UBS and Wealthfront terminate acquisition plans

UBS and Wealthfront terminate acquisition plans
Instead, UBS is purchasing a $69.7 million note that is convertible into Wealthfront shares, an investment that values the robo-adviser at $1.4 billion.
SEP 02, 2022

UBS Americas Inc. and Wealthfront said Friday they have mutually decided to terminate their acquisition agreement.

In January, the bank announced plans to acquire the robo-adviser for $1.4 billion. Instead, UBS is purchasing a $69.7 million note that is convertible into Wealthfront shares, an investment that values the company at $1.4 billion.

Though Wealthfront will remain an independent company, it plans to “explore ways” to work with UBS in a partnership, according to a blog post from Wealthfront CEO David Fortunato. The robo-adviser will be cash flow positive and EBITDA profitable in the next few months, he added.

“With this fresh round of funding under our belt along with the ability to begin self-funding the business, we are committed to building a lasting company that positively impacts the lives of our clients for decades to come,” Fortunato said.

UBS said the bank is committed to growing in the U.S. and building out a digital wealth management offering.

A UBS spokesperson refused to comment. Wealthfront did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Latest News

IRA ownership climbs as rollovers drive retirement savings growth, ICI finds
IRA ownership climbs as rollovers drive retirement savings growth, ICI finds

Nearly three quarters of US households hold tax-advantaged retirement accounts as IRA assets reach $18 trillion.

Robinhood brings AI-powered Cortex to RIAs on TradePMR
Robinhood brings AI-powered Cortex to RIAs on TradePMR

Robinhood is adding Cortex for Advisors across TradePMR, bringing AI-powered portfolio analysis and tax insights to advisors, while executives say regulatory constraints still prevent AI from directly managing client assets.

The real challenge in retirement isn’t saving — it’s spending
The real challenge in retirement isn’t saving — it’s spending

As Americans transition from saving for retirement to spending in retirement, new research suggests sustainable income matters more than account balances.

Wellington Management strikes acquisition deal with Hartford Funds in $1.9B wealth push
Wellington Management strikes acquisition deal with Hartford Funds in $1.9B wealth push

The agreement marks the end of a four-decade sub-advisory partnership while giving Wellington a scaled distribution platform for financial advisors.

How Dispatch's new software soothes the pain of advisor transitions
How Dispatch's new software soothes the pain of advisor transitions

CEO Rob Nance says the industry's first purpose-built transitions platform can compress months-long moves into days, effectively removing a key barrier to independence.

SPONSORED Estate planning isn't a service add-on. It's your retention strategy.

As $84 trillion prepares to change hands, advisors who treat estate planning as peripheral are quietly building a sieve, not a book.

SPONSORED Why strategy matters more than performance

In volatile markets, the advisors who win aren't the ones with the best calls - they're the ones whose clients stay the course.