Focus adds $800 million Atlanta adviser

Gratus Capital Management says it can benefit from the support as it looks to acquire more firms
SEP 09, 2014
Focus Financial Partners continues to add to its deck of wealth managers, announcing Monday the addition of an Atlanta financial advice firm managing more than $800 million to its network. In a statement, Focus said it had taken a stake in Gratus Capital Management, the tenth largest fee-only advisory firm in Georgia, according to the InvestmentNews RIA Data Center. “Focus has successfully supported more than 40 mergers for our partner firms and we plan to do the same for Gratus as they look to acquire new talent to further establish a regional presence in Georgia and Florida,” Rajini Kodialam, a Focus co-founder and managing director, said in the statement. Both Focus and Gratus were founded in 2006. “As a partner firm, Focus provides us with the capital and deal expertise to grow through strategic acquisitions,” Gratus founder Hank A. McLarty Jr., a former Morgan Stanley broker, said in the statement. Gratus has ten employees, including Mr. McLarty and three other advisers, Focus said. Focus has 31 partner firms.

Latest News

SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund
SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund

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.

The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training
The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training

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.

Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry
Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities 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.

SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says
SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says

Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.

Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest
Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest

Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

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.