supporting and serving poverty eradication programs. He has also participated in several volunteer and mission trips to both Honduras and Haiti with the Diocese of Fort Worth and The Global Orphan Project. He served eight years as a non-commissioned officer with the 3rd Medical Battalion and the 4th Civil Affairs Regiment, Texas State Guard and was deployed with the Texas Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve 804th Medical Brigade.
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Michael joined GTCR in 2016 and became a Director in 2024. Prior to joining GTCR, he worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Barclays. Michael holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in economics and psychology from Williams College, where he graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.
Michael is currently a Director of AssetMark, Cisive and itel, and works closely with CAPTRUST. He was previously involved in GTCR’s investment in Paya.
