Advisory M&A News – 6/24/24

Wealth Enhancement Group Adds Atlas Fiduciary Financial

Wealth Enhancement Group, a national independent wealth management firm with $85 billion in client assets, announced the acquisition of Atlas Fiduciary Financial, an independent registered investment adviser with two offices in Sarasota, Florida and Oakland, New Jersey.

The team of six manages over $219 million in client assets and is led by Laura Mattia, founder and CEO, as well as Stephen Craffen, partner and CIO.

Founded in 2020, Atlas Fiduciary Financial serves clients in southern Florida, northern New Jersey and beyond. The team works with individuals preparing for retirement and already in retirement and has a specific specialization in working with widows, professionals and business owners.

“I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Laura, Stephen, and their team at Atlas Fiduciary Financial,” Jeff Dekko, CEO of Wealth Enhancement Group, said in a statement. “They take a science-driven approach to planning and investment management while keeping their clients at the heart of everything they do.”

Cruz Joins Ameriprise Financial

Financial adviser Michael Cruz joined the branch channel of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. from Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC with $100 million in assets in Temecula, California.

“The number one reason I joined Ameriprise Financial was to expand my practice and better help existing clients reach their goals,” Cruz said in a statement. “The firm is very much committed to investing in advisers to help them accelerate their growth.”

Cruz is supported locally by Ameriprise Complex Director David Spataro and Ameriprise Regional Vice President James Frisone. More than 400 advisers moved their practices to Ameriprise in 2023 and approximately 1,700 joined the firm in the last 5 years.

“I’m at a point in my career where I want to expand and help even more clients,” Cruz added. “Ameriprise has a wide array of products and services, an extensive financial planning platform and an integrated suite of technology to elevate my client service model and help capture new opportunities and referrals.”

NewEdge Advisors Welcomes Stonebridge Financial Partners

NewEdge Advisors LLC, a New Orleans-based RIA, announced that Stonebridge Financial Partners, a Michigan-based team, has joined the firm from Carson Wealth where they were overseeing approximately $540 million in client assets.

Joining NewEdge Advisors are Founder and Wealth Adviser Tim Bearden, Partners and Wealth Advisers Tyler Silverthorn, Evan Topor and Taylor Maks; as well as three additional wealth advisers and 11 firm and client support staff.

“Our company is built to support advisors who prioritize the client experience, and Tim and the Stonebridge team are a prime example,” Neil Turner, co-CEO and co-founder of NewEdge Advisors, said in a statement. “We look forward to providing the culture, tools and support needed for Stonebridge to thrive and continue to deliver unparalleled service to their clients.”

With offices in Troy and Grand Rapids, Michigan, Stonebridge Financial Partners has provided wealth planning services to individuals, families and business owners since 2004.