About Us

For multiple decades, Gladstone Group has been at the forefront of the financial services industry, delivering exceptional results through M&A Advisory, Talent Search, and Valuation. Our legacy of innovation and commitment to excellence has made us a trusted partner for Wealth RIAs & Asset Managers, MFOs, WealthTech, PE and the financial institutions eco-system nationwide.

Expertise servicing Wealth RIAs, Asset Managers, Independent Broker-Dealers, Private Equity firms, and Institutional Providers.

M&A transactions, valuations, consultations, and talent searches

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Our Journey: Key Milestones

What began in 1979 as D.A. Kreuter Associates, pioneering retained executive search in financial services, has evolved into a comprehensive advisory firm serving the wealth & asset management community. Through strategic growth and innovation, we’ve consistently adapted to meet the evolving needs of our clients while maintaining our foundational commitment to focused activity, measurable results, and objective advice.

1970s & 1980s

1979: Founded as D.A. Kreuter Associates, specializing in financial services executive search
1985: Pioneered the flat-fee approach to executive search, setting new industry standards
1987: Expanded services to include Competitive Intelligence and Compensation Analysis

1995: Recognized as a premier financial services distribution search firm; launched Intelligent Search™ process
1998: Partnered with Dr. Ken Kehrer to create groundbreaking “K2” studies for banks, insurance companies, and mutual fund complexes

1990s

2000s

2000: Launched innovative “Cost of Sales” studies for annuity and mutual fund sectors
2002: Co-founded Coates Analytics, acquired by PNC in 2007 and later by BNY Pershing in 2010
2006: Established Gladstone Associates, LLC, focusing on RIA M&A advisory

2012: Enhanced diversity search practice with Diversity Candidate Mapping
2013: Launched DAKdirect.com for non-retained sector
2016: Partnered with Envestnet for Institute on Campus initiative
2016: Introduced Gladstone Technology Partner’s eValuation Index™ for RIA valuation; sold to Truelytics in 2017 and ultimately Envestnet in 2022

2010s

2020s

2024: Enhanced valuation services with on-site Certified Valuation Analyst (NACVA accredited)
2025: D.A. Kreuter Associates, Inc. merged into Gladstone Group to create one cohesive brand