MAI Capital hires Matt Barthel to lead advisor liftout recruiting

MAI Capital Management has hired Matt Barthel, who oversaw Barron's financial advisor rankings, as managing partner of strategic advisor recruiting. The Carlyle-backed RIA said the role will center on lift-outs — recruiting an entire advisory team from a rival firm in a single move.

Barthel reports to managing partner Jim Kacic and works with MAI's business development team, the firm said. MAI said Barthel brings nearly 35 years in journalism and 20 years in wealth management data operations.

Carlyle first gained exposure to MAI in 2021 through a stake in insurance firm Galway Holdings. In March, it made its first majority-owned RIA bet in a deal valuing MAI at more than $2.8 billion. Chief executive Rick Buoncore said in the announcement, “One of our biggest initiatives is to attract the best and brightest financial advisors and bring them on board to broaden our reach in the marketplace.”

MAI has completed more than 20 acquisitions since January 2024, including its largest-ever deal with Los Angeles-based Evoke Advisors, which roughly doubled the firm's size. The firm reported about $77.3 billion in combined client assets as of April 30, 2026, and more than 700 people across over 40 offices.