Group 1: Service Expansion via Acquisition - Prime Capital Financial announced the acquisition of a Texas-based tax advisory firm to establish a Prime Capital Tax Advisory division [1] - VestGen Wealth Partners launched a retirement plan advice division through the acquisition of a former Osaic team specializing in retirement plans [1] Group 2: Traditional Footprint Expansion - AlphaCore Wealth Advisory acquired a registered investment advisor (RIA) with $1.5 billion in assets under management (AUM) located in Rockville, Maryland [2] - Concurrent, a 1099 affiliation platform, brought on a team from Raymond James with $1.3 billion in AUM based in Savannah and Sea Island, Georgia [2] Group 3: Advisor Movements - Kestra Private Wealth Services recruited a large team from Bank of America's Merrill, led by David Barnett and Ashley Ament, to form Ascend Private Wealth Partners, focusing on investment management and tax planning [4][5] - Cetera Financial Group hired advisor Frank Mezzanotte and his $126 million FDM Wealth Management practice to its Cetera Financial Institutions division [7]

Core Insights - Rise Growth Partners, launched by former United Capital CEO Joe Duran, has made its third minority investment in Krilogy, a St. Louis-based RIA with over $4 billion in client assets [1][2] - This investment enhances Rise Growth's presence in the Midwest and aligns with Krilogy's focus on developing young talent through its Advisor Development System [2][3] - Krilogy has experienced double-digit organic growth and aims to reach $5 billion in total assets by 2026, with a target of $10 to $15 billion in the next three to five years [3] Company Overview - Krilogy was founded in 2009 by Kent Skornia and emphasizes holistic wealth management, including financial planning, asset management, and legal services [2] - The firm has completed approximately 21 acquisitions or tuck-ins over the past 15 years, focusing on matching retiring senior advisors with younger successors [3] Strategic Plans - Krilogy plans to collaborate with Rise Growth to enhance its M&A strategy and recruit more talent [4] - Rise Growth aims to provide capital to Krilogy to support the hiring of younger Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) and expand its advisory recruiting efforts [5] - Krilogy will likely offer a combination of equity and cash to young advisors, transitioning them from 1099 to W-2 employees, and will extend similar offers to smaller firms joining Krilogy [5]

Core Insights - AlphaCore Wealth Advisory has acquired SPC Financial, expanding its assets under management to over $8.5 billion and increasing its workforce to 100 employees [2][5][8] Company Overview - AlphaCore Wealth Advisory, based in La Jolla, California, manages $6 billion in assets and focuses on alternative investments [1][6] - SPC Financial, located in Rockville, Maryland, has $1.5 billion in assets and serves over 2,000 families in the Washington, D.C. area [2][4] Acquisition Details - The acquisition of SPC Financial includes eight financial advisors and 28 additional staff members, enhancing AlphaCore's East Coast presence [2] - The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023 [2] Historical Context - SPC Financial was founded in 1970 and was affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services for 41 years before becoming a standalone RIA in 2024 [3] - The firm specializes in integrating tax and estate planning into financial planning and portfolio management [4] Strategic Focus - AlphaCore emphasizes alternative investments as a key differentiator in its asset allocation strategy, alongside traditional asset management and financial planning services [6] - The firm aims to cultivate a community of clients and professionals who share its vision for the future of wealth management [8]

Core Insights - XA Investments plans to host a webinar on October 23, 2025, to discuss recent developments in the CLO and leveraged loan market [1] - The webinar will be moderated by Kevin Davis, with participation from Kimberly Flynn and Ben McCulloch, all of whom are associated with XA Investments [1] Company Overview - XA Investments LLC, founded in 2016, is based in Chicago and serves as the investment adviser for two listed closed-end funds and one interval closed-end fund [3] - The firm provides investment fund structuring and consulting services, focusing on registered closed-end funds to meet institutional client needs [3] - XAI aims to offer new vehicles for the investing public to access a broad range of alternative investment strategies [3] Investment Advisory - Octagon Credit Investors, a sub-adviser for XA Investments, manages $33.8 billion in below-investment grade corporate credit investments, focusing on leveraged loans, high yield bonds, and structured credit [5] - Octagon employs fundamental credit analysis and active portfolio management to identify attractive investment opportunities [5] - The firm emphasizes a disciplined and scalable approach to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for investors [5]

Core Viewpoint - The "21st Century Gold Medal Investment Advisor" project aims to enhance the quality of investment advisory services in the wealth management industry by focusing on professional and innovative advisory teams, with a new category for "AI Investment Advisory" to explore the integration of technology in this field [2][4][9]. Group 1: Project Overview - The project is a collaboration between Southern Finance Media Group and 21st Century Economic Report, focusing on the collection of exemplary investment advisory cases [2]. - It aims to transition the wealth management industry from scale expansion to high-quality development, reflecting the evolving market dynamics [4][9]. - The evaluation criteria for the "Gold Medal Investment Advisor" will ensure objectivity and fairness, with a focus on both advisory capabilities and investment performance [5][9]. Group 2: AI Investment Advisory - The introduction of the "AI Investment Advisory" category is a significant highlight, encouraging the application of artificial intelligence in investment advisory practices to improve service efficiency and user experience [6][7]. - This initiative aligns with the broader trend of digital transformation in the wealth management sector, driven by advancements in generative AI technologies [7]. Group 3: Evaluation and Impact - The evaluation process will involve multiple dimensions, including business structure, team development, investor behavior improvement, and customer service quality [2][5]. - The project will leverage the extensive resources and expertise of Southern Finance Media Group to ensure credibility and professionalism in the collection and evaluation of cases [2][8]. - A series of forums and workshops will be organized to discuss the latest developments in investment advisory services and share successful case studies [7][8]. Group 4: Timeline and Participation - The project consists of three phases: registration, shortlist and expert evaluation, and the release of advisory reports along with forums to showcase exemplary cases [11]. - Registration is open until November 25, with the evaluation results expected in late November, followed by the Southern Finance Forum in December [11].

Core Insights - 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC has been recognized in multiple prestigious industry rankings in 2025, highlighting its excellence in investment management and client service [1][4] - The firm emphasizes the importance of long-term relationships with clients, focusing on helping them understand the purpose behind their wealth [2] Company Overview - 1919 Investment Counsel is a registered investment advisor with over 100 years of experience, serving families, individuals, foundations, and endowments to achieve financial goals [2] - The firm is headquartered in Baltimore and has offices in several major cities across the United States, including Birmingham, Cincinnati, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Vero Beach [2] Industry Recognition - Barron's has named 1919 to its Top 100 RIA Firms list for the sixth consecutive year, evaluating firms based on assets under management, technology investments, staff diversity, and succession planning [4] - Forbes included 1919 in its 2025 Top RIA Firms list, which features 250 firms managing over $1.9 trillion in assets, ranked based on qualitative and quantitative factors [4] - InvestmentNews recognized 1919 as one of its inaugural 5-Star RIA Firms for 2025, honoring wealth managers with a minimum of $1 billion in AUM based on verified data [4] - Financial Advisor Magazine included 1919 in its 2025 RIA Survey & Ranking, showcasing leading firms based on reported assets [4]

Group 1 - Khaveen Investments is a global investment advisory firm serving high-net-worth individuals, corporations, associations, and institutions [1] - The firm is a registered investment adviser with the SEC and offers services including market and security research, business valuation, and wealth management [1] - The flagship Macroquantamental Hedge Fund has a diversified portfolio with exposure to hundreds of investments across various asset classes, geographies, sectors, and industries [1] Group 2 - Khaveen Investments employs a multifaceted investment approach that integrates top-down and bottom-up analysis, blending global macro, fundamental, and quantitative strategies [1] - The firm's core expertise focuses on disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, 5G, Autonomous and Electric Vehicles, FinTech, Augmented and Virtual Reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT) [1] Group 3 - While Khaveen Investments does not invest in Chinese indices, it maintains positions in individual stocks that may be part of those indices [2]

Core Insights - Edelman Financial Engines has appointed Ralph Haberli as acting CEO while considering long-term leadership needs following the resignation of former CEO Jay Shah [2][3] - The firm manages over $308 billion in assets and aims to expand its wealth management services, particularly in defined contribution retirement plans [1][3] Leadership Changes - Former CEO Jay Shah will transition to an advisory role until the end of the year [2] - Ralph Haberli, who joined from Capital Group, will temporarily lead the firm and has full authority during this transition [3] Strategic Direction - Haberli emphasized the firm's unique position to support clients throughout their financial journey, from initial employment to retirement [4] - The company plans to pursue both acquisition and organic growth, leveraging its scale and technology to attract partners [5] Recent Developments - Under Shah's leadership, the firm made significant acquisitions, including two firms with assets totaling $726 million this year [6] - Edelman Financial Engines was formed through the merger of Ric Edelman's RIA and Financial Engines in 2018, with a minority stake acquired by Warburg Pincus in 2021 [5]

Core Insights - Captrust Financial Advisors has acquired Cobblestone Capital Advisors, adding $3.8 billion in client assets to its portfolio [1][2] - The acquisition enhances Captrust's presence in New York, marking its third office in the state and increasing its employee count to 87 [4] Company Overview - Captrust, based in Raleigh, N.C., manages over $1 trillion in assets under advisement and management [1] - Cobblestone Capital Advisors, founded in 1986, specializes in investment and wealth management, including private investments and family office services [3] Leadership and Team - Cobblestone brings 42 employees, including 15 advisors, led by CEO John DiPasquale, Chief Investment Officer Jason Garlock, and Managing Director of Business Development Chris Mooney [2][4] Financial Metrics - Captrust oversees more than $847 billion in nondiscretionary assets and over $237 billion in discretionary assets [5] - The firm has the highest retirement plan assets under administration among registered investment advisors (RIAs) [6] Recent Acquisitions - Prior to the Cobblestone acquisition, Captrust acquired Carolinas Investment Consulting, which had over $1.4 billion in assets [7]

Core Insights - Beacon Pointe Advisors has expanded its client asset base to $54 billion through the acquisition of Sensible Financial Planning, aiming to enhance its presence on the East Coast [1][2] - The acquisition adds approximately $944 million in assets under management and will establish a new office in San Diego, alongside expanding operations in the Boston area [2] - Sensible Financial, founded in 2002, specializes in retirement planning, tax strategies, insurance analysis, estate and legacy planning, and investment management, employing around 21 staff [2][3] Company Strategy - The integration of Sensible Financial into Beacon Pointe will allow for a seamless transition while maintaining the existing client relationships and staff growth opportunities [3] - Sensible Financial will operate under the Beacon Pointe name and utilize its W-2 employee model, with equity holders receiving a Schedule K-1 for tax reporting [3] Market Position - Beacon Pointe has made 11 acquisitions in the current year, including a recent deal for The Family Firm, a female-led firm with $857 million in assets, further solidifying its East Coast strategy [5] - The firm has completed a six-deal acquisition spree within 60 days, adding $2.7 billion in client assets, and now boasts over 600 employees and more than 75 offices nationwide [5] Financial Backing - In 2021, Beacon Pointe received a minority investment from private equity firm KKR, allowing its advisors to retain 50% ownership in the firm [6]