Opera completes acquisition of Meritus Trust Company Limited

Opera has completed its acquisition of Meritus Trust Company Limited, marking another important step in the group’s long-term growth strategy.

Meritus is a Bermuda-based fiduciary business with a strong reputation for integrity, technical excellence and long-term client relationships. The firm is trusted by families across the Americas and internationally, with deep expertise in family governance, cross-border trust administration and estate planning. 

The completion of this transaction strengthens Opera’s private client offering and extends the group’s geographic reach across the West Atlantic and the Americas. 

Meritus now formally joins Amber (now “Oak Bahamas”), HFL and Oak within Opera. Opera’s proposed acquisition of Accuro remains subject to regulatory approval. 

Wyvern Partners introduced the transaction to Opera. 

Strengthening long-term capability

Commenting on the milestone, Kim Sgarlata, Group CEO and Executive Director of Opera, said:

“Officially welcoming Meritus into the Opera family marks an important transition point for Opera. This isn’t just about scale, it’s about strengthening our collective offering and deepening our commitment to clients. Meritus reflects the very best of what we are building, a group where purpose and people come first.” 

Michelle Wolfe, CEO, Chair and Founding Partner of Meritus, added: 

“Joining Opera marks an important moment for Meritus. From the outset, it was clear that we share a commitment to long-term thinking, technical excellence and personal client service. Becoming part of Opera allows us to continue serving our clients with the same care and integrity, while benefiting from being part of a broader group that values people, culture and collaboration.” 

Opera is majority owned by Pula, the family office of Stephen Lansdown CBE – co-founder of Hargreaves Lansdown – alongside like-minded investors including Sealyham, the family office of Tom Scott. This ownership model provides long-term strategic capital to grow sustainably, invest in people and technology and modernise how trust, corporate and fund services are delivered globally. 

Opera’s five-year strategy, Project Overture, focuses on strengthening technology and platforms, driving sustainable organic growth and bringing together the right businesses to build a values-led, people-first group 

A deliberate and thoughtful approach 

With Meritus now formally part of the group, Opera continues its deliberate and measured approach to growth. Integration will be collaborative and respectful, with a clear focus on protecting client continuity and preserving what makes each acquired business distinctive. Over time, the businesses within Opera will come together as a single, integrated group, aligned around shared values, strengthened capabilities and a long-term view. 

Opera is building a different kind of financial services group, global in ambition and reach, and grounded in long-term ownership, deep expertise and a people-first approach. Growth is intentional, integration is thoughtful and decisions are made with a clear commitment to clients, colleagues and long-term value. 

Follow us on LinkedIn to learn more about Opera’s vision and its group of businesses. To explore the Meritus difference, visit www.meritustrust.com.