All too often, we focus on the paper in front of us to make decisions, and what looks good on paper we assume must work in real life. But as AI has taught us, there is much value in our human nature – the parts that are hard to measure or put on paper. Paying attention to that is extremely valuable when synchronizing firm cultures for post-deal integration. This week, we bring you expert views on cultural issues in integration.
In addition, we are excited to announce that we have implemented quarterly themes, and in this second quarter we will provide a focus on services firms in the wealth management ecosystem. Each quarter, we will emphasize thought leadership and awards around a topic that is popular with you, our readers.
How To Build A Firm That Thrives For Decades
Billy Hopkins of Silver Oak Securities explores the benefits of succession planning for clients and advisory business growth, and why waiting to plan increases risk.
“If you leave succession for later, your options shrink,” said Hopkins.
The Firms That Win From Here Won’t Be The Ones That Waited
Ryan George of Docupace explains why firms must take action to improve operations quickly rather than wait for certainty. He sets out three steps to decisive leadership, including separating signal from noise, setting a decision threshold and ensuring change reaches the frontlines.
George also explains how operational inefficiencies can harm valuations.
Buying Scale, Keeping Culture
As consolidation accelerates in wealth management, we took a look at culture and post-closing integration with Jeff Nash of Bridgemark, David Reynolds of Berkshire, Tammy Robbins of Cambridge, Josh Harris of Coldstream and Greg Gessert of VestGen.
The experts discussed causes of friction, what can remain different, post-closing surprises, the effects of private equity, the “best” approach and what sellers should know before signing.
Diamond Consultants Report: Advisor Movement ‘Accelerated’ In 2025
Advisor movement “accelerated” significantly last year as 11,172 advisors with over three years of service changed firms or platforms, a 16.2% increase from 2024, Diamond Consultants said, while announcing the findings of its fourth annual Advisor Transition Report.
The report noted that of the experienced advisors who changed firms or models in 2025, the average length of service in the industry was 22 years.
Patent Perspectives: Women’s Influence Is Reshaping Wealth Management
In recognition of Women’s History Month, March’s Patent Perspectives column with Pat Hynes of Prudential Advisors focuses on the slow pace of change, the Great Wealth Transfer, how to advance women advisors and how to serve women clients.
Hynes pointed out that the financial advisory business lags behind other industries in female representation.
Cambridge Execs On Maintaining A Worldview In An Ever-Changing World
Cambridge Investment Research executives Colleen Bell, Seth Miller and Jeff Vivacqua discuss how Cambridge holds to its identity while adapting to the evolving needs of financial professionals.
The discussion ranged across managing growth, keeping core principles, long-term focus, cultural alignment and more.
Wealthtech Roundup
In this edition of the Wealthtech Roundup, we cover new features and launches from JIFFYAI, eMoney, Nitrogen, april, Jump, OneVest, Envestnet, Conquest Planning and Altruist; partnerships between SurgeONE.ai and United Planners, Arch and Bipsync, and Apex and Wavvest; Jump hiring Diana Cabrices; research from Orion; an AI readiness index from The Oasis Group; and more.
Four recent wealthtech conferences highlighted the wealthtech space and the rapid pace of innovation accelerated by AI.
Deals & Recruiting Roundup
This week’s roundup covers M&A by Composition, Beacon Pointe, Verdence, Accelerated Wealth and Creative Planning; recruiting by Cyndeo, Raymond James and LPL; and appointments by Amplify, PPB, Cetera and Howard Capital.
Creative Planning makes another overseas acquisition with MASECO, which serves internationally mobile families and U.S. citizens abroad.
Invest In Others Announces 2026 Board And Leadership Council
The Invest in Others Charitable Foundation announced its 2026 board of directors and introduced a new Leadership Council as part of a redesigned governance model.
The Leadership Council is a non-governing, advisory body whose mission is to provide strategic insight, industry expertise and guidance to the board.
Beacon Pointe Adds $695 Million By Buying Two Advisory Firms
Beacon Pointe announced the acquisitions of two advisory firms totaling $695 million in assets under management (AUM): MGB Wealth Management in Addison, Texas, with $475 million in AUM, and Pacifica Wealth Advisors in Irvine, California, and Franklin, Tennessee, with $220 million in AUM.
Beacon Pointe continues to grow in Texas, California and Tennessee.
Prudential Advisors’ Buckley Elected Secretary Of Finseca
Prudential Advisors announced that Moira Buckley, its Western Territory Vice President, was elected as Finseca Secretary. She is expected to serve as Finseca president in 2028-29.
Washington-based Finseca is involved in public policy advocacy and supporting financial services professionals across financial services.
Composition Wealth Onboards $900 Million Edgewater From Northwestern Mutual
RIA Composition Wealth announced a merger with Edgewater Wealth Management of Tacoma, Washington, formerly with Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group, where it had $900 million in client assets.
The merger bolsters Composition Wealth’s presence in the Pacific Northwest.
Independent Financial Group Launches Impact For Good Charitable Foundation
Independent Financial Group announced the launch of Impact For Good, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. The firm said the foundation will serve as the centerpiece of its charitable initiatives and is intended to empower employees in community service.
The foundation will encourage volunteering by giving the firm’s employees time off work and lets employees nominate and vote for nonprofit partners.
Holistiplan Appoints Stephen Langlois To Board Of Directors
Software provider Holistiplan appointed former Kestra President and Fidelity executive Stephen Langlois to its board of directors.
Langlois is expected to advise the firm on advisor adoption and increasing market share.
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Larry Roth
CEO
Wealth Solutions Report
