Stratos Acquires $400M Firm RPI Financial Life Planners

Stratos Wealth Enterprises has significantly expanded its presence in the Midwest by integrating RPI Financial Life Planners, a Chicago-area firm managing approximately $400 million in assets. This strategic alliance marks a key move for Stratos, reinforcing its growth trajectory and commitment to partnering with established advisory practices.

The acquisition, which saw RPI Financial Life Planners continue under its existing name and operational structure, brings a seasoned team with over four decades of experience in comprehensive financial life planning. This approach emphasizes aligning clients' financial strategies with their overarching life objectives, a philosophy that resonated deeply with Stratos during their multi-year partnership search. David Blaydes, founder of RPI, highlighted the shared values and cultural alignment as critical factors in selecting Stratos, emphasizing the partner's ability to support future growth without disrupting established client relationships or the firm's core ethos.

This integration is the 12th partnership for Stratos since SEI, through its subsidiary SEI Investments Company, made a strategic investment in Stratos Wealth Holdings in 2025. Stratos Wealth Holdings, the parent entity, operates a national network supporting financial professionals across various business models, including its registered investment advisors: Stratos Wealth Partners, Stratos Wealth Advisors, and Stratos Investment Management. The ongoing collaboration with SEI underscores Stratos' strategy of acquiring and partnering with firms that prioritize advisor autonomy and client-centric, planning-led wealth management.

The addition of RPI is particularly noteworthy within the context of the wealth management industry's ongoing consolidation. As of early 2024, the U.S. wealth management sector is valued at trillions of dollars, with a consistent trend of larger entities acquiring smaller, specialized firms to gain market share, enhance service offerings, and achieve economies of scale. RPI's expertise in retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, and managing major life transitions complements Stratos' existing capabilities, creating a more robust service suite for a broader client base.

Jeff Concepcion, Founder and CEO of Stratos, expressed enthusiasm for the integration, noting the strong alignment in values and client-first approach. Similarly, Arthur Worthington, CFP®, Managing Director of Strategic Business Development & Integration at SEI, commented on the natural fit, emphasizing RPI's long-standing client relationships and Stratos' capacity to support their continued expansion. The financial specifics of the transaction were not publicly disclosed.

This move by Stratos is indicative of a broader market trend where established wealth management platforms are actively seeking to absorb firms that demonstrate a strong legacy of client trust and a forward-thinking planning methodology. By integrating firms like RPI, Stratos not only increases its asset under management but also strengthens its regional presence and deepens its bench of experienced financial planning professionals, positioning itself for sustained growth in a competitive market.