Creative Planning acquires Duncan & Haley

Creative Planning has announced the acquisition of Duncan & Haley, a registered investment advisor (RIA) based in Seattle, for $660 million. This acquisition signifies Creative Planning's ongoing expansion strategy in the wealth management sector, adding approximately $660 million in client assets to its platform.

Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, Creative Planning aims to bolster its services by integrating Duncan & Haley's expertise in areas such as tax planning, retirement readiness, and estate strategies. This acquisition also enhances Creative Planning's presence among retirement plan sponsors and affluent households. Peter Mallouk, President and CEO of Creative Planning, highlighted the strategic fit between the two firms, emphasizing the shared commitment to providing coordinated financial and investment services to clients.

Duncan & Haley, founded nearly three decades ago, has built a reputation for advising retirement plans on governance and participant education. The decision to join Creative Planning reflects, according to founder John Haley, a response to the increasing complexity of client needs and the necessity for broader expertise in financial advisory services. The association with Creative Planning will allow Duncan & Haley to maintain its client-centric approach while expanding the range of services available to its clients.

This transaction marks Creative Planning's second acquisition in 2026, following its purchase of Switzerland-based Baseline Wealth Management earlier in the year. The firm's growth strategy is evident in its approach to acquiring firms that enhance capabilities and extend market reach, a trend that is symptomatic of the current pressures in the mid-market advisory space, where complexity and client demands are escalating.

Looking ahead, the acquisition is pending customary closing conditions, and attention will be on how effectively Creative Planning integrates Duncan & Haley's operations into its broader network. The broader wealth management market continues to witness a consolidation trend, with firms like Creative Planning poised to capitalize on opportunities to enhance service offerings and capture greater market share.