RUSTON – Argent Financial Group announced today that it has acquired Ameris Bank’s wealth management division with approximately $1 billion in assets under management.
The acquisition will enhance Argent’s existing presence in Atlanta and expand its reach further in Georgia and northern Florida. As a result of this transaction, Argent Financial Group’s total client assets exceed $40 billion.
“We’re thrilled to have the team at Ameris Bank Wealth Management join our team at Argent,” said Kyle McDonald, CEO of Argent Financial Group. “Like us, they are dedicated to providing personalized, fiduciary-level services to their clients. We look forward to working together with this stellar group and providing our new clients additional levels of wealth management expertise.”
“Our clients have been at the heart of everything we’ve done at Ameris, and we know joining Argent is the best next step in supporting those relationships,” said William W. Keith, senior vice president and director of trust services. “We’re excited to enhance our depth of service to assist our clients in meeting their personal wealth management goals and needs.”
Thirteen Ameris employees will join Argent as part of the transaction. William Keith will lead the trust group as director of trust services, working with Kimiko Miller, trust administrator, and Yana Zirkiyev, trust assistant.
Jason Riley will continue to serve as managing director of wealth advisory, working with wealth advisors Don Acosta, Michelle Higgins, Phillip Knight, CFP® and Patrick Macabasco; and including Bonnie Johnson, wealth compliance officer; and Chad Johnson, investment portfolio manager.
Vanessa Lewis, investment operations specialist; Mary Ann Taylor, trust operations manager; and Cerece Walker-Agard, trust operations officer, will report to Argent’s trust operations manager, David Sides.
“Maintaining our customer relationships through this transition was important to us, and I’m pleased that our wealth management team is joining Argent as part of this acquisition,” said Lawton Bassett, bank president for Ameris. “Not only is Argent receiving an exceptional portfolio of clients, they’re employing an outstanding group of wealth and trust experts. Becoming part of Argent will be a huge benefit for these teammates and clients, allowing the team to grow and thrive.”
About Argent Financial Group
Argent Financial Group (Argent) is a leading, independent, fiduciary wealth management firm. Responsible for more than $40 billion in client assets, Argent provides individuals, families, businesses and institutions with a broad range of wealth management services, including trust and estate planning, investment management, retirement plan consulting and administration, ESOPs, funeral and cemetery trusts, charitable organization administration, oil and gas (mineral) management and other unique financial services. Headquartered in Ruston, Louisiana, Argent was formed in 1990 and traces its roots back to 1930. For more information, visit www.ArgentFinancial.com.
