SignatureFD welcomes M&A veteran Peter Nesvold to board

SignatureFD has appointed mergers and acquisitions specialist Peter Nesvold to its board of directors, strengthening its leadership as the firm looks to expand.

The Atlanta-headquartered firm, which oversees more than $9.1 billion in client assets, said Nesvold’s expertise will support its strategic growth efforts, including potential acquisitions.

Nesvold, an investor and corporate strategist, is the managing partner of Nesvold Capital Partners and has advised financial firms on M&A, succession planning, and equity strategies. He previously served as a partner and chief strategy officer at Silver Lane Advisors, helping to grow the firm before its acquisition by a Fortune 500 company.

Nesvold's sister, Elizabeth Nesvold, added another notch to her own extensive dealmaking resume last February with the revelation of her chair role at Emigrant Bank, the RIA business subsidiary of Emigrant Partners.

"Bringing Peter onto our board is a pivotal step as we continue our trajectory of growth and innovation," Heather Robertson Fortner, chair of the board and chief executive officer of SignatureFD, said in a statement on Wednesday. "His extensive experience in firm strategy, M&A, and wealth management perfectly aligns with our vision to strategically expand our impact, both organically and through potential acquisitions."

Nesvold, whose career spans more than 25 years on Wall Street, has held senior roles at Bear Stearns and Lazard Asset Management. In addition to his work in M&A advisory, he is an active investor in the wealth management and fintech sectors, with stakes in companies such as estate-planning tech startup Vanilla and Willow. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business.

"SignatureFD is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the evolving wealth management landscape, with their wealth activation approach and a strong culture of excellence," Nesvold said. 

His appointment, effective Feb. 1, adds to the roster of external industry veterans on SignatureFD's board. That includes Eric Clarke, founder and former CEO of Orion Advisor Solutions, who joined the board shortly after announcing his retirement from Orion in 2023.

In addition to the board expansion, SignatureFD recently announced two internal promotions, elevating Elizabeth Burdette, a specialist in philanthropic planning, and Brad Kaufman, who focuses on alternative investments as firm owners. 

"Elizabeth and Brad exemplify the commitment, expertise, and leadership that defines our mission to empower clients to activate their wealth in meaningful ways," Fortner said in a late January statement announcing the promotions.