Hightower Signature Wealth Adds $2.5B Firm Stearns Financial Group

Hightower Signature Wealth has significantly expanded its asset base by integrating Stearns Financial Group, a North Carolina-based firm managing approximately $2.5 billion in client assets. This strategic move brings 30 seasoned professionals into the Hightower fold, enhancing the integrated wealth management platform's national reach and service capabilities.

The addition of Stearns Financial Group, which has served clients since 1991 from its Greensboro and Chapel Hill offices, deepens an existing relationship that began with a partnership in 2020. The transition to the Hightower Signature Wealth platform signifies a move towards a more cohesive operational framework, designed to streamline administrative burdens and empower advisory teams to dedicate more time to client engagement and practice development.

Under the Hightower Signature Wealth umbrella, Stearns Financial Group will benefit from centralized support across critical functions including investment management, technology infrastructure, compliance protocols, marketing initiatives, and client service operations. This integration is a key component of Hightower's strategy to provide advisors with robust resources while maintaining operational efficiency.

Launched in October 2025, Hightower Signature Wealth has rapidly established itself as a prominent national wealth management entity. The platform has demonstrated substantial growth, adding nearly $30 billion in assets under management throughout 2026 via a combination of internal expansion and strategic acquisitions. As of June 30, 2026, following the incorporation of Stearns Financial Group, the platform now oversees an impressive $40 billion in assets, serving over 160 advisors across more than 35 locations nationwide.

The wealth management sector continues to see consolidation as firms seek scale and enhanced technological capabilities. Hightower's approach, exemplified by the integration of established firms like Stearns Financial Group, aligns with the industry trend of advisors seeking greater operational support to focus on client relationships. The firm's leadership, including Larry Restieri (CEO of Hightower), Dennis Stearns (Founding Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Stearns Financial Group), Haleh Moddasser (Managing Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor), and John Thomas (Managing Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor), anticipates this move will provide a robust infrastructure for sustained future growth, preserving the client-centric planning philosophy that has defined Stearns Financial Group for over three decades.

Hightower, headquartered in Chicago, offers a comprehensive suite of services including investment management, financial and retirement planning, and 401(k) consulting. The company actively supports independent advisory businesses aiming to scale their operations and leverage the resources of a large national organization. Further acquisitions for Hightower Signature Wealth are anticipated before the close of 2026, signaling continued aggressive expansion for the platform.