Goldman to sell RIA group to Creative Planning

Goldman to sell RIA group to Creative Planning
The RIA unit, with about $29 billion in assets, was known as United Capital when Goldman acquired it in 2019.
AUG 28, 2023

After a week of speculation, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. said Monday morning it was selling its registered investment advisor business, Personal Financial Management, to Creative Planning, a leading RIA with $245 billion in client assets.

Terms of the transaction were not released on Monday. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter and result in a gain, according to a statement by Goldman Sachs.

The bank had said last Monday that it was considering selling the registered investment advisor unit formerly known as United Capital Financial Partners, in a bid to shift its focus back to the ultra-rich.

Goldman acquired United Capital for $750 million in 2019 and then renamed it Personal Financial Management. The RIA unit targets high-net-worth clients, but not the ultra-wealthy, who have accounts with $20 million to $50 million and are the typical target client for the giant investment bank.

Goldman's RIA unit has about $29 billion in client assets. Goldman CEO David Solomon has recently spearheaded a comprehensive reorganization, dividing the institution into three distinct units, while simultaneously scaling down the bank’s objectives for its consumer-oriented operations.

Creative Planning said this summer it would use Goldman Sachs Advisor Solutions, marking perhaps the largest victory yet for the investment bank’s growing custody business.

“Building on our existing custody relationship with Goldman Sachs Advisor Solutions, an expanded partnership with Goldman Sachs is a natural, strategic fit,” Peter Mallouk, CEO of Creative Planning, said in a statement. “We welcome the talented advisors from PFM as we remain committed to being the leading advisor in the independent space."  

Latest News

The power of cultivating personal connections
The power of cultivating personal connections

Relationships are key to our business but advisors are often slow to engage in specific activities designed to foster them.

A variety of succession options
A variety of succession options

Whichever path you go down, act now while you're still in control.

'I’ll never recommend bitcoin,' advisor insists
'I’ll never recommend bitcoin,' advisor insists

Pro-bitcoin professionals, however, say the cryptocurrency has ushered in change.

LPL raises target for advisors’ bonuses for first time in a decade
LPL raises target for advisors’ bonuses for first time in a decade

“LPL has evolved significantly over the last decade and still wants to scale up,” says one industry executive.

What do older Americans have to say about long-term care?
What do older Americans have to say about long-term care?

Survey findings from the Nationwide Retirement Institute offers pearls of planning wisdom from 60- to 65-year-olds, as well as insights into concerns.

SPONSORED The future of prospecting: Say goodbye to cold calls and hello to smart connections

Streamline your outreach with Aidentified's AI-driven solutions

SPONSORED A bumpy start to autumn but more positives ahead

This season’s market volatility: Positioning for rate relief, income growth and the AI rebound