Ducere Wealth Grows to $500 Million in Under One Year, Driven by Advisor Referrals and Collaborative Client Model

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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 17, 2026--

Ducere Wealth, an independent, employee-owned registered investment advisory firm serving high-net-worth individuals and families, announced it has surpassed $500 million in assets under management less than a year after launching with approximately $100 million.

The firm's growth stems primarily from professional referrals, particularly CPAs and estate planning attorneys who work alongside Ducere's planning team, according to co-founder Zane Keller. Unlike many breakaway firms that scale through acquisitions, Ducere's expansion has been organic, fueled by its collaborative service model and strategic talent additions.

“Decisiveness is our competitive advantage," Keller said. "We don't have endless committees or siloed teams; our investment professionals work directly with clients alongside advisors. When you eliminate friction and put the right people in place with the right resources, growth accelerates naturally."

Ducere launched after founders Rick and Zane Keller departed a large legacy institution to serve high-net-worth individuals and families through a fiduciary model free from proprietary products or corporate quotas.

Keller attributes much of Ducere's traction to its focus on infrastructure and culture over AUM targets. The firm prioritized key hires early, bringing on experienced professionals alongside next-generation talent and underscoring his long-term philosophy that sustainable growth requires investing in people before pursuing aggressive AUM expansion.

While Ducere initially grew through client transitions, referrals from centers of influence now drive most new business. As the firm engaged in comprehensive financial planning with transitioned clients, their CPAs and estate planners recognized the value Ducere delivered and began referring their own clients.

"These professionals understand what good planning looks like," Keller said. "They're sending us clients who've worked with advisors before but want a better experience, or who've recently come into wealth and need guidance. These are people who appreciate the difference between transactional advice and real partnership."

For more information, visit ducerewealth.com.

About Ducere Wealth
Ducere Wealth is an independent, employee-owned registered investment advisory firm based in Newport Beach, California. Founded in 2025 on the principles of integrity and independence, Ducere delivers comprehensive, personalized financial planning solutions and investment advice to help guide clients through complexity with clarity and confidence.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217833133/en/

CONTACT: Media

Emma Vogt (on behalf of Ducere Wealth)

Email:[email protected]

Phone: (949) 418-7118

Tina Powell (on behalf of Ducere Wealth)

Email:[email protected]

Phone: 201-212-0072

Designated Contact for Reporter Inquiries

Zane Keller

Co-Founder, Ducere Wealth

Email:[email protected]

KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: LEGAL INSURANCE HUMAN RESOURCES FINANCE CONSULTING SMALL BUSINESS BANKING ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WOMEN SENIORS ASSET MANAGEMENT MEN FAMILY CONSUMER

SOURCE: Ducere Wealth

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PUB: 02/17/2026 09:00 AM/DISC: 02/17/2026 09:00 AM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217833133/en