Modern Wealth tops $4B AUM with C&J Wealth Advisors deal

Modern Wealth tops $4B AUM with C&J Wealth Advisors deal
The RIA aggregator’s ninth acquisition in 14 months also represents its first foray into the South as it gains a foothold in Tennessee.
JUL 11, 2024

Modern Wealth Management has hit several significant milestones at once with its latest deal in Tennessee.

Modern Wealth announced that it has acquired C&J Wealth Advisors, a Knoxville-based wealth management firm, marking the RIA firm’s ninth acquisition in 14 months and pushing its AUM beyond $4 billion.

The acquisition represents Modern Wealth's initial foray into the Southern market, following recent expansions in the Eastern region.

Founded in 1982, C&J Wealth Advisors is an independent, fee-based firm specializing in tax-focused savings, investment management, and retirement income planning. The firm manages over $260 million in assets and serves more than 300 clients in the Knoxville and Oak Ridge areas.

Following the acquisition, C&J Wealth Advisors will fully integrate into the Modern Wealth brand, with its entire team of financial professionals joining the firm.

“Joining Modern Wealth and gaining access to its client service platform enables us to enhance our financial planning offerings while delegating business operations, thus allowing us to serve more families,” Mark King, who joins Modern Wealth as a managing director, said in a statement.

“By leveraging Modern Wealth’s extensive team of financial experts and its versatile investment platform, we hope to significantly enhance our clients’ financial well-being,” said King, a 20-year veteran of the industry.

As part of Modern Wealth, C&J Wealth Advisors will benefit from enhanced support in accounting, compliance, technology, and human resources, as well as its comprehensive investment resources. The firm will also utilize Modern Wealth’s “Organic Growth Hub,” designed to generate leads and expand opportunities for advisors through innovative strategies.

Stephen Tuckwood, director of investments at Modern Wealth, will work alongside Scott Smith, who joins the investment management team to oversee the design and management of investment strategies.

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone in our national expansion, enabling us to seize opportunities in the rapidly growing Knoxville market,” said Jason Gordo, co-founder and president of Modern Wealth. “Aligned with our commitment to delivering comprehensive financial advice, the C&J Wealth Advisors team brings a highly capable group of advisors to help execute our mission.”

As part of its strategic growth plan, Modern Wealth has appointed Jacqueline Ferdowsi as vice president of partnership development. Ferdowsi will spearhead the firm’s acquisition, partnership, and corporate development strategy, with further acquisitions planned throughout the year.

In April, the national wealth firm welcomed Jason Del Col, a former leader of Goldman Sachs and 20-year veteran of the industry, to drive its growth initiatives as head of advisory.

Latest News

Advisor moves: Wells Fargo FiNet lands $580M Ameriprise team
Advisor moves: Wells Fargo FiNet lands $580M Ameriprise team

LPL Financial and Raymond James also add independent advisors from Osaic and Edward Jones in Michigan and Arizona.

M1 Advisor bets AI can serve clients wealth managers turn away
M1 Advisor bets AI can serve clients wealth managers turn away

The SEC-registered RIA advises on more than $1 billion in client assets, with no advisory fee through 2027 and no human financial advisors.

Wirehouses losing more advisors so far in 2026: Report
Wirehouses losing more advisors so far in 2026: Report

The four wirehouse firms lost 1,449 experienced advisors and recruited 932 in the first six months of the year, according to Diamond Consultants.

RIA moves: Merit, Hightower and Trilogy announce billion-dollar additions
RIA moves: Merit, Hightower and Trilogy announce billion-dollar additions

Merit's 10th Commonwealth addition deepens its Western New York reach, while another Hightower partner joins its Signature Wealth platform in Michigan.

SEC spares fund giants charges but warns on Exxon climate campaign
SEC spares fund giants charges but warns on Exxon climate campaign

Report on Climate Action 100+ signals risk for passive managers' 13G status heading into the 2027 proxy season.

SPONSORED Built on insurance experience to deliver on long-term promises

Knighthead Life entered the market with a competitive MYGA. A strong launch earned advisor confidence and paved the way for FIAs.

SPONSORED In the Age of AI, Trust Becomes the Advisor's Greatest Asset

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