UNest enters financial advisor marketplace with Wealthtender partnership

UNest enters financial advisor marketplace with Wealthtender partnership
The startup has raised more than $40 million but until now has only gone directly to consumers.
AUG 11, 2023

UNest, a digital broker-dealer focused on helping parents save money for their children, is stepping into the financial advisor marketplace.

Founded in 2018 by CEO Ksenia Yudina, one of InvestmentNewss 40 Under 40 honorees in 2020, UNest has raised more than $40 million and works with 700,000 investors. Parents can use UNest’s app to open and fund Uniform Transfers to Minors Act custodial accounts to save money for children.

The company’s latest product, UNest FinPro, allows financial advisors to join the platform and use UNest to open accounts for clients’ children. Advisors also receive access to a support team, educational materials, and a $25 bonus deposit into accounts.

UNest is partnering with Wealthtender, a digital marketing platform for financial advisors, to jump-start the program, giving 300 financial advisors on Wealthtender early access to FinPro. Wealthtender will also power a new find-an-advisor directory on UNest’s website that will feature financial advisors who participate in FinPro.

“Our focus is on giving parents the confidence and ability to map out a sound financial future for their kids,” Yudina said in a statement.

Wealthtender launched as an independent resource for connecting financial advisors with prospects and supports client reviews of advisors in compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s new testimonial rules.

Advisors already on Wealthtender will be featured on UNest’s website to parents searching to hire an advisor, giving them increased visibility and a new avenue for connecting with prospects, according to CEO Brian Thorp.

“We’re excited to help the digitally savvy advisors in our community serve their clients with the UNest app and attract new clients through the Unest.co website,” Thorp said in a statement.

South Florida remains supreme for private real estate investors, says Participant Capital president

Latest News

Maryland bars advisor over charging excessive fees to clients
Maryland bars advisor over charging excessive fees to clients

Blue Anchor Capital Management and Pickett also purchased “highly aggressive and volatile” securities, according to the order.

Wave of SEC appointments signals regulatory shift with implications for financial advisors
Wave of SEC appointments signals regulatory shift with implications for financial advisors

Reshuffle provides strong indication of where the regulator's priorities now lie.

US insurers want to take a larger slice of the retirement market through the RIA channel
US insurers want to take a larger slice of the retirement market through the RIA channel

Goldman Sachs Asset Management report reveals sharpened focus on annuities.

Why DA Davidson's wealth vice chairman still follows his dad's investment advice
Why DA Davidson's wealth vice chairman still follows his dad's investment advice

Ahead of Father's Day, InvestmentNews speaks with Andrew Crowell.

401(k) participants seek advice, but few turn to financial advisors
401(k) participants seek advice, but few turn to financial advisors

Cerulli research finds nearly two-thirds of active retirement plan participants are unadvised, opening a potential engagement opportunity.

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.

SPONSORED Beyond the dashboard: Making wealth tech human

How intelliflo aims to solve advisors' top tech headaches—without sacrificing the personal touch clients crave