Deal brings more than $400 million in assets and expands TRPG's footprint into North Carolina

Advisors John Hardy and Gib McEachran join TRPG following multi-year affiliation with Summit Financial Networks

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cetera announced today that its employee-based RIA, The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG), successfully closed an acquisition of HMC Partners, bringing approximately $425 million* to Cetera and TRPG. HMC Partners is based in Greensboro, NC, and serves more than 500 households across the U.S. HMC Partners' co-founders John Hardy and Gib McEachran have joined TRPG and were previously affiliated with Summit Financial Networks**—a unique community within the Cetera Advisor channel.

"At TRPG, independent advisors who prioritize client relationships over operational complexities continue to find a strong and supportive home," said Kevin Conard, CEO at TRPG. "John and Gib exemplify this sprit, bringing wealth management expertise and a deep commitment to serving clients first and foremost. We are proud to welcome them to the TRPG team and look forward to serving clients together."

"TRPG aligns closely with our values and delivers expanded capabilities that will greatly benefit our business and clients," said Hardy and McEachran. "We are excited to continue delivering exceptional service to our clients and are confident that the succession plan we've put in place will ensure long-term continuity and stability—for our clients, team and the future of our business."

The acquisition of HMC Partners builds on TRPG's recent inorganic growth momentum. In August 2025, TRPG successfully closed the acquisition of First Financial Advisors, Inc., bringing more than $300 million to Cetera. In the first quarter 2025, TRPG closed three acquisitions, totaling approximately $180 million in assets.

Click here to learn more about TRPG and click here for more information about Cetera.

About Cetera

Cetera Financial Group is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms.

Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice – blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth.

As of June 30, 2025, Cetera manages approximately $590 billion in assets under administration and $263 billion in assets under management. Its award-winning Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 40,000 advisor reviews, with over 35,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction score.

Learn more at www.cetera.com and follow Cetera on LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and Facebook.

"Cetera Financial Group" refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser, and the following FINRA/SIPC members: Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Wealth Services LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. Located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. Cetera firms are under separate ownership from any other named entity.

* Value approximated based on asset holding details provided to Cetera as of May 31, 2025.

** Summit Financial Networks is a distinct community within Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

About The Retirement Planning Group

The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG) is Cetera's employee-based RIA and an SEC registered investment advisory firm headquartered in Leawood, KS. With over 3,100 clients and approximately $3 billion in assets under management, as of June 30, 2025, TRPG is one of the fastest growing companies in the Kansas City area. TRPG helps clients and their families nationwide navigate every financial decision they face throughout their lives by providing comprehensive wealth management services, including retirement planning, portfolio and investment management, tax planning, tax preparation and filing by our in-house tax team.

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SOURCE Cetera Financial Group