GCG Advisory Partners lands breakaway pair from Wells Fargo

GCG Advisory Partners, a planning and advisory firm based in North Carolina, has expanded its presence with the addition of two wirehouse defectors.

The firm, which provides securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, announced that Wagner-Buffie Wealth has joined its platform. 

Led by 21-year industry veteran Shane Wagner and David Buffie, the Wagner-Buffie Wealth team previously managed over $150 million in assets under management at Wells Fargo. 

The move is part of GCG's strategy to enhance its offerings for breakaway advisors through its partnered independence platform, which aims to provide a balance of autonomy and support to advisory practices.

For Wagner and Buffie, the partnership marks a key step in their efforts to broaden their service capabilities under GCG’s infrastructure.

"We chose GCG Advisory Partners because they offer unparalleled support and a collaborative team environment while still allowing us to run our practice the way we want to," Wagner said in a statement, emphasizing the partnership's substantial benefits for their clients as well as their practice's prospects for future growth.

With a focus on advisor acquisition, GCG aims to help mid-career advisors transition and scale their businesses by taking equity stakes and becoming operating partners to select practices.

The firm’s acquisition of Wagner-Buffie Wealth aligns with its goal to expand its footprint while supporting the development of personalized financial planning services.

"We are excited to partner with Shane and David, building on the strong foundation they have established," said Joel Burris, president and CEO of GCG Advisory Partners.