World Investment Advisors lands $3.5B indie firm

World Investment Advisors lands $3.5B indie firm
The newly rebranded financial advisory division of World Insurance Associates has just gotten considerably bigger in Massachusetts.
JUL 17, 2024

Shortly after its landmark rebrand, the financial advisory division of World Insurance Associates has sealed a deal that significantly expands its East Coast presence.

World Investment Advisors, the firm formerly known as Pensionmark, announced Wednesday its acquisition of Boston Harbor Wealth Advisors, an independent financial services firm.

Based in Westborough, Massachusetts, Boston Harbor Wealth Advisors has assets exceeding $3.5 billion under management, operates 15 offices across the Northeast and Ohio, and employs 76 team members. The firm specializes in comprehensive financial planning and investment management for individuals, families, and businesses.

The acquisition is set to combine Boston Harbor Wealth Advisors’ regional presence and expertise with World Investment Advisors’ centralized support model and multi-custodian offering, not to mention its advanced technological resources. Advisors at Boston Harbor will also gain access to a variety of tools aimed at growing their business and enhancing client services.

"We are delighted to welcome the Boston Harbor team to the World family," Troy Hammond, CEO of World Investment Advisors, said in a statement Wednesday.

Hammond highlighted the quality of talent from BHWA, noting the firm’s “incredible group of financial advisors” as well as its “premier leadership and team members that will prove invaluable for our advisors, clients, and ongoing acquisition growth strategy."

"Our partnership with World enables us to enhance and expand our existing acquisition strategy and provides a tremendous opportunity for our advisors and clients,” said Matthew Davis, CEO of Boston Harbor Wealth Advisors, echoing the positive sentiment regarding the acquisition.

With World’s backing, Davis expects his firm to be more effective in the war for talent, with plans to “expand our recruiting efforts in the RIA space with a more robust and competitive offering for advisors."

The deal for BHWA comes just a week after World Investment Advisors shed its old Pensionmark brand in a move meant to reflect the firm’s extensive financial services platform and align with its parent company, World Insurance Associates.

It also marks World Investment Advisors' third acquisition in the past nine months, with two of these acquisitions involving firms managing over $3 billion in assets.

In March, the firm, then Pensionmark, partnered with Vestmark to create a new platform, World MAP, which leverages Vestmark’s portfolio management and tax-aware trading solutions along with the retirement and wealth management capabilities of World Investment Advisors.

World Investment Advisors now manages $11.5 billion in total wealth assets, representing 64 percent of the firm's overall revenue.

Latest News

SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund
SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund

Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.

The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training
The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training

From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.

Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry
Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry

"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.

SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says
SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says

Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.

Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest
Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest

Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.

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.