Nebraska RIA Merger Creates Billion-Dollar Wealth Management Firm

LINCOLN, Neb. – May 19, 2026 – In a significant move for the Midwest's financial advisory landscape, Prairie Wealth Advisors has merged with The McEwen Group, creating a registered investment advisor (RIA) that now oversees more than $1 billion in client assets. The strategic union combines two Nebraska-based firms, amplifying their market presence and service capabilities for affluent families across the region.

The merger brings The McEwen Group, a five-person team formerly affiliated with RBC Wealth Management, into the fold of Prairie Wealth Advisors. The McEwen team contributes over $400 million in assets under management and approximately $200 million in 401(k) assets, pushing the combined entity past the coveted billion-dollar threshold—a key benchmark in the wealth management industry that often signifies enhanced scale, resources, and competitive strength.

Tim McEwen, CFP®, formerly the managing director of his namesake group, will become President and a partner at Prairie Wealth. The move is built on a nearly decade-long professional relationship between McEwen and Prairie Wealth's founder and CEO, Craig Hundt.

“This was never about finding just any partner; it was about finding the right one,” said Hundt. “Tim’s values align closely with our vision for delivering tailored client service and continuing to evolve the solutions we provide.”

A New Regional Powerhouse

The creation of a billion-dollar RIA marks a pivotal moment for Prairie Wealth Advisors. This new scale positions the firm to compete more effectively against both large national wealth managers and other prominent local players in Nebraska. Crossing the $1 billion AUM mark is a critical milestone that enables firms to invest more heavily in advanced technology, access a wider array of investment products, and achieve operational efficiencies that can translate into better client service and pricing.

This merger is reflective of a powerful consolidation trend sweeping the independent wealth management industry. With deal activity reaching record highs, firms are increasingly joining forces to navigate a landscape of rising regulatory complexity and client expectations. For Prairie Wealth, the merger is a strategic growth initiative, bolstering its capabilities and market share.

The McEwen Group, which includes financial advisor Jon McGrew, CPFA, and client services director Brooke Wimes, will continue to operate under its existing name within the Prairie Wealth structure, a decision likely aimed at ensuring client continuity and preserving brand equity built over years of service.

The Allure of Independence

The McEwen Group's transition from the broker-dealer world of RBC Wealth Management to an independent RIA model is part of a broader industry migration. Advisors are increasingly seeking greater autonomy, a pure fiduciary standard of care, and the ability to offer more objective, conflict-free advice. Independent RIAs are legally bound to act in their clients' best interests, a standard that many advisors and clients find more appealing than the less stringent "suitability" standard common at broker-dealers.

By joining an established RIA like Prairie Wealth, The McEwen Group sidesteps the significant operational and compliance hurdles of launching a new independent firm from scratch. This path allows the team to focus on client service while leveraging Prairie Wealth's existing infrastructure.

“There’s a lot to consider when moving from the broker-dealer world into independence,” McEwen noted. “My trust in Craig as a leader gave us confidence in this decision, knowing we were joining a team with a long history of running a great business and always putting clients first. That foundation allows us to continue strengthening the relationships we’ve built with our clients and each other over time.”

Building a Multigenerational Legacy

Beyond immediate growth, the merger serves a critical long-term strategic purpose: succession planning. With an estimated 37% of financial advisors nationally planning to retire within the next decade, the lack of formal succession plans has become a significant challenge for the industry. Many firms struggle to ensure continuity for their clients and a path forward for their business.

Prairie Wealth has addressed this head-on by integrating Tim McEwen into its top leadership as President. This move not only brings in a new generation of leadership but also solidifies a clear path for the firm's future, transforming it into a sustainable, multigenerational business. The long-standing professional respect between Hundt and McEwen was a key factor, ensuring a strong cultural fit—a crucial element for the success of any merger.

“I couldn’t think of a better future leader than Tim, and I’m confident he will help us continue delivering exceptional client service and drive our growth in the years ahead,” Hundt stated, underscoring the merger's role in the firm's long-term vision.

Enhanced Capabilities for Affluent Clients

The primary beneficiaries of this merger are expected to be the mass affluent, high-net-worth (HNW), and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families the firm serves. The combination of expertise creates a more robust service offering. Prairie Wealth has historically been strong in municipal bonds and alternative investments, while The McEwen Group brings a deep, equity-focused perspective.

More importantly, the McEwen team adds significant experience in serving the complex needs of UHNW clients. This includes sophisticated financial, estate, and business succession planning, as well as advanced strategies involving cash balance plans and captive insurance. This expanded toolkit allows the combined firm to provide more holistic and tailored advice, aligning investment strategies with complex, multigenerational family goals.

Both firms have always shared a planning-first philosophy and a commitment to community involvement, further cementing their cultural alignment. This strategic union not only creates a formidable regional player but also reinforces a model of client-centric service designed to endure for generations to come.