We often hear that cultural fit is paramount in M&A and, while it is a primary driver, many other factors go into a RIA’s choice of buyer. Sellers demand results. In response, buyers offer a broad range of services, technology and consulting. This week, Harris Baltch breaks down the importance of operations to the seller.
RIA Sellers Are Getting Ruthlessly Practical
Harris Baltch of Dynasty Investment Bank explains why sellers are giving greater weight to how a potential buyer can contribute to efficiency and results with operations and infrastructure.
Baltch says that culture is still important, but not at the expense of how the buyer’s platform supports the seller’s team.
Report: North American Family Offices Increasingly Embrace AI And Innovation
North American wealth management family offices are increasingly adopting AI and automated technologies in preparation for an acceleration of generational wealth transfers during economic and geopolitical uncertainty, according to findings from “The North America Family Office Report 2025” by RBC and Campden Wealth.
Family offices are de-risking and improving liquidity, according to the report.
From Automation To Emotion: AI’s Real Impact On Advisor-Client Relationships
Mark Gilbert of Zocks explains how AI supports advisors in their efforts to provide individualized attention to each client, how it tracks items that CRMs cannot and what AI attributes are needed for compliance.
Gilbert breaks down details and gives examples to make the notion of AI supporting relationships clear and concrete.
Cerulli: Younger Investors Expect To Lean On 401(k)s For Retirement
A new Cerulli report shows that only 5% of Gen Z and 16% of millennials say that Social Security will be their primary source of retirement income. Instead, 58% of Gen Z and millennials with 401(k)s and 49% of all 401(k) holders say that their 401(k) will be their primary retirement income source.
The research firm also sees significant room for improvement in retirement plan recordkeepers.
Deals & Recruiting Roundup
This week’s roundup covers M&A deals by Beacon Pointe, NorthRock and Raymond James; M&A reports from DeVoe and ECHELON; recruitment by Cetera and LPL; and executive appointments at WealthVest, Advyzon, Stratos, Kestra and Edelman.
There’s many promotions and people moves this week, including an Atria Founding Partner, Kevin Beard, becoming the Chief Strategy Officer at WealthVest.
Wealthtech Roundup
This month’s roundup covers Aladdin’s generative AI tools, Orion’s refreshed branding, Envestnet’s research, the launch of Hamachi, Amplify’s CMO hire, Zocks’ partnership with Holistiplan, Tilt’s fundraising and more.
AI innovation for a wide range of applications once again dominates the Wealthtech Roundup.
Hightower Launches Its First National Direct-To-Consumer Advisory Practice
RIA Hightower launched Hightower Signature Wealth (HTSW), its first national direct-to-consumer advisory practice, designed as a new advisor channel.
HTSW will unite practices under the Hightower brand and provide enhanced support in operations, marketing, technology and investment management.
NorthRock Buys $2.7 Billion California Advisor Team
NorthRock Partners acquired WGG Wealth Partners (WGG), an advisory team based in Roseville, California, with 15 advisors and about $2.7 billion in AUM. The WGG team is operating under the NorthRock brand.
This is NorthRock’s third acquisition for the year and CEO Rob Nelson says its acquisition pipeline is strong.
VestGen Wealth Partners Acquired Six Practices Totaling $1.5 Billion
VestGen Wealth Partners acquired six wealth management practices expected to bring $1.5 billion in assets to the firm and raise the firm’s total assets to $7 billion.
This is the second phase of the firm’s growth since it launched with $5.3 billion in December.
Prudential Advisors Establishes New Offices In New York And New Jersey
Prudential Advisors announced the expansion of its presence in Rockefeller Center in New York City and the opening of a new office in the Bell Works campus in Holmdel, New Jersey. Its affiliated practice, Greater Metro Financial Group, will occupy the Rockefeller Center offices and another affiliate, Greater NJ Financial Group, will occupy the Bell Works offices.
Prudential intends for the offices to attract new advisors.
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Wealth Solutions Report
