Bleakley Financial Group Expands Equity Partnership, Adds Advisors and Surpasses $1 Billion in Net New Assets in Q1 2025

Bleakley Financial Group (‘Bleakley’), a dynamic wealth advisory and financial planning firm, today announces the next phase of growth, including the addition of existing advisors to equity partners, accelerated merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, strategic leadership expansion and an upcoming rebrand. This momentum is supported by Rise Growth Partners (‘Rise’), the wealth management industry’s first synergistic financial partner for growth-oriented registered investment advisors (RIAs).

Transitioning Advisors to Equity Partnership for Long-Term Growth

As part of a steadfast commitment to fostering long-term advisor partnerships and enhancing enterprise value, Bleakley has extended an offer to transition financial advisors from independent contractor affiliates to W2 employees. This new structure will also augment Bleakley’s specialist teams in investment management, tax planning and estate planning. By providing enhanced client acquisition resources and sub-acquisition opportunities, Bleakley equips advisors with powerful tools to grow their practices while focusing on client service.

“We have always believed that true partnership begins with ownership,” says Andy Schwartz, chief executive officer of Bleakley. “By transitioning from independent contractors to W2 employees and offering equity, we are creating deeper alignment around our shared vision—one in which every advisor has a genuine stake in both the firm’s success and our clients’ outcomes. This new structure not only fuels sustainable, long-term growth, but also embodies the very essence of Bleakley’s mission to be a firm built by advisors, for advisors.”

As a synergistic financial partner, Rise played an important role in structuring the transition and shaping Bleakley’s strategic vision, far beyond simply providing growth capital. Rise also helped establish a robust governance structure and Advisor Council, ensuring advisors actively participate in the firm’s direction. The partnership extends beyond transition support, as Rise will boost Bleakley’s expansion through enhanced M&A capabilities and advisor recruitment initiatives.

“When 80% of assets on Bleakley’s platform transitioned from a 1099 to W2 relationship, we recognized this as a defining moment in Bleakley’s evolution, one that underscores their dedication to creating lasting value for both advisors and clients,” says Joe Duran, managing partner of Rise. “This collaboration has strengthened Bleakley's already successful onboarding program while fostering a more united team culture. The goal is to ultimately build a more valuable enterprise for all stakeholders.”

M&A Momentum and Rebranding for the Future

Bleakley continues to attract elite advisory teams, having secured multiple letters of intent (LOIs) in a short time frame and surpassing $1 billion in new advisor assets by the end of the first quarter. This trajectory is driving expanded market share, access to new client segments, enhanced service offerings and improved operational efficiency. Partner firms are now better positioned to compete in a fluid market and provide a wider range of services to clients.

As Bleakley celebrates its 40th year – and a decade of independence – it is preparing for a comprehensive rebrand to reflect the firm’s next stage of evolution. More details, including the new name and logo, will be unveiled soon.

Strengthening Leadership with Adam Roosevelt

To spearhead its continued expansion, Bleakley has appointed Adam Roosevelt as its new chief growth officer. Roosevelt brings nearly two decades of experience in financial services, including 15 years at BNY Pershing, where he served as head of RIA business strategy. During his tenure, he helped forge the consolidation of Pershing's clearing and custody businesses, as well as led business development and the firm's recent push into growing market share with the nation's leading RIAs, focusing on firms with $5 billion or more in assets.

“Bleakley has outpaced the market in organic growth and remains laser-focused on serving the highest quality advisors and maintaining a deep commitment to a remarkable client experience,” says Roosevelt. “We have created an environment where advisors can operate at their full potential, at high margins, by leveraging the tools, resources and leadership that make real growth possible. I am thrilled to be part of the next chapter in Bleakley's evolution, welcoming some of the best, growth-minded advisors as new partners to the firm.”

Guided by Schwartz and the rest of the leadership team, Bleakley will continue to enhance the advisor experience through both organic and inorganic growth strategies. The team, which includes specialists in advisor transitions and business development, is dedicated to helping advisors optimize their businesses—whether joining as W2 partners or 1099 affiliates.

These developments follow Rise’s strategic minority investment in Bleakley, announced in August of last year. That partnership laid the foundation for Bleakley's continued evolution, providing the firm with both capital resources and support to enhance its platform and accelerate growth. For more information on Rise and its innovative approach to building the next generation of RIAs, visit risegrowth.com. To learn more about Bleakley and its professional team of advisors, visit bleakley.com.

About Rise Growth Partners

Rise Growth Partners is a synergistic financial partner that provides growth-oriented RIAs with comprehensive operational, financial, and growth expertise and systems. By investing a non-controlling minority stake in partner firms, Rise offers a solution for growth-oriented RIAs whose funding options are otherwise limited to strategic acquirers and financial sponsors. Its elite team, with over 200 years of combined experience, has a proven track record of building and exiting platform companies, generating billions of dollars in value. Rise is dedicated to building the next generation of “lighthouse brands” in the industry. Follow Rise Growth Partners on LinkedIn for more information and updates.

About Bleakley Financial Group

Bleakley Financial Group is a premier financial planning and wealth management firm, dedicated to delivering tailored financial strategies to individuals, families, and businesses. Bleakley’s seasoned advisors prioritize clients' goals and offer bespoke planning and investment strategies designed to realize clients’ financial aspirations. Founded in 1985, Bleakley’s advisors manage nearly $10 billion in advisory assets (as of 6/30/2024). Bleakley is unwavering in its commitment to the financial well-being and legacy of clients, and consistently delivers outcomes that have enabled continuous success and growth.

Advisors associated with Bleakley Financial Group, LLC may be either (1) registered representatives with, securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisor representatives of Bleakley Financial Group, LLC; or (2) solely investment advisor representatives of Bleakley Financial Group, LLC, and not affiliated with LPL Financial. Investment advice offered through Bleakley Financial Group, LLC, a registered investment adviser and separate entity from LPL Financial.

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