Robertson Stephens makes mid-West debut with CAFG deal

Robertson Stephens makes mid-West debut with CAFG deal
From left to right: Megan Mikusa, John Dorn, Tom Chernesky and Dan Zarzynski at CAFG Private Wealth.
The RIA's fifth acquisition of 2024 pushes it past the $7B AUM mark while establishing a foundational foothold in Chicago, Illinois.
OCT 08, 2024

Robertson Stephens Wealth Management is making its maiden foray into the greater Chicago market as it establishes ties with a North Barrington-domiciled RIA.

Robertson Stephens announced Tuesday that it is acquiring CAFG Private Wealth, a North Barrington-based registered investment advisor managing over $240 million in assets.

With its latest deal in the Midwest, Robertson Stephens' total assets under management have risen more than $7 billion across 24 locations nationwide.

The acquisition, Robertson Stephens’ fifth deal of 2024 – including notable mergers in Colorado, Oregon, and Connecticut – will also see CAFG Private Wealth founder Tom Chernesky joining Robertson Stephens as a managing director and principal, alongside his team members John Dorn, Megan Mikusa, and Dan Zarzynski.

The new office in North Barrington represents Robertson Stephens' expansion into a strategic region, according to CEO Raj Bhattacharyya.

"CAFG has built an excellent practice by providing each client with a lifetime of financial guidance through personalized financial planning," Bhattacharyya said in a statement. "They are a perfect fit and a great addition to the firm."

The acquisition is intended to combine CAFG’s client-focused approach with Robertson Stephens’ broader wealth management resources, which Chernesky said would be a plus for both his team and their clients.

"We believe this merger with Robertson Stephens allows us to stay at the forefront of technology, open new investment opportunities to our clients, and deliver the best possible wealth solution tailored to our clients' needs," Chernesky said, stresssing that CAFG’s commitment to providing personalized service will remain central to the team’s approach.

The firm now operates in multiple wealth hubs across the US, including key financial hubs like New York, San Francisco, Boston, and West Palm Beach.

Latest News

Clients expect to know if you use AI, but don’t realise that their portfolios are likely exposed
Clients expect to know if you use AI, but don’t realise that their portfolios are likely exposed

Janus Henderson Investors research reveals demand for transparency, but lack of awareness of AI’s prevalence in the corporate world.

Retirement dream looking more like a luxury as cost-of-living squeezes savings
Retirement dream looking more like a luxury as cost-of-living squeezes savings

New research reveals rising expenses, forced early exits, and a widening gap between how long people live and how long their money lasts.

Advisor moves: LPL, Raymond James, Brighton Jones raid the talent pool
Advisor moves: LPL, Raymond James, Brighton Jones raid the talent pool

Firms continue their quest to attract and retain the best advisor teams.

Most advisors say AI portfolio construction is worth $500 a month
Most advisors say AI portfolio construction is worth $500 a month

A survey from TacticalMind AI found 69% of advisors say a high-quality AI platform that makes investment recommendations and constructs portfolios is worth $500 monthly, while research-only tools are valued closer to $250.

CAIS embeds Claude AI into advisor workflows for alternatives intelligence
CAIS embeds Claude AI into advisor workflows for alternatives intelligence

The alts tech provider's latest integration lets advisors query fund data and surface portfolio insights without leaving their primary workspace.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline