RIA Waverly scoops up $700M investment boutique

RIA Waverly scoops up $700M investment boutique
The fee-only RIA builds on its acquisition streak so far this year with its first foothold in Charlotte, North Carolina.
APR 10, 2024

Waverly Advisors has expanded its operations in the eastern US with the acquisition of an investment advisory firm in North Carolina. Waverly, a top fee-only RIA, is making its maiden foray into Charlotte, North Carolina, by acquiring McShane Partners, which was among the first fee-only investment advisory firms in the city.

This strategic move is part of Waverly's broader growth plan and represents its third acquisition of the year, following its incorporation of StrategIQ Financial Group and EFP Advisors. These earlier acquisitions have already increased its total assets under management by around $2.5 billion in 2024.

McShane Partners, established in 1985, has developed a reputation for its boutique approach to investment management, wealth advisory, and financial planning.

Led by CEO Daniele Donahoe, the practice is dedicated to crafting financial solutions that align closely with the unique goals, necessities, and risk tolerances of its clients.

"The McShane team brings additional strategies to Waverly’s growing public and private market investment options," Waverly president Justin Russell said in a statement.

He highlighted the shared commitment between the firms to exceptional service and the creation of enhanced opportunities for clients and their teams.

Donahoe shared Russell's positive outlook, underscoring their firms’ common ethos of providing transparent, objective advice, and unmatched service.

"It is clear that Waverly shares these values, and we are confident this partnership will offer increased resources and support for our clients," said Donahoe, who’s been registered as an investment advisor since 2010.

With the acquisition completed last Friday, Waverly's assets under management have increased by approximately $700 million.

This expansion bolsters Waverly’s industry standing, with the firm now managing about $11.3 billion in assets and serving a varied clientele that includes high-net-worth individuals, corporate retirement plans, and institutions across its 19 US offices.

The McShane deal marks Waverly's 13th transaction since securing an equity investment from Wealth Partners Capital Group and HGGC's Aspire Holdings platform in December 2021.

"The acquisition of McShane speaks to Waverly’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, client-centric wealth and investment management services," said Mac Selverian, a principal at Wealth Partners Capital Group.

High-quality bonds a bargain compared to stocks, says Schroders portfolio manager

Latest News

Investing for accountability: How to frame a values-driven conversation with clients
Investing for accountability: How to frame a values-driven conversation with clients

By listening for what truly matters and where clients want to make a difference, advisors can avoid politics and help build more personal strategies.

Advisor moves: Raymond James ends week with $1B Commonwealth recruitment streak
Advisor moves: Raymond James ends week with $1B Commonwealth recruitment streak

JPMorgan and RBC have also welcomed ex-UBS advisors in Texas, while Steward Partners and SpirePoint make new additions in the Sun Belt.

Cook Lawyer says fraud claims are Trump’s ‘weapon of choice’
Cook Lawyer says fraud claims are Trump’s ‘weapon of choice’

Counsel representing Lisa Cook argued the president's pattern of publicly blasting the Fed calls the foundation for her firing into question.

SEC orders Vanguard, Empower to pay more than $25M over failures linked to advisor compensation
SEC orders Vanguard, Empower to pay more than $25M over failures linked to advisor compensation

The two firms violated the Advisers Act and Reg BI by making misleading statements and failing to disclose conflicts to retail and retirement plan investors, according to the regulator.

RIA moves: Wells Fargo pair joins &Partners in Virginia
RIA moves: Wells Fargo pair joins &Partners in Virginia

Elsewhere, two breakaway teams from Morgan Stanley and Merrill unite to form a $2 billion RIA, while a Texas-based independent merges with a Bay Area advisory practice.

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.