Hub International has expanded in South Florida with the acquisition of the two component firms of BLS Wealth Management.
Hub has acquired the assets of Bienenfeld Lasek & Starr and BLS Wealth Management, which together operate a full-service firm from their Fort Lauderdale offices, providing wealth management, insurance planning, employee benefits, and employer sponsored retirement plan services.
BLS managing partner Howard Bienenfeld will join Hub South Florida, together with partners Carol Lasek, Mitch Starr, and the BLS Wealth Management team.
“We see longevity and growth for our firm by joining Hub,” Bienenfeld said. “We are excited to expand our network and resources, providing commercial P&C and personal insurance for the benefit of our clients.”
For Hub International, it means additional capabilities for its wealth and retirement practice, which works with plan sponsors through RIA affiliates, providing investment advisory services to clients whose total assets are approximately $148 billion.
The firm recently published a report warning that high-net-worth individuals and families across North America are leaving themselves at risk by not taking some simple steps to protect their possessions, personal information, and reputation.
“Mitch, Howard and Carol have built an excellent client-centric firm that is a great addition to our team in South Florida,” said Joe DeNoyior, president of retirement and private wealth at Hub. “Their passion to serve clients is evident in each and every team member, and we are excited to bring their expertise to Hub. BLS Wealth Management provides a solid foundation as we continue to expand in the region.”
Hub made several acquisitions towards the end of 2023, including retirement consulting firm Renaissance Benefit Advisors Group.
With a fifth of RIA firms using AI to create marketing content, one leading voice argues a clear identity and focusing on clients will be crucial to success.
LPL Financial is a bellwether for the broader financial advice marketplace.
The San Francisco-based startup's Series A funding, with support from Schwab and Edward Jones Ventures, will reinforce its role in the coming $124 trillion wealth transfer.
The quartet of deals across New York, Florida, Ohio, and New Mexico reinforces the fast-growing integrator's leading position in the independent space.
UBS and Wells Fargo have made their own additions in the Northeast, including a Massachusetts duo defecting from Commonwealth.
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.
