You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Envestnet Hires Chief Overseeing Firm’s Cybersecurity Moves Rich Friedberg will be Envestnet’s newest Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), overseeing the firm’s cybersecurity protocols. Friedberg has more than 25 years of experience in cybersecurity in the financial services and national security fields. According to Envestnet Chief Executive Officer Chris Todd, security (including cybersecu ...

Core Insights - Cerity Partners, a registered investment advisor with $156 billion in assets, is merging with Verus Investments, which manages approximately $1.2 trillion in client assets, pending regulatory approvals [1][2] - The merger aims to integrate wealth management and institutional investment consulting services, with the deal expected to close by the end of Q1 this year [1][3] Company Overview - Verus, based in Seattle, provides consulting and outsourced chief investment officer services to various institutions, including nonprofits and retirement plans, and is employee-owned with less than 5% of the stake held by senior leadership [2] - Cerity is majority-owned by private equity firm Genstar Capital and has been actively acquiring firms in the wealth management sector, having closed deals with RIAs managing a total of $4.6 billion in client assets in 2026 [4] Strategic Implications - The merger will allow Verus to adopt the Cerity name and enhance its capabilities by integrating national RIA research, technology, and data, along with a team of nearly 100 employees to serve institutional clients [3] - The partnership is expected to expand Cerity's leadership in the institutional space and improve its service offerings for clients of varying sizes and complexities [3] Market Positioning - Cerity's focus on retirement plans has grown to about $18 billion in nondiscretionary assets, partly through acquisitions, including a notable deal for Blue Prairie in 2019 [5] - The merger is anticipated to create efficiencies by leveraging Verus' investment consulting team for Cerity's investment research and decisions, potentially enhancing Cerity's capabilities in private market and alternative investments for high-net-worth retail clients [6][7]

Core Insights - Equitable Holdings, Inc. reported a revenue of $3.74 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, reflecting a decrease of 5.4% year-over-year and a surprise of -7.2% compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.03 billion. The EPS was $1.76, up from $1.57 in the same quarter last year, resulting in a positive surprise of +0.64% over the consensus estimate of $1.75 [1][3]. Financial Performance Metrics - Retirement net flows were reported at $1.26 billion, below the average estimate of $1.48 billion from two analysts [4]. - Total asset value in the Retirement segment at the end of the period was $163.86 billion, compared to the average estimate of $177.11 billion from two analysts [4]. - Wealth Management advisory net new assets reached $2.15 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $1.89 billion from two analysts [4]. - Total Wealth Management ending assets were $122.01 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $122.15 billion [4]. - Retirement segment revenues were $1.67 billion, slightly above the average estimate of $1.66 billion from three analysts, representing a year-over-year increase of +70.4% [4]. - Revenue from Retirement investment management, service fees, and other income was $186 million, slightly above the average estimate of $185.87 million, with a year-over-year increase of +97.9% [4]. - Policy charges, fee income, and premiums in the Retirement segment generated $435 million, significantly lower than the average estimate of $810.18 million [4]. - Retirement net derivative losses were reported at -$9 million, worse than the average estimate of -$2.03 million, but showed a year-over-year change of +80% [4]. - Net investment income in the Retirement segment was $1.16 billion, matching the average estimate and reflecting a year-over-year increase of +74.3% [4]. - Policy charges, fee income, and premiums in the Retirement segment were $328 million, exceeding the average estimate of $312.96 million, with a year-over-year increase of +47.1% [4]. - Corporate and Other segment revenues were $557 million, significantly below the average estimate of $845.64 million, but represented a year-over-year increase of +148.7% [4]. - Wealth Management segment revenues were $548 million, surpassing the average estimate of $523.73 million, with a year-over-year increase of +13.9% [4].

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley's diverse business model has led to solid performance, with RBC Capital raising its price target to $207 from $185 while maintaining a Sector Perform rating [1][3]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Morgan Stanley achieved a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) exceeding 20% [3]. - The Wealth Management segment reported a record pre-tax margin of 31.0%, highlighting its strong performance [3]. Group 2: Business Strategy and Future Outlook - The company plans to leverage operating efficiencies with a projected tax rate of 22-23% in 2026 [4]. - Continued investments in technology and client competencies are anticipated, focusing on artificial intelligence and digital assets [4]. - Morgan Stanley operates as a global financial services company, offering investment banking, securities, wealth management, and investment management services [4].

Core Viewpoint - Hampton Financial Corporation has successfully closed the issuance of shares to settle debt obligations, which is expected to strengthen its balance sheet and reduce operational funding costs, positively impacting 2026 results [1] Group 1: Financial Actions - The company issued 10,528,141 subordinate voting shares to debenture holders to settle obligations under debentures totaling $4 million and a quarterly interest payment of approximately $5.2 million [1] - The shares are subject to a hold period of four months and one day, expiring on May 30, 2026 [1] Group 2: Company Overview - Hampton Financial Corporation is a private equity firm focused on building shareholder value through long-term strategic investments [2] - The company operates through its subsidiary, Hampton Securities Limited, which provides a range of services including family office, wealth management, institutional services, and capital markets activities [3] Group 3: Business Operations - Hampton Securities Limited is a full-service investment dealer regulated by CIRO and registered in multiple Canadian provinces [3] - The company offers investment banking services, including capital raising, mergers and acquisitions advisory, and assistance with listings on recognized securities exchanges [3] - Through its subsidiary, Oxygen Working Capital, the company provides factoring and commercial financing services across Canada [4]

4Q 2025 Investor Presentation January 29, 2026 Safe Harbor The information contained in this investor presentation may contain statements that are not historical in nature but rather are based on management's beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections about the future. These statements can sometimes be identified by Arrow's use of forward-looking words such as "may," "will," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," or "intend." These statements may be "forward- looking statements" within the m ...

Investor Presentation December 2025 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. This document contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the Company. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon be ...

Q4 2025 EARNINGS INVESTOR PRESENTATION January 27, 2026 Additional information concerning Busey and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect Busey's financial results, is included in Busey's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 4Q25 Earnings Investor Presentation First Busey Corporation | Ticker: BUSE 2 Forward-Looking Statements This presentation may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP earnings per share of $1.03 for Q4 2025, an increase of 9 cents or 9.6% year-over-year, but a decrease of 1 cent or 1% from the previous quarter [11] - Operating earnings per share reached $1.12 in Q4, compared to $1 in the same quarter last year and $1.09 in the linked third quarter [11] - Total operating revenues for Q4 were $215.6 million, marking a 10% increase year-over-year and a 4.2% increase from the previous quarter [12][15] - The company's net interest income was $133.4 million in Q4, representing an 11.2% improvement year-over-year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The employee benefit services business saw a 10% quarter-over-quarter growth in pre-tax income, although full-year performance was in the low single digits [4][8] - Insurance services achieved top-line growth of 8% and operating income growth of 42% [7] - Wealth management services experienced a 15% growth in operating pre-tax income, despite some revenue impacts from realignment of producers [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The banking business benefited from mid-single-digit asset growth and a 22% increase in operating income for the full year [5] - Loan growth was reported at 5%, which is favorable compared to industry peers, despite over $300 million in elevated paydowns in the commercial business [6] - Total deposits increased by 7% year-over-year, driven by the acquisition of deposits from the Santander branch [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expense management and leveraging investments in AI and automation for future growth [8] - A significant acquisition of ClearPoint Federal Bank & Trust is expected to enhance the company's wealth management offerings and is anticipated to close in Q2 2026 [20] - The company aims for continued growth in diversified revenue streams, with specific targets for loan and deposit growth in 2026 [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's liquidity and asset quality, which provides a solid foundation for continued earnings growth [20] - For 2026, the company expects loan balances to grow by 3.5%–6% and net interest income to increase by 8%–12% [21][22] - The management acknowledged challenges such as increased New York State income taxes impacting the tax rate [8] Other Important Information - The company has saved over 200,000 hours through automation efforts, allowing for flat headcount while growing the business [9] - The allowance for credit losses was $87.9 million, representing 80 basis points of total loans outstanding at the end of Q4 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan pricing and growth drivers for 2026 - Management noted that loan originations were in the low sixes and expect a trend towards lower pricing, but fixed asset repricing will benefit the company [29] Question: Non-interest income growth guidance - Non-interest income is expected to grow by 4%–8% in 2026 [32] Question: Employee benefit services growth trajectory - Management indicated that retirement services grew in high single digits, while institutional trust was flat, with expectations for mid to high single-digit growth in 2026 [36] Question: Fee income ratio and ROTCE implications - Management expressed uncertainty about the future fee income ratio but emphasized ongoing investments in core businesses to enhance returns [41][44] Question: ClearPoint transaction and its market - ClearPoint operates in the death care industry, providing trust and insurance services, and is expected to enhance the company's offerings significantly [50][54] Question: NIM expansion expectations - Management guided for a 2-4 basis points expansion in NIM for Q1, with ongoing efforts in loan and deposit growth contributing to this [62]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of maximizing the relationship with banks to build and protect wealth [2] - Financial technology companies (fintechs) are gaining popularity due to their ease of use and special perks, but there are risks associated with them [3][4] - Maintaining funds below the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 is crucial for protecting deposits, as excess funds are not insured [5] Group 2 - Spreading funds across multiple banks can provide access to various benefits, such as fee-free checking accounts and competitive interest rates [6][7] - Some banks offer wealth management services that assist in retirement planning, investment strategies, and tax minimization, although eligibility may depend on net worth or investable assets [8]