London-Based MASECO Joins Creative Planning

MASECO LLP, a registered investment advisor (RIA) in London, England, will become part of the Creative Planning group, subject to regulatory approval. The acquisition will add 123 employees and over $5 billion in assets under management (AUM).

“We’re thrilled to have MASECO join Creative Planning,” said Creative Planning President and CEO Peter Mallouk. “Their planning-led approach, client-first culture and expertise in integrating U.S., UK and offshore financial solutions align perfectly with Creative Planning’s philosophy. This acquisition will extend our growing international footprint and expands our ability to deliver Creative Planning’s integrated wealth management model to more clients around the world, providing a fully coordinated platform of financial planning, investment management, retirement and estate planning, trust and tax services, and family office solutions.”

Founded in 2008 during the global financial crisis, MASECO was created to help internationally mobile families navigate the complexities of cross-border wealth management by creating tax-efficient investment solutions across the U.S. and UK, serving American families living abroad, with the ability to introduce clients to custodians located in the U.S., UK or offshore.

“MASECO was founded as a planning-led, highly tax-aware wealth management firm designed so that investment management and financial planning work seamlessly together with the aim of delivering superior outcomes for U.S. and internationally mobile clients,” said MASECO Co-Founders and Managing Partners Josh Matthews and James Sellon in a joint statement.

Spencer House Partners and Houlihan Lokey served as M&A advisors on the acquisition, and Paul Weiss and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer served as legal counsel.

This is Creative Planning’s second international acquisition, following the acquisition of Switzerland-based Baseline Wealth Management Ltd. in January.