While important in any industry, chief investment officers (CIOs) are crucial to wealth management, leading investments in an industry focused in large part on wise investing for millions of average Americans. Modern wealth management CIOs stay on top of market trends, analyze investments and fund managers, and formulate views for the C-suite, advisors and clients. In recognition of the broad range of skills and tireless effort required to serve as a CIO, this week we name the CIO 5: Top Wealth Management CIOs.
WSR Honors The CIO 5: Top Wealth Management CIOs
For the third year, WSR honors industry leading, accomplished CIOs: Nate Garrison of World Investment Advisors, Neil Gilfedder of Edelman Financial Engines, Matthew Gotlin of Choreo, Vivek Jindal of Caprock and Katrina Radenberg of Mariner Wealth Advisors.
Please join us in congratulating the winners, whose names are in alphabetical order.
CIOs Explain Pros, Cons And Uses Of Private Markets Investments
Concurrent with announcing this year’s CIO 5, we spoke about private markets investments with winners from last year: Matt Dmytryszyn of Composition Wealth, Jen Wing of GeoWealth, Rick Weddell of RFG Advisory and Philip Straehl of Morningstar Wealth.
They shared views on the pros and cons of private markets investments, client education and due diligence.
When The Dog Catches The Car: Can Winning At M&A Risk Losing?
Matt Regan of Wealthcare Capital Management argues that “growth at any cost” risks turning M&A wins into losses. Instead, he advocates for a disciplined, long-term approach to M&A that emphasizes client retention and organic growth.
Some buyers get over their skis by acquiring before planning. Regan suggests strategies that keep long-term goals in focus.
2026: The Year Of Serious AI Adoption
As the annual T3 Technology Conference nears, WSR spoke with Joel Bruckenstein of Technology Tools for Today, Sean Sandys of Syntax Data and John O’Connell of The Oasis Group.
They share why they believe 2026 will be the year of serious AI adoption – and what that means for wealth solutions, investment management, financial planning and practice management.
Integrated Service, Not Flashy Investments, Key To Winning Over UHNW Clients
We caught up with Justyn Volesko of Cerity Partners Family Office to discuss ultra-high net worth clients, including competition in the space, investments for this clientele and providing non-investment services.
Volesko says that private markets aren’t necessarily better performers, even for this clientele.
Wealthtech Roundup
This month’s roundup features Cetera, Envestnet, quantum computing, T3’s AI University, Hubly and Advisor360°’s AI innovations, Docupace’s new CTO and more.
Among the featured news, Opto Investments is bringing its private markets technology advancements to Fidelis Capital.
Deals & Recruiting Roundup
This week’s roundup includes acquisitions by Beacon Pointe, Creative Planning, Bluespring and Raymond James; Elevation Point staking Harbor View; recruiting by RBC, Cetera and Integrated; and appointments by Hightower, World Investments, FMG and LPL.
This week’s news demonstrates the many different strategies firms are using for M&A, such as Elevation Point’s minority stakes, Creative Planning’s international focus and Bluespring’s acquisition of Kestra affiliates.
Bluespring Buys Kestra-Affiliated Firm Front Porch Financial
Bluespring Wealth Partners announced the acquisition of Kestra Financial-affiliated firm Front Porch Financial, which is merging with existing Bluespring partner firm U.S. Financial Services.
The merger created a combined $1.7 billion firm.
Choreo Taps Erik Merkau To Lead National Advisory Teams
Choreo hired Erik Merkau as Chief Wealth Advisory Officer to lead its national advisory teams.
Merkau is tasked with the firm’s advisor development and execution, as well as expansion of its tax and wealth advisory services, planning capabilities, portfolio management, practice management and private client services.
FSI Names Christine Byrne Board Chair For 2026
The Financial Services Institute announced Christine Byrne of Back Cove Financial as its Chair, as well as its 2026 Executive Committee and new Board members.
Byrne is the first female Chair of the Board and third financial advisor to hold the post in the organization’s 22-year history.
Raymond James To Buy Clark Capital
Raymond James announced its acquisition of Clark Capital Management Group, slated to close by the third quarter. Clark Capital brings over $46 billion in assets and will continue with its own leadership and brand.
Clark Capital will become the latest of many Raymond James Investment Management independent boutique investment managers.
Hightower Hires Chief Compliance Officer From Edelman
Hightower hired former Edelman Financial Engines Chief Compliance Officer Bob Lavigne as its CCO for Hightower Holdings in a newly created role. Hightower Advisors CCO Claire Gorman continues in her role.
Lavigne said the firm intends to strengthen its compliance program.
World Investment Advisors Hires Osaic’s Tyler Mahoney As CFO
World Investment Advisors hired Tyler Mahoney as Chief Financial Officer. Most recently, Mahoney was Senior Vice President of Channel Strategy and Operations at Osaic.
The firm said Mahoney will support both growth and acquisition activity in her new role.
Independent Financial Group Forms President’s Advisory Council
Independent Financial Group formed a 13-member President’s Advisory Council to serve as a liaison between affiliated advisors and firm management, as well as to provide advisor feedback on strategic initiatives.
The council is expected to strengthen the relationships between firm leadership and advisors with insights that improve strategy and engagement.
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Larry Roth
CEO
Wealth Solutions Report
