Cresset and Monticello Associates Form $200 Billion Wealth Management Partnership

Cresset, a client- and employee-owned multi-family office, has announced plans to partner with Monticello Associates, an independent investment consulting firm specializing in non-discretionary investment advisory services. The combination will create a financial services entity overseeing nearly $200 billion in assets, positioning it as a significant player in the wealth management industry with enhanced capabilities to serve both family offices and institutional clients.

The partnership, expected to close later this year, brings together Cresset's $72 billion in assets under management with Monticello Associates' $124 billion in assets under advisement. This strategic move strengthens Cresset's institutional advisory capabilities while maintaining both firms' commitment to independence, innovation, and client-first values. The combined entity will have access to leading fund managers across both public and private markets, providing clients with expanded investment opportunities.

Avy Stein, Founder and Co-Chairman of Cresset, emphasized the cultural alignment between the two firms, stating that their decades-long relationship with Monticello Associates' leadership is rooted in shared values and a client-first mindset. The partnership aims to create a platform that expands access to premier investment opportunities while strengthening the vision to build a 100-year firm dedicated to serving families and institutions. More information about Cresset's services can be found at https://cressetcapital.com.

Monticello Associates, founded in 1992 by Grady Durham, brings 58 team members and its specialized investment advisory expertise to the partnership. The firm has served 175 long-term client relationships from its Denver headquarters and additional offices in Cleveland, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Grady Durham, Founder and Executive Chairman of Monticello Associates, noted that the partnership ensures continuity for clients while enhancing the ability to meet evolving needs through robust research capabilities and global investment access.

Eric Becker, Founder and Co-Chairman of Cresset, highlighted that the combined scale will bring significant additional opportunities to clients while maintaining the bespoke and boutique approach to client service that both firms are known for. The cultural fit between the organizations extends beyond business considerations to shared values, investment philosophy, and long-term vision. Both firms are proudly independent, entrepreneurial, and driven by innovation, creating a strong foundation for the combined entity's future success in the competitive wealth management landscape.