Wealth Enhancement Group widens East Coast footprint with $2.39B hybrid RIA

Wealth Enhancement Group widens East Coast footprint with $2.39B hybrid RIA
The national independent beefs up its more than $94.7B enterprise with a 14-advisor team in headquartered in South Carolina.
OCT 02, 2024

Wealth Enhancement Group, one of the country's leading wealth firms, is extending its presence in the Southeast US with a deal for a multibillion dollar hybrid RIA.

On Wednesday, the independent wealth firm revealed its acquisition of FinTrust Capital Advisors, a hybrid RIA headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, adding to its hefty base of more than $94.7 billion in client assets.

FinTrust Capital Advisors manages over $2.39 billion in client assets and operates with a team of 14 advisors and 13 support staff. In addition to its Greenville base, the firm has locations in Anderson, South Carolina, and Athens, Georgia. 

Jeff Dekko, chief executive officer of Wealth Enhancement Group, highlighted the strategic value of the acquisition.

“It is exciting to expand our presence in the Southeast by joining forces with FinTrust Capital Advisors. Allen and his knowledgeable team are experienced at their craft. They create customized financial solutions tailored to their clients' unique needs,” Dekko said in a statement.

Founded in 2007, FinTrust Capital Advisors specializes in financial planning, investment management, and retirement planning, catering to a range of clients including business owners and high-net-worth families.

Allen Gillespie, chief investment officer at FinTrust, emphasized the firm’s commitment to personalized service.

“Our firm was built on the premise that the best wealth management advice combines investment management guidance, advanced financial planning, and tax strategies with strong client relationships. Joining Wealth Enhancement Group allows us to strengthen that promise by tapping into their robust network of central services,” Gillespie stated.

Jim Cahn, Wealth Enhancement Group’s chief strategy officer, was quick to point out the alignment between the two firms with their "similar dedication to comprehensive wealth management and top-tier client service.”

Wealth Enhancement Group now serves over 62,000 households across the US, with a presence in 117 offices nationwide.

It's deal for Fintrust Capital comes one month after it broadened its profile in the northeastern US by scooping up Pennsylvania-based Levy Wealth Management, which catapulted it past the $90 billion mark and joined its eight other footholds in the state.

Latest News

Advisor moves: LPL recruitment momentum continues with $815M Northwestern Mutual team
Advisor moves: LPL recruitment momentum continues with $815M Northwestern Mutual team

Meanwhile, Raymond James and Tritonpoint Partners separately welcomed father-son teams, including a breakaway from UBS in Missouri.

SEC chief Atkins signals caution on prediction market ETFs amid broader rethink of novel fund structures
SEC chief Atkins signals caution on prediction market ETFs amid broader rethink of novel fund structures

Paul Atkins has asked staff to solicit public comment on novel ETFs, pausing the clock on as many as 24 filings linked to the booming event contracts market.

Private capital's $1 trillion bet on the American retirement account
Private capital's $1 trillion bet on the American retirement account

From 401(k)s to retail funds, Deloitte sees private equity and credit crossing into mainstream investing on two fronts at once.

Advisor moves: Wells Fargo Advisors pulls in $9.6b in fresh talent during first half of May
Advisor moves: Wells Fargo Advisors pulls in $9.6b in fresh talent during first half of May

Big-name defections from Morgan Stanley, UBS, and Merrill Lynch headline a busy two weeks of recruiting for the wirehouse.

Why uncertainty is making behavioral coaching more valuable than ever
Why uncertainty is making behavioral coaching more valuable than ever

Markets have always been unpredictable. What has changed is the amount of information investors are trying to process and the growing role advisors play in helping clients avoid emotional decisions

SPONSORED Are hedge funds the missing ingredient?

Wellington explores how multi strategy hedge funds may enhance diversification

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