Hightower Advisors has announced a strategic investment that will boost its tax advisory capabilities for high-net-worth and business clients.
The Chicago-based firm’s advisors will gain access to the sophisticated tax management services of GMS Surgent, a preeminent tax and advisory firm operating out of Philadelphia which will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hightower.
This is the latest investment in Hightower’s Wealth Solutions platform which provides the firm’s advisors across the United States with a suite of tools to help manage their clients’ financial needs.
The addition of the tax advisory tools will enhance the Wealth Solutions platform which already includes trust services, estate planning, insurance placement, and business owner services.
“We are thrilled to welcome GMS Surgent into the Hightower community, enabling us to provide advisors with a vetted resource to deliver comprehensive tax services to clients via a seamless experience,” said Hightower chairman and CEO Bob Oros. “This alliance empowers advisors to focus on their core services and strengthen relationships with clients.”
GMS Surgent’s team of around 30 is led by managing partners Brian Gallagher, Jack Surgent, and Lauren Adamski. The firm was established in 1992.
“We were impressed with Hightower’s unwavering focus on the client experience, and we feel we can contribute to the broad range of service Hightower can offer its clients,” Jack Surgent said.
The GMS Surgent brand under which two separate entities operate: GMS Surgent is a licensed CPA firm that provides attest services, and GMS Surgent Advisors provides tax and business consulting services.
The transaction closed June 30, with Berkshire Global Advisors serving as the exclusive financial advisor to GMS Surgent.
From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.
Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.
“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.
Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.
Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.
RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.
As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.
