June 5, 2026
By Sanctuary Wealth
Continuing its momentum, Sanctuary Wealth announced that Valen Private Capital and its founder, John Durham, J.D., LL.M., has joined its platform as its latest partner firm. At Merrill, Durham oversaw $477 million in total assets for a select group of families.
“John has spent decades building a highly specialized practice around the needs of an exclusive group of families,” said Vince Fertitta, President, Wealth Management, Sanctuary Wealth. “As he considered establishing his own firm and unlocking the asset he worked so hard to build, John’s top priority was a robust platform with UHNW capabilities that would enable him to fulfill his vision of expanded services and solutions for the families he serves.”
According to a firm statement, Durham is the latest former wirehouse advisor to join Sanctuary in pursuit of greater control over his business and client experience. Sanctuary’s model allows advisors to choose the affiliation structure that fits their goals while providing access to the investment, planning, technology and operational resources needed to support complex client relationships.
“Free from the constraints of a wirehouse environment, he is now positioned to play an even more significant role in his clients’ lives and able to provide them with bespoke, holistic advice,” added Fertitta about Durham’s move to independence.
