Edelman Financial Engines Acquires RIA Smart Investor
Expands Small Retirement Plan Capabilities and Advisor Network in Northern California
BOSTON, August 3, 2022 - Edelman Financial Engines (EFE), America’s top independent wealth planning and investment advisory firm,1 today announced the acquisition of Smart Investor, a fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor that provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management services. The transaction closed Aug. 1, 2022.
Headquartered in Roseville, CA, with a second office in Woodland, CA, Smart Investor manages over $680 million for more than 500 individual clients2 and also offers retirement plan management to small businesses. The transaction expands EFE’s strong presence in an attractive Northern California market and adds to its capabilities to better serve the retirement plan needs of small businesses.
“Smart Investor has built a tremendously successful RIA because of its unwavering commitment to clients, and we are thrilled to welcome its advisors and team to Edelman Financial Engines,” commented Jason Van de Loo, executive vice president and head of Wealth Planning and Marketing, Edelman Financial Engines. “In our current backdrop of historic inflation, rapidly rising interest rates and market volatility, the need for high-quality, independent financial planning that is centered on the client’s best interests has never been greater. Together with the Smart Investor team, we can help more individuals and families navigate through these uncertain times and build a strong financial future.”
“Philosophical alignment is so important to us when considering acquisitions, and it was clear early on that our firms were founded on the same principles – to provide the highest fiduciary standard of care to clients and to help them achieve all their wealth planning goals,” added Suzanne van Staveren, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Edelman Financial Engines. “The addition of Smart Investor’s talented financial advisors and capabilities strengthens our team and supports the compelling growth opportunity we see for the firm, both organically and through continued acquisitions.”
Baker McKenzie served as EFE’s counsel in connection with the transaction. Keating and Lyden, LLC served as Smart Investor’s counsel and Republic Capital Group acted as an advisor.
This transaction follows the acquisition of Viridian Advisors in 2021, which expanded EFE’s advisor network in the Northwest and added tax practice capabilities.
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About Edelman Financial Engines
Since 1986, Edelman Financial Engines has been committed to always acting in the best interests of our clients. We were founded on the belief that all investors – not just the wealthy – deserve access to personal, comprehensive financial planning and investment advice. Today, we are America’s top independent financial planning and investment advisory firm, recognized by Barron's1 with 145+ offices2 across the country and entrusted by 1.3 million clients to manage more than $245 billion in assets.3 Our unique approach to serving clients combines our advanced methodology and proprietary technology with the attention of a dedicated personal financial planner. Every client’s situation and goals are unique, and the powerful fusion of high-tech and high touch allows Edelman Financial Engines to deliver the personal plan and financial confidence that everyone deserves. For more information, please visit EdelmanFinancialEngines.com.
1. The Barron’s 2023 Top 100 RIA Firms list, a ranking of independent advisory firms in its eighth year, is qualitative and quantitative, including assets managed by the firms, technology spending, staff diversity, succession planning and other metrics. Firms elect to participate but do not pay to be included in the ranking. Ranking awarded each September based on data within a 12-month period. Investor experience and returns are not considered.
2. Edelman Financial Engines data, as of Dec. 31, 2022.
3. Edelman Financial Engines data, as of September 30, 2023.
