$315M Firm Leaves LPL for Osaic, TRA Leader to Oversee MYCTSavings
Simplified Wealth Management Moves Leaves LPL for Osaic
Simplified Wealth Management has moved to Osaic from LPL Financial.
Simplified Wealth Management is a values-based practice serving individuals, families and business owners nationwide, with a focus on business owners, physicians and women clients. Led by Co-Founder and Managing Partner Kenichi Igarashi, and Co-Founder and Executive Vice President Aaron Johnson, the Simplified team also includes advisors Cory Leckie and Joshua Mason.
The Corona, Calif-based team currently holds $315 million in client assets.
“Osaic’s business development resources and integrated technology stack made our decision to join an easy one,” Igarashi said. “Our mission is to simplify the complex and to serve as a go-to resource for our clients. As part of the Osaic community, we can expand on our mission and offer enhanced resources, succession planning support and a more holistic wealth management experience to benefit clients for generations to come.”
The firm’s services include financial planning, retirement, insurance and estate planning, and guidance during major life transitions.
“Kenichi, Aaron and the entire Simplified team embody the entrepreneurial spirit and client-first commitment we value in our partners,” said Kristen Kimmell, executive vice president of business development at Osaic. “Their focus on becoming an essential resource for clients—especially business owners and families navigating complex financial decisions—makes them an outstanding addition to Osaic.”
Simplified is the latest advisor team to join Osaic from LPL, following the affiliation of Providence Wealth Planning and is the most recent in a string of recruitments including the addition of Knoxville-based TrustFirst.
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TRA Leader Appointed to Connecticut Retirement Security Advisory Board
Grant Livingston, regional plan consultant at The Retirement Advantage, has been appointed by Governor Ned Lamont to the Connecticut Retirement Security Advisory Board, overseeing the state’s MYCTSavings program.
MYCTSavings was created to expand access to retirement plans for private-sector employees who don’t receive one from their employer. The Advisory Board plays a key role in assisting to make the program effective, accountable, and a good choice for Connecticut’s workers.
Livingston has nearly 40 years of financial services experience, 28 of which have been focused on retirement planning. His career includes leadership and consulting roles at Transamerica, MassMutual, First Mercantile Trust, and Wisdom Tree Asset Management.
“I’m honored to be appointed to the Connecticut Retirement Security Advisory Board and to have the chance to assist in expanding access to retirement savings to employees across the state,” said Livingston. “Retirement security is a cornerstone of financial wellness, and I’m eager to contribute to the Board’s efforts.”
Prime Capital Welcomes Northeast-Based Advisor
Prime Capital Financial has expanded its Northeast presence with the addition of Ed Callahan, CFP, a central Connecticut-based advisor.
Callahan brings a track record of growth and over 15 years of experience guiding clients through key financial decisions.
Prior to joining Prime Capital Financial, Callahan served as director of financial planning at Edelman Financial Engines.
“Ed’s thoughtful approach to guiding individuals and families toward meaningful financial outcomes reflects the same values we prioritize,” said Glenn Spencer, chief executive officer of Prime Capital Financial. “He’s exactly the kind of growth-oriented advisor we aim to support as we continue building a team that includes a range of perspectives and at different stages of their careers.”
Callahan is a Certified Financial Planner professional and earned a bachelor’s degree in resource economics from the University of Connecticut.
“Joining Prime Capital Financial presents an opportunity to grow within a firm that values integrity, collaboration, and personalized planning,” said Callahan. “I’m eager to contribute to a team that prioritizes thoughtful planning and benefiting from the additional resources that will enhance my ability to serve clients.”
MissionSquare Appoints Relationship Management Leadership
MissionSquare has hired Janet Kendall and Ben Bates to lead the firm’s Relationship Management for the Eastern and Western U.S. teams, respectively.
In their roles, Kendall and Bates will lead retirement plan relationship management strategy across the Eastern and Western regions, overseeing growth, client engagement, and a team of relationship managers. Both will report directly to Art Flattich, head of Field Sales and Relationship Management at MissionSquare.
Kendall has experience in government, health care, and education markets. She is based in the greater Hartford area of Connecticut. She is a licensed attorney with a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College and a juris doctor degree from Western New England University School of Law. She has earned both the Chartered Financial Consultant and Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designations. She has also served as president of the Industry Committee for the National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators.
“I am genuinely excited to join the collaborative culture of MissionSquare,” added Kendall. “I feel strongly aligned with the company’s commitment to customer service and community. I look forward to supporting our Relationship Managers as they deliver strategic initiatives and consultative solutions to our clients.”
Bates joins the relationship management team after spending the prior four years leading Institutional Sales for the Western U.S. region. Before joining MissionSquare, he held various account and relationship leadership roles at LeafHouse Financial Advisors, LLC, Nationwide Financial, and Principal Financial Group. Bates holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona.
“I remain grateful for the opportunity to continue growing my career with a firm that aligns closely with my professional values,” said Bates. “It’s energizing to be part of an organization that values collaboration, purpose-driven work, and the contributions of its people. I look forward to leading a team of talented professionals as we work together to advance our mission.”
LIMRA, LOMRA, Complete Alliance for Lifetime Income Transaction
The Alliance for Lifetime Income is now under LIMRA and LOMA management, following the completion of its transaction.
As part of the transition, LIMRA has established an advisory board comprised of industry leaders.
In August, LIMRA appointed Jennifer Burlingame, managing director and head of Global Retirement and Insurance Enterprise Strategic Relationship Management, Prudential Financial, as chair of the new advisory board in 2026. Thirty-one additional executives from annuity manufacturers, distributors, consulting firms and trade associations have joined the advisory board.
LIMRA also hired Suzy Jacobs as head of consumer and advisor strategy. Previously, Jacobs was chief operating officer at Finseca. In this new role, she will help LIMRA expand its marketing and communications efforts to reach financial professionals and consumers. Jacobs reports to LIMRA and LOMA Chief Marketing Officer Tina Beckwith.
Retirement Plan Consultant Joins KGA
Karel-Gordon & Associates, a third-party administration firm serving small- to mid-sized businesses, announced that Zach Behrmann has joined the company as regional sales representative.
Behrmann, who is based in the Greenwood, Indiana, area and previously served as a Retirement Plan Consultant for CBIZ and American Pension Advisors, will initially be focusing his efforts across Indiana.
In his role, Behrmann will collaborate with the sales force across Strongpoint’s network of firms to drive growth for KGA.
Karel-Gordon & Associates is a pension administration and consulting firm based in Deerfield, Illinois. The firm is supported by a team of 26 professionals, including enrolled actuaries, consultants, and qualified plan administrators. KGA has worked with Strongpoint Partners since Oct. 2024.