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 InvestmentNews’s 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.
Also, Maridea welcomes former founders of Motley Fool Wealth Management, while Lido locks in a strategic investment from private credit firm HPS.
Meanwhile, FINNY launches new multi-channel marketing campaign features, while RightCapital introduces a planning capability to help with client prospecting.
FSI, IRI, and NAIFA argue the New Jersey Department of Labor's push to modify the ABC test for independent contractors would burden thousands of financial professionals.
The president signed an executive order late Thursday which he says will broaden choice.
Plaintiff's lawyers are eying both broker-dealers for potential client complaints.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
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.
