UBS and Wealthfront terminate acquisition plans

UBS and Wealthfront terminate acquisition plans
Instead, UBS is purchasing a $69.7 million note that is convertible into Wealthfront shares, an investment that values the robo-adviser at $1.4 billion.
SEP 02, 2022

UBS Americas Inc. and Wealthfront said Friday they have mutually decided to terminate their acquisition agreement.

In January, the bank announced plans to acquire the robo-adviser for $1.4 billion. Instead, UBS is purchasing a $69.7 million note that is convertible into Wealthfront shares, an investment that values the company at $1.4 billion.

Though Wealthfront will remain an independent company, it plans to “explore ways” to work with UBS in a partnership, according to a blog post from Wealthfront CEO David Fortunato. The robo-adviser will be cash flow positive and EBITDA profitable in the next few months, he added.

“With this fresh round of funding under our belt along with the ability to begin self-funding the business, we are committed to building a lasting company that positively impacts the lives of our clients for decades to come,” Fortunato said.

UBS said the bank is committed to growing in the U.S. and building out a digital wealth management offering.

A UBS spokesperson refused to comment. Wealthfront did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Latest News

Mesirow acquires part of flexPATH in second retirement deal of 2026
Mesirow acquires part of flexPATH in second retirement deal of 2026

Chicago-based Mesirow Fiduciary Solutions adds flexPATH's plan-level outsourced fiduciary book, boosting its retirement market reach to $164 billion.

Advisor moves: LPL lands $350M veteran advisor duo in Florida
Advisor moves: LPL lands $350M veteran advisor duo in Florida

Also, Raymond James's employee advisor channel adds breakaways from Wells Fargo and Stifel, while UBS welcomes an ex-Morgan Stanley duo in Indiana.

SEC accuses crypto firm founder of running $425 million Ponzi scheme
SEC accuses crypto firm founder of running $425 million Ponzi scheme

It promised guaranteed principal and 10% monthly returns. The SEC says it invested nothing.

MassMutual Ascend tops $2 billion in RIA annuity sales as advisors warm to income products
MassMutual Ascend tops $2 billion in RIA annuity sales as advisors warm to income products

Ten years after entering the fee-based annuity market, MassMutual Ascend says nearly half its lifetime sales came in the past two years alone – but barriers remain among fee-only advisors.

Fintech bytes: Wealth tech firms target advisor productivity with new integrations
Fintech bytes: Wealth tech firms target advisor productivity with new integrations

Amplify, WealthReach, Zeplyn and Zocks have unveiled partnerships aimed at automating portfolio management, content creation, account opening, and client communication.

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income