Transaction Summary

On September 2, 2025, Corient Private Wealth LLC (“Corient”) announced its acquisition of Stonehage Fleming and Stanhope Capital Group (“Stanhope Capital”), establishing the world’s largest non-bank wealth manager and multi-family office with a total of $430 billion in client assets.

This strategic acquisition will combine Stonehage Fleming and Stanhope Capital's assets, contributing over $214 billion in client assets to Corient. The merger will also leverage distinct yet complementary strengths, enhancing Corient's global footprint by creating a presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, while further refining the firm's proficiency in serving ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families.

Target Overview: Stonehage Fleming and Stanhope Capital

Stonehage Fleming is globally recognized as a leader in family office and fiduciary services, boasting nearly 50 years of experience in supporting some of the world's most notable families and wealth creators. The firm oversees over $175 billion in combined assets and operates in 12 jurisdictions, providing an extensive array of services. These services include cross-border and multi-generational structuring, wealth management, governance, succession planning, legal and tax advisories, alongside trust, fiduciary, philanthropic, and art management services.

Stanhope Capital, established in 2004, has emerged as one of Europe’s largest independent wealth management and advisory firms, managing nearly $40 billion in assets. The firm offers a diverse range of services encompassing wealth management, consulting, merchant banking, and private investments. Additionally, its New York-based subsidiary, FWM Holdings, functions as a multi-family office, providing investment management and family office services primarily for UHNW families in the U.S. and around the globe.

Industry Overview in the Wealth Management Sector

The wealth management industry has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by an increase in global wealth, particularly among UHNW individuals. In recent studies, a consistent rise in UHNW families has fueled demand for tailored wealth management services and multi-family office solutions. This segment has proven resilient, even amidst economic fluctuations, with forecasts indicating a continued expansion due to ongoing wealth creation across various sectors.

Regionally, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa have become increasingly competitive markets for wealth management, with numerous independent firms establishing themselves to cater to the sophisticated needs of wealthy clients. These markets are characterized by a growing demand for diverse investment strategies, tax optimization, and comprehensive wealth planning services.

The influx of investments from emerging markets into established wealth management firms is reshaping the competitive landscape, prompting firms to innovate and expand their service offerings. This trend represents an opportunity for strategic mergers and acquisitions, as firms seek to bolster their capabilities and market reach to cater to the evolving preferences of UHNW clients.

Moreover, the integration of technological advancements, such as digital wealth management solutions and robo-advisors, has begun to transform how wealth management services are delivered. Firms are increasingly focused on creating personalized experiences for their clients while ensuring compliance and regulatory standards are met.

The Rationale Behind the Deal

Corient's acquisition of Stonehage Fleming and Stanhope Capital aligns with its growth strategy to enhance its global presence and service offerings. By merging with these two established firms, Corient seeks to capitalize on the expanding UHNW market, leveraging the expertise and existing client relationships of the acquired companies.

Furthermore, this transaction is expected to yield significant operational synergies, allowing the combined entity to optimize its resources and better serve its clientele. The deal is poised to enhance Corient's competitive advantage, positioning it favorably against other key players within the wealth management sector.

Information About the Investor: Corient

Corient is a prominent integrated U.S. wealth management firm, operating as part of CI Financial, a Canadian asset and wealth management company supported by Mubadala Capital. With approximately $200 billion in client assets, Corient is headquartered in Miami and maintains a network of 34 offices throughout the United States.

The firm offers a broad spectrum of services tailored for UHNW and high-net-worth (HNW) clients, including investment management, wealth planning, and family office services. Corient's growth trajectory has been marked by a commitment to delivering personalized wealth solutions that meet the complexities and evolving needs of its affluent clients.

View of Dealert

From a deal analyst's perspective, the acquisition of Stonehage Fleming and Stanhope Capital by Corient appears to be a strategically sound investment. The combination of these three firms forms a formidable entity in the wealth management landscape, allowing for enhanced service delivery and expanded market share.

This deal represents a significant opportunity for Corient to refine its offerings and strengthen relationships with UHNW families. The existing expertise and client base of both Stonehage Fleming and Stanhope Capital will only enhance Corient's reputation as a comprehensive wealth management solution provider.

Moreover, given the projected growth of the UHNW market, this acquisition positions Corient to capitalize on increasing demand for diversified and sophisticated wealth management services. The synergies expected from this merger could lead to improved operational efficiencies and optimized client servicing.

In conclusion, this acquisition could indeed be a game-changer for Corient in the competitive wealth management arena, elevating its status and enabling it to better serve a larger clientele.

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