Louisville, Kentucky, December 17, 2025
MCF Advisors has strengthened its Louisville presence by acquiring Accredited Wealth Management, a fee-only firm managing $178 million in assets. This acquisition integrates AWM’s team into MCF, enhancing financial planning and investment services. The merger is expected to benefit clients from both firms and aligns with MCF’s growth strategy in the region, focusing on personalized financial guidance and robust wealth management solutions.
Louisville, Kentucky – MCF Advisors Enhances Local Presence with Acquisition of Accredited Wealth Management
Louisville, Kentucky – MCF Advisors, a Lexington-based registered investment adviser, has expanded its presence in Louisville by acquiring Accredited Wealth Management (AWM), a fee-only firm managing $178 million in assets. This strategic move aims to strengthen MCF’s financial planning and investment management services in the region.
Details of the Acquisition
The acquisition, finalized on December 12, 2025, integrates AWM’s team into MCF Advisors. AWM’s managing partners, Steve Giacobbe and Shawn Clark, along with their entire team, will join MCF as Senior Financial Advisors and Partners. This partnership is expected to enhance MCF’s capabilities and resources, benefiting both firms’ clients.
Strategic Significance
This acquisition marks a significant milestone for MCF Advisors, aligning with its growth strategy to expand its footprint in the Louisville market. The integration of AWM’s personalized financial guidance and exceptional client service complements MCF’s mission to provide comprehensive wealth management solutions. The synergy created by this merger is anticipated to lead to the development of robust financial strategies that cater to a more extensive clientele.
Background Context
Founded in 2004, MCF Advisors serves clients through two divisions: Wealth Management and Institutional. As of September 30, 2025, the firm managed over $3.7 billion in client assets. The acquisition of AWM follows a strategic partnership established in March 2025, where Wealth Partners Capital Group and HGGC’s Aspire Holdings invested in MCF. This partnership has enabled MCF to broaden its reach and positively impact more clients, families, and institutions with its tailored wealth management solutions, reinforcing the importance of private investment in driving economic growth.
About MCF Advisors
MCF Advisors is an investment management firm headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, offering services to individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s mission is to provide clients with peace of mind by facilitating successful outcomes through excellent financial leadership, integrity, and service. MCF is an SEC-registered investment adviser, providing investment management and/or consulting services on over $3.7 billion in client assets as of September 30, 2025.
About Accredited Wealth Management
Accredited Wealth Management is a Louisville-based, fee-only registered investment adviser specializing in custom financial plans and tailored wealth management solutions. Founded by Managing Partners Steve Giacobbe and Shawn Clark, AWM is dedicated to providing personalized financial guidance and exceptional client service.
About Wealth Partners Capital Group
Wealth Partners Capital Group is a financial services holding company that invests in and partners with select leading wealth management firms. Its mission is to use its capital, strategic M&A expertise, and organic growth capabilities to help its partner firms grow, showcasing how collaborative partnerships can cultivate local economic growth.
About HGGC
HGGC is a values-driven, partnership-focused private investment firm. The firm invests in technology, business services, financial services, and consumer enterprises generally valued between $200 million and $1.5 billion. HGGC makes investments in registered investment advisers via its Aspire Holdings platform, which is targeting $300 million of total investment in the space, further highlighting the critical role that private equity plays in expanding market opportunities.
Key Features of the Acquisition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquiring Firm | MCF Advisors |
| Acquired Firm | Accredited Wealth Management |
| Assets Under Management (AUM) | $178 million |
| Location of Acquired Firm | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Key Individuals Joining MCF Advisors | Steve Giacobbe and Shawn Clark, along with their entire team |
| Strategic Importance | Enhances MCF Advisors’ presence and capabilities in the Louisville market |
| Completion Date of Acquisition | December 12, 2025 |
Conclusion
MCF Advisors’ acquisition of Accredited Wealth Management is a promising development for local economic growth and wealth management services in the region. By strengthening its presence in Louisville, MCF Advisors is well-positioned to cater to the needs of a broader clientele, demonstrating the resilience and potential of Kentucky’s small businesses. As consumers seek out reliable financial services, this strategic merger showcases how local firms can collaborate to enhance market offerings and contribute to economic vitality.
Support for local businesses is vital to the ongoing growth and prosperity of communities like Lexington and Louisville. Encouraging partnerships and celebrating entrepreneurial innovation can help drive further economic successes in Kentucky.
What is the significance of MCF Advisors acquiring Accredited Wealth Management?
The acquisition enhances MCF Advisors’ presence in Louisville and strengthens its financial planning and investment management services by integrating AWM’s team and resources.
Who are the key individuals involved in this acquisition?
Steve Giacobbe and Shawn Clark, managing partners of AWM, will join MCF Advisors as Senior Financial Advisors and Partners, along with their entire team.
What is the strategic importance of this acquisition for MCF Advisors?
The acquisition aligns with MCF Advisors’ growth strategy to expand its footprint in the Louisville market and enhance its wealth management capabilities.
What is the background of MCF Advisors?
Founded in 2004, MCF Advisors is an SEC-registered investment adviser headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, managing over $3.7 billion in client assets as of September 30, 2025.
Who is Wealth Partners Capital Group?
Wealth Partners Capital Group is a financial services holding company that invests in and partners with leading wealth management firms to support their growth through capital, strategic M&A expertise, and organic growth capabilities.
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