Financial communications agency Vested has acquired Washington, DC-based public affairs and special situations consultancy Watermark, strengthening its capabilities in regulatory communications, crisis management and government affairs.As part of the deal, Watermark founder Zack Condry will join Vested as head of public affairs and special situations. He will lead a newly established practice focused on these areas. Watermark’s entire team will also move to Vested.The acquisition gives Vested additional expertise in advising financial services companies on complex regulatory, political and reputational matters. Its expanded offering will cover communications involving key US regulatory bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).Watermark’s work spans public and government affairs, regulatory advisory, crisis and special situations, initial public offerings (IPOs), corporate transactions and investor relations.Condry brings more than two decades of experience in Washington’s communications and public affairs landscape. According to Vested, he has advised organisations representing nearly 10% of the current Fortune 100 and 5% of the Fortune 500.Watermark’s existing client portfolio includes multinational companies with a combined market capitalisation of approximately $3.1 trillion.The acquisition marks an expansion of Vested’s strategic communications offering, particularly for financial services organisations navigating regulatory scrutiny, corporate transactions and high-stakes reputational challenges.