Beyond AUM Named Finalist in ThinkAdvisor's 2026 Luminaries Awards for Sell-Side RIA Matchmaking

Firm recognized for its Concierge Succession Planning model, built to protect legacy, culture, and growth long after a deal closes

CHICAGO, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beyond AUM, a full-service marketing, growth, and M&A advisory firm serving financial services firms nationwide, has been named a Finalist in the ThinkAdvisor 2026 Luminaries Awards for Product or Service Innovation. The recognition honors the firm's RIA M&A Matchmaking Services — Sell-Side Concierge Succession Planning.

Now in its sixth year, ThinkAdvisor's Luminaries Awards recognize outstanding contributions from organizations and individuals shaping the financial services industry. Beyond AUM was previously recognized in 2021 as a winner in the Thought Leadership category.

"We are thrilled to be recognized with this prestigious award and named alongside our industry peers," said Gretchen Halpin, Co-Founder of Beyond AUM. "Our process is focused on so much more than the transaction. It's designed for thoughtful buyer evaluation, cultural alignment, and operational integration that continues into growth well after closing."

While most sell-side engagements stop at the closing table, Beyond AUM's doesn't. Alongside standards of the M&A process like discovery meetings, due diligence, and offer negotiation, the firm built its practice around what happens after: client communication, digital continuity, staff retention, and an onboarding roadmap developed with the acquirer's integration team.

The model traces back to Beyond AUM's first M&A advisory work, guiding longtime client and Investopedia Top 100 Advisor Kimberly Foss through the sale of her firm to Mercer Advisors. What began as a single request evolved into a distinct service line, built on a simple premise: the firms that get M&A right start planning years before a deal is on the table.

That philosophy shapes how Beyond AUM works. The firm spends an average of four to five years partnering with RIAs on growth before owners consider an exit — building a depth of institutional knowledge most brokers never have. Rather than earning a fee solely for closing a deal, Beyond AUM pairs a retainer with a success fee tied to the right transaction — a structure that has helped sellers retain up to 5.5 percent more of their exit value than traditional broker models.

In 2025, longtime client The Humphreys Group was acquired by Treehouse Wealth Advisors. Beyond AUM served as strategic advisor throughout the process and building a one-year integration roadmap that included post-acquisition coaching and a staff offsite focused on career pathing. The firm also protected something often overlooked in traditional M&A: the seller's digital footprint, working to preserve SEO and AIO value through the transition.

To date, Beyond AUM has guided seven M&A engagements — including, most recently the 2026 acquisition of Financial Connections Group by Apella Wealth.

About Beyond AUM

Beyond AUM is a full-service agency delivering marketing, growth, technology, and digital experience solutions to financial services firms across the US — including RIAs, wealth managers, planners, TAMPs, WealthTech, and Broker-Dealers.

Media Contact:
Gretchen Halpin, Co-Founder
Beyond AUM
800-583-2315 
[email protected] 
https://beyondaum.com/ 

SOURCE Beyond AUM