Integrated Partners has promoted a former InvestmentNews director of multimedia to chief brand officer, one of several new hires in the industry this week.
Matt Ackermann will focus on amplifying the $20 billion AUA firm’s national presence across the increasingly competitive wealth management and CPA space. He has been chief content officer at Integrated since 2020 after six years at InvestmentNews as part of a 25 year career in financial media.
“His expertise in media, storytelling and brand development has been invaluable to our growth over the past four years,” said president Andree Mohr. “2024 was a landmark year in terms of our growth, making now the perfect time to amplify our story, and Matt is ideally positioned to lead that charge.”
Also boosting its management team is Luma Financial Technologies with the appointment of Jeff Schwantz as chief growth officer. He has 25 years of experience including executive roles at Pershing, Morningstar, eMoney, and most recently, as chief revenue officer at Advisor360.
In his new role, Schwantz will drive new business expansion, enterprise partnerships, and advisor engagement at the fintech, which recently expanded its offering to include life insurance.
Meanwhile, Robertson Stephens has appointed Esta Stecher as board advisor on its Board of Directors. With 30 years of industry experience, mostly at Goldman Sachs where she spent more than a decade as general counsel and senior vice president and five years as CEO at Goldman Sachs Bank USA.
The firm surpassed $7 billion in AUM in 2024 having grown 45% year-over-year.
"With three decades of experience and a proven track record in the industry, Esta is an invaluable addition to our board," said Raj Bhattacharyya, CEO and board member of Robertson Stephens. "We are eager to leverage her deep expertise and strong ethical standards as Board Advisor and look forward to her significant role in driving our continued growth and success."
AssetMark has also strengthened its board with the appointment of two new members, Doris Meister, former chairman and CEO of Wilmington Trust and Lisa Opoku, chief operating officer of FS Investments.
“Their exceptional track records in wealth management, operational excellence, and strategic leadership will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our platform, support financial advisors, and deliver exceptional value to investors,” said Lou Maiuri, chairman & group CEO of AssetMark.
“Semiliquid funds are making private markets more accessible but are much pricier than public market funds,” according Morningstar.
Despite record plan participation, many workers remain at risk of inadequate retirement savings as Social Security’s future grows more uncertain.
New tie-ups with Advyzon, RightCapital and PreciseFP reflect growing demand for flexible, connected tools.
The recently rebranded Focus Partners Wealth is growing again, this time with a pending deal for a Fairfax, Virginia advisory firm.
The transaction significantly expands the firm's reach and capabilities.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.
