Creative Planning Buys $1.3B RIA

Registered investment advisor (RIA) Creative Planning is acquiring Brookfield, Wisconsin-based Kowal Investment Group, an RIA with $1.3 billion in assets under management (AUM).

Kowal Investment Group has been advising individuals and families on their financial needs for more than 37 years. The deal closed on December 21, 2024, with 20 employees at Kowal Investment Group formally joining Creative Planning.

“We’re pleased to welcome Kowal Investment Group to Creative Planning,” said Peter Mallouk, CEO of Creative Planning. “Their reputation for building lasting client relationships through personalized financial guidance mirrors our own philosophy. This cultural alignment and shared dedication to client success makes them an ideal addition to our team.”

“What drew us to Creative Planning was their comprehensive approach to wealth management and their dedication to maintaining personal client relationships,” explained Aaron Kowal, President of Kowal Investment Group. “This partnership helps ensure our clients benefit from expanded capabilities while maintaining the personalized attention they’ve always valued.”

This transaction with Kowal Investment Group represents Creative Planning’s tenth acquisition in two years. Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial advisor to Kowal Investment Group.