Brett Sperin, Senior Vice President, Mercer Advisors

July 2026 — Invest: sat down with Brett Sperin, senior vice president of Mercer Advisors, to discuss the firm’s expansion in Florida, its client-centric approach to wealth management, and the changing role of advisors in high-growth markets. “Our top priority will always be delivering for the client,” Sperin said.

What were the most significant changes inside the organization over the past year, and how have those changes shaped your approach in Tampa Bay?

One of the biggest changes has been how Florida is now treated within the firm. We were previously part of a broader East region, but that has evolved into a more defined Southeast structure, with Florida becoming its own market.

When I joined Mercer Advisors, there were fewer than 10 employees in Florida. Today, we have more than 85 across the state. That growth has been driven by business development efforts not just in Tampa, but across Florida.

A key part of what we do is delivering a highly personalized experience. The needs of clients in Tampa are different from those in Manhattan or Atlanta. By hiring experienced talent and placing them strategically across markets like Tampa, Naples, Boca Raton, Jacksonville, and Miami, we can focus on what each local market requires and drive better results.

Mercer Advisors has been highly active in acquisitions. How have those additions strengthened your presence in Tampa Bay?

We operate with both organic and inorganic growth. On the acquisition side, we expand our footprint and capabilities by bringing in firms that complement what we already do.

For example, we acquired a firm that now serves as our private markets desk for ultra-high-net-worth clients. We also brought in teams across Florida, including Naples and Jacksonville, and integrated them into Mercer. Some team members have relocated to Tampa to be part of the growth we are building here.

We have also added resources in areas like tax planning and estate planning. That allows us to continue investing not just in people, but in the services we deliver to clients.

What recent initiative do you believe will have the most meaningful impact on clients in Tampa Bay?

The most meaningful initiative is building out our high-net-worth offering, which functions like a family office model. There is a large segment of families in Tampa that have not traditionally had access to that type of coordinated service.

I primarily work with clients who have $10 million and above, and ultra-high-net-worth clients at $25 million and above. For those clients, it is about bringing together CPAs, estate attorneys, insurance specialists, and advisors, and coordinating all of that together.

We are building out teams that can deliver highly personalized solutions. That allows us to support clients through complex financial situations and long-term planning.

How is Mercer Advisors attracting and developing the next generation of advisors?

We take a few different approaches. One is bringing in young talent, such as recent graduates, and developing them through roles in financial planning, portfolio consulting, and eventually into advisory positions.

Another approach is recruiting experienced professionals from other firms. For example, we recently brought in someone with 25 years of experience who is joining the team.

We also grow through acquisitions, which brings in entire teams. Across all of these approaches, the focus is on delivering on our fiduciary responsibility and making sure we have the right people to serve clients.

Which trend in wealth management do you think is most underestimated today?

One of the biggest things people miss is that wealth management is not the same as money management. Many firms focus on investments, but a complete financial plan should include taxes, estate planning, insurance, and trust services.

A properly constructed plan integrates all of those components. Many firms are still focused on one piece, while we focus on the full picture.

We position ourselves as a firm that helps clients look at what they may not be considering. We combine technology and people to deliver customized solutions based on each client’s situation.

What is the biggest challenge facing the RIA industry right now, and where is the opportunity?

A major challenge is staying relevant. Firms that rely on a single revenue stream or a narrow service offering will struggle.

There is a shift toward diversification, including community engagement, direct-to-consumer strategies, and broader service models. Firms that are not investing in those areas risk falling behind.

The opportunity is in building a model that can adapt and deliver across multiple areas while staying focused on the client.

Where have you seen AI make an impact in financial advising?

AI is still a highly regulated area, but we are already seeing benefits in efficiency. We use tools like Microsoft Copilot within our systems to help process complex information and create materials more quickly.

For example, we can generate client presentations in a fraction of the time it used to take. That allows us to focus more on our core responsibilities and client relationships.

On the investment side, there are more regulatory limitations, but from an operational standpoint, the efficiency gains are significant.

How does Mercer Advisors approach community engagement in Tampa Bay?

We focus on consistent engagement. We host events on a monthly or bi-monthly basis across Tampa and the surrounding areas, covering topics like estate planning and wealth education.

We also bring in specialists from across the firm to provide expertise locally. We support the community in other ways, such as helping provide school supplies for underprivileged children.

Some of those efforts are not tied to branding. They are about being a good member of the community and supporting people where we can.

What role does the wealth management sector play in supporting Tampa Bay’s broader economic growth?

We work with clients who are often business owners, executives, and individuals who contribute directly to the economy. They employ people, invest in businesses, and spend locally.

By helping them manage and grow their wealth, we are indirectly supporting economic activity in the region.

We also prioritize keeping business local when possible. That includes working with local providers and supporting local services, which helps keep money circulating within the Tampa economy.

Looking ahead three to five years, what are your key priorities, and how do you see the industry evolving?

Our top priority will always be delivering for the client. Without the client, there is no Mercer Advisors.

We are continuing to build out our presence in Tampa. We are opening an office and have already hired more people than can fit in it, and we are already looking at a second office. We are also focused on hiring locally, including estate attorneys, CPAs, and investment specialists.

From an industry perspective, there is going to be a shift toward more direct-to-consumer models and more national marketing efforts. Large platforms are trying to centralize services.

When that happens, you lose personalization. You lose the ability to deliver a local, customized solution. Firms that are not focused on that are going to struggle, while those that invest in local presence and personalized service will be better positioned.