Focus Financial announces another firm has joined The Colony Group, adding $6.6B

Focus Financial announces another firm has joined The Colony Group, adding $6.6B
The deal is the second major announcement for the firm in the last week.
NOV 05, 2024

Connecticut headquartered Focus partner firm GYL Financial Strategies has formally joined The Colony Group, adding $6.6 billion to its assets under management. The deal completed on November 1.

GYL has been with Focus Financial since 2016 and provides customized solutions for institutional and private clients along with investment management, financial planning, institutional consulting, and family office services.

As well as taking the number of Colony offices across the country to 100, the addition of GYL also enhances its institutional practice in both capabilities and scale – doubling its size in one move.

Former GYL chief executive officer Gerry Goldberg has joined Colony as part of the deal as divisional president alongside Wendy Hartman of Buckingham Strategic Wealth.

“Our guiding principle is that the interests of the client come first and that we should strive for constant improvement and innovation to serve them,” said Goldberg. “Each client is unique, and we consider it a privilege to help them navigate significant financial and life events. Joining Colony provides a wide variety of tools that enhance the abilities of our advisors to meet our clients’ evolving needs. I am excited to be part of the leadership team while remaining connected to our clients as a division president at the combined company.”

There have been eight mergers into Colony so far in 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome GYL and its highly skilled and motivated network of talented professionals to our firm,” said Adam Birenbaum, CEO of Colony. “GYL is an excellent partner to further reinforce our commitment to empowering clients with outstanding advice, services, investment management, and capabilities for achieving their financial goals.”

Latest News

Buy or sell Canada? Wealth managers watch carefully as Canadians head to the polls
Buy or sell Canada? Wealth managers watch carefully as Canadians head to the polls

Canadian stocks are on a roll in 2025 as the country prepares to name a new Prime Minister.

How are tech-boosted advisors spending their "time tax refund"?
How are tech-boosted advisors spending their "time tax refund"?

Two C-level leaders reveal the new time-saving tools they've implemented and what advisors are doing with their newly freed-up hours.

Indivisible Partners selects DPL to arm advisors for insurance business
Indivisible Partners selects DPL to arm advisors for insurance business

The RIA led by Merrill Lynch veteran John Thiel is helping its advisors take part in the growing trend toward fee-based annuities.

RIA M&A stays brisk in first quarter with record pace of dealmaking
RIA M&A stays brisk in first quarter with record pace of dealmaking

Driven by robust transaction activity amid market turbulence and increased focus on billion-dollar plus targets, Echelon Partners expects another all-time high in 2025.

New York Dems push for return of tax on stock sales
New York Dems push for return of tax on stock sales

The looming threat of federal funding cuts to state and local governments has lawmakers weighing a levy that was phased out in 1981.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.