Retirement Industry People Moves

Student Loan Genius Names New CEO

Student Loan Genius, a firm that helps workers manage student loan debt, has announced Matt Beecher is its new CEO. Beecher brings to his new role more than 25 years of experience in venture capital and the financial technology industry.

He’s versed in growing companies that help Americans address several personal challenges like investing, insurance, and growing generational wealth. Prior to his new role, he served as managing director of Redstart Ventures and co-founder of SCS Financial.

Student Loan Genius says its student loan counseling and contributions help borrowers reduce payments by an average of $251 each month and shave up to 12 years off repayment. The company plans to increase its reach by 200% come December 2017.

“To get to the next stage, we knew we needed a proven leader who really understands the landscape of fintech and the problem student loans present,” says Josh Pierce, Student LoanGenius co-founder and managing director of Socratic Ventures. “Matt, during his first meetings, expanded our vision on how our technology can change lives. His vision and track record of success at every stage of his career made him the standout for getting us to the next stage.”

NEXT: Cammack Retirement Group Hires Consultant

Cammack Retirement Group Hires Consultant

Cammack Retirement Group has hired John Buckley as a consultant in the Wellesley, Massachusetts office.

Buckley will focus on supporting retirement plan sponsors in all aspects of the fiduciary due diligence process including plan design, investment due diligence, plan fee reviews, and industry trends, as well as participant communication and education.

Buckley is experienced as a retirement plan consultant and investment adviser. He’s also held various leadership position throughout the recordkeeping industry including client relationship manager and implementation project manager

"John has extensive experience in the retirement plan marketplace,” says Kevin Murray, director at Cammack Retirement. “Our clients and team will benefit from his depth and breadth of knowledge. We are thrilled to have him on board."

Cammack Retirement is an independent retirement plan consulting and investment advisory firm.

NEXT: Mercer Advisors to Acquire Blue Moon Wealth Advisory 

Mercer Advisors to Acquire Blue Moon Wealth Advisory

Mercer Advisors announced the acquisition of Blue Moon Wealth Advisory, a provider of financial planning and investment management services. Blue Moon was founded by Michael J. Greiner, CFP, in 2014 and is located in Bellevue, Washington, near Mercer’s current Bellevue office.  Mercer will consolidate offices as part of its efforts to expand its Pacific Northwest presence. “Mercer is a great fit for us, says Greiner. “Like Blue Moon, they are a fee-only firm that puts their clients first. It’s all about doing what’s best for our clients.”   

Mercer Vice Chairman David Barton, who leads the company’s M&A activity adds, “A financial planner’s greatest asset is time. Too often, smaller RIAs get weighed down managing non-core yet essential elements of the business: operations, systems, IT, investments, compliance, reporting, etc. While important to the business, these back-office tasks create distractions that often prevent planners from doing what they do best—growing their client base and providing valuable advice to existing clients. The Mercer team functioning across multiple departments, such as investments, marketing, training, accounting, IT, and compliance, can relieve advisers of middle- and back-office responsibilities and provide leverage for planners to expand and service their client base. Finally, our national sales force helps these new Mercer additions grow organically, that’s our secret sauce.”

Mercer says this transaction increases its assets under management to approximately $11 billion, with 7,700 clients nationwide.

NEXT: Arnerich Massena Names Chief Compliance Officer 

Arnerich Massena Names Chief Compliance Officer

Karl Hausafus has returned to Portland-based investment firm Arnerich Massena as the company’s new general counsel and chief compliance officer. He will be responsible for all legal and compliance functions of the firm. He has also been named as principal and will be joining the shareholder group.

Hausafus, whose previous stint with the firm lasted between 2010 and 2016, has more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. He most recently served as chief legal officer for Saturna Capital, as well as general counsel and chief compliance officer for the Oregon State Treasury. Prior to his original tenure with Arnerich Massena, he served as general counsel and chief compliance officer of Compass Holdings. Hausafus earned his Juris Doctorate from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College and holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business management from the University of Oregon. He is a FINRA Series 66 license holder. 

“We are thrilled to have Karl rejoin our team,” says Tony Arnerich, founder and co-CIO. “His strategic insight and the depth of his knowledge are invaluable.”