Maridea Snaps Up Five-Adviser Phoenix Team From LPL Financial
Maridea acquired Chichester Financial Group, formerly affiliated with LPL Financial, adding five advisors and expanding to two Phoenix offices. LPL Financial's partner departure removes retirement plan services expertise from its network as Maridea grows to $1B AUM across seven locations.
1. Acquisition Details
Maridea expanded its Phoenix footprint by purchasing Chichester Financial Group, adding five advisors including John Chichester Jr. and Stephanie Bawolek, and establishing a second office location in the region.
2. Impact on LPL Financial
The departure of Chichester Financial removes specialized retirement plan design and tax-efficient strategy services from LPL Financial’s network in Phoenix, potentially reducing local AUM inflows and client offerings in that market.
3. Maridea Growth Trajectory
Since launching in 2023, Maridea has grown its AUM to approximately $1 billion across seven offices and 40 staff, supported by a 2025 minority stake sale to fund ongoing acquisitions and partnerships.