Hightower, the Chicago-based registered investment advisor with interests in 111 advisory business, has taken a stake in Stearns Financial Group, a $1.3 billion RIA in North Carolina. The Stearns deal is Hightower's sixth transaction so far this year.
Stearns was established in 1991 and has offices in Chapel Hill and Greensboro, North Carolina. It has 32 employees, including 12 advisers.
The transaction, the details of which were not disclosed, is expected to close by the fourth quarter.
Despite a lighter regulatory outlook and staffing disruptions at the SEC, one compliance expert says RIA firms shouldn't expect a "free pass."
FINRA has been focused on firms and their use of social media for several years.
RayJay's latest additions bolster its independent advisor channel's presence across Pennsylvania, Florida, and Washington.
The deal ending more than 30 years of ownership by the Swiss bank includes six investment strategies representing more than $11 billion in AUM.
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From direct lending to asset-based finance to commercial real estate debt.