MAI Capital Management has made its fourth acquisition of 2024 so far and its 36th since 2018, pushing the national RIA firm’s AUM to more than $21 billion.
LWS Wealth Advisors, which offers comprehensive financial planning, asset management, and family office services, had $562 million in assets under management at the time of the deal last Friday and will adopt the MAI name and branding. Lance Lipset, founder and managing principal of LWS, will assume the title of regional president at MAI. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“Since starting our business in 2012, we’ve had a singular focus on being a comprehensive partner to our clients,” Lipset said in a statement. “As LWS continues to grow, our decision to join MAI – an organization that shares our values – allows our team to double down on bespoke client service, tap into MAI’s back-end capabilities, and expand our offerings in areas such as alternative investments.”
MAI’s previous acquisitions this year include a $549 million ‘household name’ on the West Coast and a $1.4 billion AUM firm with offices in Ohio and Virginia. LWS is headquartered in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.
“For more than a decade, LWS has provided personalized solutions to clients covering all aspects of their financial lives,” said Rick Buoncore, managing partner at MAI. “Their exceptional service has led to tremendous growth, and we are thrilled that they are joining the MAI family.”
From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.
Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.
“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.
Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.
Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.
RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.
As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.