Generational Group Advises Financial Assistance, Inc. in Its Sale to Cistern Capital Management

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Generational Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisory firm for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of Financial Assistance, Inc. to Cistern Capital Management. The acquisition closed April 2, 2026.

Based in Bellevue, Washington, Financial Assistance, Inc. (FAI) is a financial services company providing recovery solutions for credit unions and banks. The firm specializes in compliant collections, legal-phase account management, and consumer driven resolution strategies. Founded in 1986, FAI has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner to financial institutions, delivering compliant and effective recovery solutions, to include litigation, while maintaining a focus on consumer communication and client service. FAI will continue operating under its current structure, with no disruption to client relationships, account management processes, or day-to-day operations.

Headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, Cistern Capital Management is a private investment firm focused on acquiring and operating small to mid-sized businesses. The firm partners with management teams to drive operational improvements, technology adoption, and long-term value creation. Cistern Capital plans to build on FAI’s foundation through targeted investments in areas most critical to its clients, including regulatory compliance and audit readiness, data security and infrastructure modernization, and enhanced borrower communication and resolution options.

The existing FAI team will continue to support operations through the transition, ensuring continuity for clients and borrowers.

Generational Group Executive Managing Director, M&A, Western Region Lori Galloway, and her team led by Managing Director, M&A Paul Hajek, successfully closed the deal. Senior Managing Director Ashok Tandon and Senior M&A Advisor Michael Querard established the initial relationship with Financial Assistance, Inc.

“FAI has established itself as a trusted partner to credit unions and banks,” said Omar Romero, Managing Partner of Cistern Capital. “Our priority is to preserve that trust by ensuring continuity in the high level of service clients have become accustomed to, implementing technology-based efficiencies, maintaining the compliance and security infrastructure, and thoughtfully enhancing the platform over time.”

“The buyer is well positioned to build on the forty-year successful track record established by the previous owners. The acquisition also fits perfectly into the buyer’s existing business portfolio and his location preference. Debt collections are highly regulated. In addition, the company is licensed to operate in all 50 states, some of which require different rules and approaches to collections. The sellers are committed to facilitating a smooth ownership transition and believe that the buyer brings the energy and capital required for continued growth,” said Paul Hajek.

Ryan Binkley, CEO of Generational Group, stated, “This transaction highlights a deliberate effort to strengthen strategic partnerships built on shared value creation. It brings stakeholders into closer alignment around a unified vision, expanding the organization’s capacity to scale, evolve, and sustain long term performance.”

About Generational Group

Generational Group, headquartered in Dallas, TX, is a leading, award winning full-service M&A advisory firm. Generational has over 300 professionals across 17 offices in North America. The firm empowers business owners to unlock the full value of their companies through a comprehensive suite of services—including strategic growth consulting, exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, M&A advisory, digital solutions, and wealth management.

Celebrating its 21^st year, Generational has successfully closed over 1,800 transactions and has ranked #1 or #2 in all LSEG league tables for deals valued between $25 million and $1 billion in 2024 and 2025.

The firm was named 2025 USA Investment Banking Firm of the Year by the Global M&A Network and recognized as Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor in 2022, 2024, and 2025.