Finding the Perfect Partner: Culture and Data in M&A with Jacqueline Martinez

Episode 117: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Jacqueline Martinez, Managing Partner at Alaris Acquisitions. Previously part of United Capital's M&A team, Jacqueline contributed to $10.5B in acquisitions before the firm's 2019 sale to Goldman Sachs. Now at Alaris, she and her team have closed more than 50 deals with leading wealth management firms. Recognized for her leadership in culture-first M&A, Jacqueline was named M&A Executive of the Year in Wealth Solutions Report's Pathfinder Awards and honored among WealthManagement.com's "Ten to Watch" in 2025.

Kyle and Jacqueline discuss what makes a truly successful merger or acquisition in the wealth management industry. Jacqueline unpacks how data, AI, and cultural alignment can make or break a deal, why emotional intelligence matters as much as financials, and what sellers can do to ensure they're choosing the right partner for the next chapter of their business.

In this episode:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:44) - Jacqueline's money moment

(04:02) - United Capital's secret to success

(06:51) - The psychology of finding the right buying partner

(09:19) - Inside Alaris Lens