Cerity Partners is expanding its venture capital capabilities and offering to corporations and businesses, by merging with a specialist VC firm.
The independent wealth management firm is merging with Touchdown Ventures, a leading provider of advisory services for corporate VC programs.
Touchdown will operate as Cerity Partners Ventures and enable Cerity to expand its offering to include ‘venture capital as a service’ and enhance the firm’s services for private clients. The merger also boosts Cerity’s footprint in key growth-oriented markets, including Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
“Our partnership with Touchdown Ventures comes during a period of significant growth for Cerity Partners and will be instrumental in deepening our offering to corporate partners,” said Kurt Miscinski, CEO of Cerity Partners. “Touchdown’s best-in-industry VC professionals, coupled with our shared fiduciary commitment to deliver exceptional service in our clients’ best interest, make them an ideal partner. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Touchdown team.”
Touchdown was founded a decade ago and as part of Cerity it will gain additional experience and scale to serve startup entrepreneurs and their venture capital investors.
“Our relationship with Cerity Partners amplifies our team’s ability to provide the best possible venture capital services for corporations seeking access to external innovation. This merger reinforces the commitment of our team to continue our mission, and I speak for my co-founders in saying that we are excited to keep doing what we are doing together with our new colleagues at Cerity Partners.”
Note: Story updated to remove Touchdown's AUM which was incorrect in the supplied information.
Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.
From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.
"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.
Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.
Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.
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.
