Indiana-based RIA Credent Wealth Management is giving external advisors planning for their practice's growth and succession a new flexible gateway to partnership.
On Wednesday, the firm announced the public launch of its in-house turnkey asset management platform, Credent Advisor Solutions.
Initially debuted in 2016 for Credent’s internal advisor network, CAS will now be accessible to independent advisors across the wealth management industry, offering tools for back-office support and succession planning while allowing advisors to retain business ownership.
“Credent Advisor Solutions is not just another service; it's an entry point for advisors who may not be ready to merge with a partner fully but are looking for ways to enhance their practice,” David Hefty, chief executive of Credent Wealth Management, said in a statement. “For the first time, advisors can take gradual steps toward partnership, allowing them to offload non-core activities and focus on what matters most: their clients.”
The CAS platform gives advisors flexibility in structuring partnerships, offering business-to-business partnerships, 1099 agreements, and minority interest arrangements. The goal is to provide a growth pathway for advisors who seek to experience the benefits of Credent’s infrastructure without committing to a full merger.
Beyond dedicated teams to handle non-core operational functions, the TAMP includes advanced technology and cybersecurity resources, enabling advisors to streamline operations while safeguarding client information.
"Our goal is to cultivate long-term, meaningful partnerships with advisors who align with our vision for growth and succession rather than simply prioritizing asset accumulation,” Hefty said. “Collaborating with us offers more than just access to resources; it’s about facilitating a seamless transition when an advisor chooses to retire or exit the business, preserving their legacy and client relationships for the future.”
The decision to unlock CAS comes after Credent secured a strategic investment from Crestline Investors in July, which the RIA said will support its merger and acquisition strategy and ongoing investment in Credent Advisor Solutions.
For sellers weighing PE deals, due diligence shouldn't end with the offer on the table – the acquiring platform and the M&A advisor deserve a hard look as well.
South Carolina estate planning firm joins Osaic’s IBD network, citing succession planning tools and multigenerational growth resources.
A new SIFMA and KPMG study of more than 2,100 US investors finds satisfaction high, AI-only trust falling, and demand for human guidance growing across every generation.
Retail banks and private wealth firms scored 40 in Fitch's AI stress test, signaling possible one-notch downgrade risk under an adverse scenario.
Elsewhere, Wells Fargo Advisors adds a $400 million Morgan Stanley veteran in Naples as an ex-Cetera advisor goes independent with LPL.
Knighthead Life entered the market with a competitive MYGA. A strong launch earned advisor confidence and paved the way for FIAs.
As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor