Core Viewpoint - Washington Federal Bank (WaFd) is launching a new registered investment advisor, WaFd Wealth, in Seattle to meet the growing demand for integrated financial planning and wealth management solutions [1][4]. Company Overview - WaFd is a publicly traded consumer bank with approximately 208 branches across nine Western states, including Washington, Oregon, Arizona, California, and Nevada. It is the second-largest bank headquartered in Seattle, with total assets of $26.7 billion [5]. Leadership and Team - WaFd has appointed John Chavez, a former Merrill Lynch executive with 30 years of experience, as CEO of the new RIA. Bobby Campbell, also from Merrill Lynch with 15 years of experience, is serving as president [2]. - Additional key hires include Shane Parris as chief operating and financial officer, Danny Law as director of relationship management, Belle Jimeno as director of client services, and Liz Parris as director of executive initiatives, all of whom have backgrounds from Merrill Lynch [3]. Services Offered - The new wealth management firm will provide a comprehensive range of financial planning and consulting services, including business planning, cash flow forecasting, trust and estate planning, financial reporting, investment consulting, insurance planning, retirement planning, risk management, charitable giving, distribution planning, tax planning, and education planning [4].

Core Insights - Larry Ellison has maintained a significant stake in Oracle, owning 1.16 billion shares, which is 41% of the company's total outstanding shares, the largest among top tech billionaires [6][4] - Ellison's wealth management strategy involves leveraging his Oracle shares to fund personal investments and philanthropy while retaining control over his holdings [4][14] - Oracle's share repurchase program has contributed to increasing Ellison's ownership percentage from 23% to 41% over the past 15 years, despite his stable number of shares [9] Financial Strategy - Ellison has sold Oracle shares primarily to exercise options and pay taxes, netting $5.1 billion from sales, which is a small fraction of his stake valued over $350 billion [8] - He borrows heavily against his Oracle shares, pledging 277 million shares as collateral for personal loans, valued at over $82 billion [14][15] - Unlike many tech executives, Ellison's approach to borrowing against shares is seen as acceptable due to his wealth and influence, which provides lenders with confidence [16][15] Investments and Philanthropy - Ellison has invested in various sectors, including real estate, sports, and media, with notable purchases like the Eau Palm Beach Resort for $277 million and backing for Skydance Media's acquisition of Paramount for $8 billion [10][12] - He has committed hundreds of millions to philanthropy and is focusing resources on the Ellison Institute of Technology, partnering with the University of Oxford to address global challenges [13] - Ellison's investments also include funding for Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition and several tech startups, showcasing his active role in the tech industry [11] Comparison with Peers - Ellison's strategy contrasts with Oracle CEO Safra Catz, who has sold $2.5 billion in options this year, maintaining a smaller stake in the company [18] - The article highlights differing approaches among tech founders regarding stock management, with many preferring to hold onto their shares to maximize wealth [19] - Wealth advisors note that borrowing against shares can be a form of diversification if used for investments, although it carries risks of over-leverage [20]

Core Insights - Merrill Lynch has launched a new credit unit aimed at providing custom lending and loan management services to high- and ultra-high net worth clients, with loan originations exceeding $10 billion in under two years [1][4] - The new lending options allow clients to borrow against various assets, including businesses, real estate, collectibles, and luxury items, enabling them to maintain their long-term investment strategies [3][4] - The wealth management landscape is evolving, with an increase in the number of individuals worth seven figures in the U.S., projected to grow from 23.8 million in 2024 to approximately 25.5 million by 2028 [4] Company Developments - Bank of America managing director Kurt Niemeyer will lead the new lending unit, emphasizing the importance of diversifying wealth and capitalizing on trends across different asset classes [2][4] - Merrill Lynch's lending unit follows the launch of an alternatives program, aimed at keeping high- and ultra-high net worth clients engaged with the firm [4] Industry Trends - Goldman Sachs plans to double its lending to ultra-wealthy clients with account sizes exceeding $10 million over the next five years [6] - JPMorgan has announced an increase in its direct lending commitment to clients, targeting $50 billion earlier this year [6]

`` You can find original article here Wealthmanagement. Subscribe to our free daily Wealthmanagement newsletter. `` `` Osaic’s W-2 advisor channel across its hybrid and fee-only options has about $57 billion in client assets, with another $24 billion in the pipeline, CEO and President Jamie Price told an audience at the broker/dealer’s annual conference held this year in San Antonio. `` ```` The figure is a relatively small part of Osaic’s roughly $700 billion in assets across its other advisor affiliation ...

Core Insights - HSBC Holdings has opened a 23,000-square-foot wealth management center in the International Commerce Centre (ICC), aimed at enhancing its service to wealthy clients and revitalizing Hong Kong's office market [1][4]. Group 1: Wealth Management Center Details - The new center is located on the 99th floor of the ICC, making it HSBC's largest wealth management office globally, featuring 51 meeting rooms and two event spaces [2][4]. - The center can accommodate up to 220 clients for banquets and is recognized as the highest-altitude bank in the world [2]. - Rental costs for the ICC are estimated between HK$1.5 million (US$192,307) and HK$1.6 million per month [3]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - HSBC aims to position Hong Kong as the world's largest cross-border wealth hub by 2030, catering to high-net-worth customers who value privacy and scenic views [4]. - The ICC center is the fourth large wealth management facility in Hong Kong, with plans for a fifth location in the International Finance Centre by the end of 2025 [5]. - Despite the rise of digital banking, there remains a strong demand for face-to-face interactions with wealth management experts among high-net-worth clients [6]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - HSBC's CEO has announced a strategic shift to redirect US$1.5 billion from low-return markets to high-growth areas, including Hong Kong, with a focus on wealth management [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 15% year-over-year growth in economic earnings per share, reaching $5.39 [4][23] - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $220 million, a 1% increase year-over-year, with fee-related earnings growing 4% [21][23] - The company generated over $8 billion in net client cash flows, marking the strongest net flow quarter in over a decade [11][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Alternative assets under management (AUM) increased by approximately $55 billion, a 20% rise in just six months, with record net inflows of $33 billion into alternatives [5][20] - Private markets AUM grew by 50% since 2022, now standing at $150 billion, driven by high teens organic growth and new affiliate partnerships [13][20] - Liquid alternatives generated nearly $12 billion in net inflows, supported by tax-aware solutions [15][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced $11 billion in outflows from active equities, reflecting industry performance headwinds [11][12] - The wealth channel is seeing an acceleration of alternative flows, particularly in private equity, private credit, and infrastructure [6][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on evolving its business mix towards secular growth areas, particularly in alternative asset classes [11][20] - AMG aims to increase the contribution from alternatives to more than two-thirds of its business over the medium term [57][60] - The company is actively pursuing new partnerships and investments in private markets and liquid alternatives [8][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term impact of their strategy execution, anticipating substantial value creation for shareholders [10][20] - The company is well-positioned to continue executing its growth strategy, supported by a strong balance sheet and diversified business profile [21][26] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of its minority stake in Peppertree, more than doubling its initial investment [9][20] - AMG repurchased approximately $100 million in shares during the second quarter, with plans to repurchase about $400 million for the full year [26][66] Q&A Session Summary Question: Contribution from AQR and Pantheon - Management expects both Pantheon and AQR to be double-digit contributors to earnings this year, with AQR focusing on tax-aware solutions [29][31] Question: Capacity Constraints for AQR - AQR has a competitive advantage due to its innovation and robust trading systems, allowing for significant growth potential [46][48] Question: Portfolio Management and Buybacks - The company does not actively manage its portfolio but focuses on long-term partnerships with affiliates [60][62] - Share repurchases are viewed as a flexible tool for returning capital to shareholders while pursuing growth investments [66][67] Question: Private Market Fundraising Consistency - The company has seen substantial growth in private markets, with $8 billion raised in the last quarter, driven by multiple affiliates [70][76] Question: European Market Trends - Management noted no significant impact from reallocations to European managers in Q2, but they are monitoring the situation closely [82][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating earnings for Q2 2025 were $81.7 million, a 21% increase from Q1 2025 [7] - Net income was $100.2 million or $0.50 per diluted share, with operating earnings of $0.41 per diluted share, reflecting a 21% increase linked quarter and a 78% increase year-over-year [12][28] - Total assets reached $25.5 billion, up 2% from March 31 [8] - Tangible book value per share increased 4% to $12.53 [8] - Operating return on average assets rose 21 basis points to 1.3%, and return on average tangible equity increased from 11.7% to 13.6% [8][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Robust loan growth of 8% annualized this quarter, with commercial loan pipelines steady at approximately $500 million [8][9] - Noninterest income was $42.9 million, compared to a noninterest loss of $236.1 million in Q1 2025 [15] - Wealth management assets under management reached a record high of $8.7 billion, with fees of $17.3 million, up $800,000 linked quarter [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits totaled $21.2 billion, an increase of $424 million from the prior quarter, with 8% annualized growth [20] - Nonperforming loans decreased to $54.7 million or 30 basis points of total loans, improving from the previous quarter [23][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and strategic investments in talent, particularly in commercial lending [8][44] - Plans to consolidate 13 branch locations following the merger with Harbor One, with integration planning well underway [30][31] - The company raised its full-year loan growth outlook to 3% to 5%, reflecting strong results through the first half of the year [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of customers despite economic uncertainties and highlighted the importance of proactive risk management [10][11] - The company remains cautious in its outlook but is optimistic about the ongoing positive trends in credit quality and profitability metrics [11][23] - The competitive market for deposits has heated up, impacting margin expectations for the second half of the year [50] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $3 million worth of shares at an average price of $16.36 prior to the merger announcement [22] - A dividend of $0.13 is set to be paid in September [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will there be more securities portfolio restructurings in the coming quarters? - Management indicated that while there is potential for another restructuring, it is currently on the back burner due to the merger [35] Question: What drove the significant drop in nonperforming loans this quarter? - The drop was attributed to the resolution of five credits rather than loan sales [37] Question: Are there plans to expand into new markets following the Harbor One deal? - Management is open to expanding in Rhode Island but has no current plans to enter Connecticut or New York [39][40] Question: What drove the strong growth in commercial and industrial loans? - Growth was driven by increased customer confidence and the addition of talent in the commercial lending division [44] Question: What is the outlook for the margin in the second half of the year? - Management expects the margin to be relatively flat, influenced by core deposit growth and competitive market conditions [50] Question: Can you provide guidance on Rabbi Trust income? - Rabbi Trust income is influenced by equity market performance, and while it can have an impact, it is not expected to be a significant factor moving forward [54]

Core Insights - LPL Financial LLC has welcomed financial advisors Jared Black and Richard Brokaw to its employee advisor channel, Linsco by LPL Financial, to establish Wyoming Asset Advisors Powered by LPL, managing approximately $400 million in advisory, brokerage, and retirement plan assets [1][8] - The team, based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, has over 65 years of combined experience and focuses on providing tailored investment advice primarily to retirement clients [2][3] Company Overview - LPL Financial Holdings Inc. is recognized as one of the fastest-growing wealth management firms in the U.S., supporting over 29,000 financial advisors and approximately 1,200 financial institutions, managing around $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets for about 7 million Americans [6] - The firm offers a variety of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools, and practice management services, allowing advisors and institutions to select the business model and resources that best suit their needs [6] Advisor Transition - Black and Brokaw chose to join LPL Financial to gain more autonomy and flexibility in their business operations, benefiting from LPL's integrated wealth management platform and extensive business resources [3][4] - The advisors emphasized the importance of client relationships and the enhanced capacity to serve clients effectively after the transition to LPL [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record quarterly net income of $195.5 million, up from $189 million in the previous quarter, representing a growth of approximately 2.6% [5] - Net interest income also reached a record high of $547 million, driven by loan growth of $2.3 billion in the second quarter, which reflects a 19% annualized increase [5][10] - Total assets grew by $3.1 billion to $69 billion, including the impact of a $425 million preferred stock offering [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Residential mortgage activity increased slightly but remains muted in the current rate environment, with the company managing expenses to protect financial results [7] - The property and casualty premium finance group saw growth of over $1 billion, while commercial real estate grew by $377 million and mortgage warehouse grew by $213 million [19][20] - Non-interest income totaled $124.1 million, up approximately $7.5 million from the prior quarter, with increases in mortgage banking and wealth management revenue [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 17% increase in deposit growth, amounting to $2.2 billion on an annualized basis, which helped fund the strong loan growth [9] - The net interest margin for the quarter remained stable at 3.54%, indicating effective management of interest income and expenses [6][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for continued mid to high single-digit loan growth for the second half of the year, supported by strong pipelines and disciplined growth strategies [5][21] - Management emphasized a client-first approach, focusing on delivering sophisticated financial solutions while maintaining expense discipline [26] - The company is cautiously optimistic about the overall business environment, with a focus on maintaining strong credit quality and managing risks effectively [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that credit quality remains strong, with non-performing loans stable and charge-offs unchanged from the previous quarter [22][23] - There is a belief that the impacts of economic uncertainties will be limited due to strong underwriting standards and a diversified portfolio [21] - The company is optimistic about the potential for M&A activity, driven by market dynamics and opportunities arising from regulatory changes [51][92] Other Important Information - The company continues to build tangible book value per share and has grown it every year since going public [15] - The recent preferred stock issuance will impact earnings per share calculations in the third quarter, but not operating net income [16][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations for Q3 - Management expects loan growth to remain in the mid to high single digits based on the June 30 balance [33][34] Question: Sources of deposit growth - Deposit growth is broad-based, with significant contributions from commercial and consumer households [36] Question: Wealth management outsourcing progress - The conversion to the LPL platform is largely complete, and the focus is now on serving clients and growing the wealth business [37] Question: NII growth sustainability amid deposit competition - Management anticipates mid to high single-digit NII growth, supported by stable margins and asset growth [43][46] Question: Impact of deregulation on the company - Management is hopeful for regulatory adjustments that could facilitate growth and acquisition opportunities [51] Question: Borrower sentiment and loan growth - Borrower sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with improved confidence in the economic environment [111] Question: Non-performing loans in the CRE portfolio - The increase in non-performing loans is attributed to a few specific credits, but overall management remains confident in the portfolio's health [96]

Core Insights - LPL Financial LLC announced the addition of financial advisors Charlie Narmi and Theresa Rynaski to its employee advisor channel, Linsco by LPL Financial, where they will launch The Narmi Group Investment Management, managing approximately $870 million in advisory, brokerage, and retirement plan assets [1][8] Group 1: Company Overview - LPL Financial Holdings Inc. is one of the fastest-growing wealth management firms in the U.S., supporting over 29,000 financial advisors and approximately 1,200 financial institutions, with around $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets [6] Group 2: Team Background - Narmi and Rynaski have a combined experience of two decades, focusing on a diverse clientele that includes young professionals, non-profit organizations, and individuals nearing or in retirement [2] Group 3: Service Philosophy - The Narmi Group Investment Management emphasizes a comprehensive service approach, assisting clients with various life decisions, including visits to the Social Security office and researching nursing homes [3] Group 4: Strategic Move to LPL - The transition to LPL Financial was driven by the desire for autonomy, flexibility, and access to enhanced technology, allowing advisors to own their client relationships and operate their practices independently [3][4] - LPL's integrated wealth management platform and robust business resources are designed to support advisors in focusing on client needs while growing their business [4] Group 5: Future Outlook - LPL Financial aims to provide differentiated experiences for advisors and their clients through unparalleled flexibility, strategic resources, and innovative technology, which will support The Narmi Group Investment Management in building long-lasting client relationships [4]