Hightower Advisors has hired Edelman’s longtime compliance executive Bob Lavigne as chief compliance officer for Hightower Holdings as it strengthens oversight as its national advisor network continues to grow.
Lavigne will direct Hightower’s enterprise compliance structure, regulatory approach and risk governance across its community of advisory firms and will be tasked with evolving the firm’s compliance program amid a shifting regulatory environment.
Reporting to CEO Larry Restieri, Lavigne has nearly three decades of senior compliance and regulatory leadership in wealth management, including experience building large-scale compliance frameworks, deploying technology-based supervision tools and working directly with advisors to promote fiduciary and transparency standards.
“Bob is an accomplished leader whose experience, judgment and collaborative approach make him well suited for Hightower’s continued growth,” Restieri said. “His work helping advisors navigate an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment aligns with our intention to modernize our compliance program.”
Before joining Hightower, Lavigne served as vice president and chief compliance officer at Edelman Financial Engines. His career also includes compliance and risk roles with VALIC Financial Advisors, Kaufmann Rossin, Bates Group, and PwC. He was a senior examiner at FINRA from 2003-2006 and began his career at PFPC Global Funds Services in 1998.
“I am excited to join Hightower during a period of continued momentum and growth for the firm,” Lavigne said. “The advisor-centric culture and commitment to excellence resonate deeply with me. I look forward to working with teams across the organization to strengthen our compliance program and help advisors deliver quality client outcomes.”
Hightower’s advisor network spans 33 states and the District of Columbia. As of Sept. 30, 2025, Hightower and its affiliates reported approximately $350.3 billion in assets under management.
Based in Chicago, Hightower provides investment management, financial and retirement planning, 401(k) consulting and cash management services through its network of advisory businesses. The firm positions itself as a growth partner for independent advisors seeking to scale operations and enhance client experience.
Goldman Sachs retirement survey finds 83% want guaranteed income, while the annuities providing that income increasingly hold private credit.
The AI meeting assistant's Advisor Intelligence plugin turns client conversation data into annual reviews, tax scans and attrition alerts.
Chuck Roberts and Stifel have been facing scrutiny due to sales of structured products and structured notes.
Among other updates, the proposals would let advisors to regulated funds earn performance fees and allow interval funds to offer monthly repurchases.
What will financial advice look like 20 years from now? Evan Vladem explores how AI may transform wealth management while reinforcing the enduring value of human guidance, trust, and empathy.
As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor
Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains
