RIAs

Chicago-based RIA HighTower has lured away HSW Advisors, a three-man team overseeing more than $1.4 billion for 50 clients, from Merrill Lynch’s private banking and investment group.

Independent broker-dealer Paulson Investment Company has agreed to transfer its retail operations to RIA and broker-dealer JHS Capital Advisors.

Independent advisory firm French, Wolf and Farr has increased its AUM after taking on Piedmont Asset Management.

The group chose Securities America because “we want to expand our business … [and]… we feel this is a better opportunity and fit than any other firm we researched and reviewed,” according to Tom Gahler.

Harris myCFO has hired Leslie Grant as vice president, a role in which she’ll be responsible for capital advisory services and custom banking solutions for clients.

Great Plains Financial Group looks to grow its business by working with broker-dealer and RIA Securities America.

After one year at the company, Scott Carmack has been promoted to work alongside founder John Lekas to develop investment operations.

Wade D. Pfau will oversee Retirement Management Analyst designation program as curriculum director.

Sam Kiefer built his career serving high-net-worth families in Boston’s non-profit, philanthropic, healthcare and sports industry circles.

There are certain questions RIAs should ask before making a transition to a new broker-dealer. Pat McEvoy, President of Woodbury Financial Services, spoke with Financial Planning about his thoughts on what these questions should be.