Merit Financial Advisors Expands California Footprint with $900M Deal

The Bridgeway Group, led by partners Matt Dupon, Sean Montgomery, and Scott Miller, brings a nine-person team and offices in Pasadena and Covina into the Merit fold. The acquisition serves as a pivotal transition for the partners, who had spent 13 years with Commonwealth Financial Network. Following Commonwealth’s recent sale to LPL Financial, the trio sought a partner capable of providing deeper administrative infrastructure while preserving their firm's independent, client-centric culture.

David Wahlen, Merit’s executive vice president, noted that the deal aligns with their strategy of acquiring growth-oriented firms with multi-generational leadership. For Dupon and Montgomery, who will serve as wealth managers and partners, the integration offers relief from the growing burden of HR, marketing, and operational responsibilities. By offloading these administrative tasks, the team aims to focus more time on client service and organic growth, which has historically averaged 22% annually over the past five years.

Scott Miller, 34, will take on the role of area director to spearhead talent development and expansion. The firm, which recently added two associate-level professionals, will operate under the Merit brand following the transaction's July 31 close. This partnership provides the Bridgeway team access to Merit's broader technology and resource network, positioning them as a key platform for Merit’s continued push into the Southern California market.