MissionSquare Shrinks Fund Costs, Wealth Enhancement Acquisition
MissionSquare Announces Reduction in Fund Costs
MissionSquare announced today plans to lower its investment costs across a range of the firm’s equity and target-date funds.
Through the initiative, MissionSquare said it will reduce its fund expense ratios by as much as 45%.
“At MissionSquare, our customers remain at the center of all that we do, which is why we are making a strategic decision to enhance our investment management strategy to offer more cost-effective, diversified portfolio solutions,” said Andre Robinson, CEO of MissionSquare. “We know long-term savings goals require a marathon, not a sprint. By reducing fund costs, we provide an opportunity for individuals investing for the long run to save more money over time and ultimately invest more effectively.”
The initiative comes as the firm transitions into a hybrid active-passive management strategy. With this reduction, MissionSquare says its investors will benefits from lower costs, enhanced diversification, market exposure, and improved risk-adjusted performances.
“Our investment strategy is built on a foundation of insight, discipline, and adaptability,” said Shari Hensrud, head of Investment Strategies at MissionSquare. “Through thoughtful design, strategic balance, and our unwavering commitment to optimal investor outcomes, we look forward to helping deliver long-term value by lowering the costs of investing.”
MissionSquare will position the funds for consistent performance relative to stated benchmarks in various market environments, adding long-term value for investors. The changes will take effect over the next several weeks.
Wealth Enhancement Acquires Manwaring Wealth Management
Wealth Enhancement has acquired Manwaring Wealth Management, an independent RIA in Gilbert, Arizona. The team of two advisors and two support staff oversees more than $164 million in client assets and is led by Joshua Manwaring, founder and wealth advisor.
Jeff Dekko, chief executive officer of Wealth Enhancement, said, “For more than two decades, Joshua Manwaring has built an impressive practice where clients are the top priority. His team’s core values and wealth management philosophy align well with our own, making them an ideal partner for Wealth Enhancement.”
Founded in 2014, Manwaring Wealth Management specializes in financial planning, retirement income planning, tax planning, and estate planning.
“This partnership marks a new chapter for our team and clients, allowing us to enhance resources, broaden expertise, and continue delivering the high-touch, personalized service our clients have come to trust,” said Manwaring. “While our name and scale will evolve, our commitment to serving each client with integrity, transparency, and care remains unchanged. We are confident that this partnership will strengthen the long-term financial success of our clients and team.”
The acquisition of Manwaring Wealth Management closed on July 31, 2025.
Providence Wealth Planning Joins Osaic
Osaic, Inc., this week announced that Providence Wealth Planning has joined its network. The Southern California-based independent advisory firm, with $275 million in client assets under administration, joins Osaic after over nine years with LPL Financial.
Founded in 2016 by father and son duo, Mark and Ian Massey, Providence has offices in Corona and Mission Viejo, California. The firm specializes in financial planning, wealth advisory and retirement planning. The firm cited Osaic’s enhanced technology, succession planning support and advisor-first culture as key differentiators in its decision to join Osaic.
“We built our business on the belief that financial advice is most powerful when it is anchored by trust, family values and long-term relationships,” said Mark Massey, president and CEO of Providence Wealth Planning. “From our first conversations with Osaic, we felt welcomed, supported and aligned culturally. We will now have access to best-in-class resources and the freedom we need to focus on what matters most: helping our clients build and protect their financial futures.”
“Providence Wealth Planning is a perfect example of the entrepreneurial, client-centric firms we are proud to partner with,” said Kristen Kimmell, executive vice president of business development of Osaic. “We welcome them to Osaic and look forward to supporting their continued success.”
Kyle Massey—son of Mark and brother of Ian— will join as managing partner following a 20-year career that includes more than 15 years at E*TRADE and Morgan Stanley. Also accompanying Providence in this next chapter are advisors Paul Leone, Aldo Santana, Tyler Brashears, and administrative director Neida Cox.
Income Laboratory Partners with IAA on Personalized Retirement Planning
Income Laboratory, Inc. is forming a strategic partnership with Independent Advisor Alliance (IAA). This collaboration brings Income Lab’s retirement planning platform to IAA’s network of over 142 partner firms.
“At IAA, we’re dedicated to equipping advisors with the innovative technology and support they need to build stronger client relationships and grow their businesses with confidence,” said Lauren Grames, director of Advisor Technology. “Income Lab delivers powerful insights through an intuitive platform, enabling advisors to offer personalized, high-quality planning at scale. It meets advisors where they are and elevates the entire client experience.”
Advisors can take advantage of features like plan scenario comparisons, tax-smart withdrawal strategies, Roth conversion modeling, and Social Security optimization, all within an easy-to-use interface that enhances both the planning process and client experience.
“We’re excited to partner with IAA to bring next-generation retirement planning tools to their advisor network,” said Johnny Poulsen, CEO and co-founder of Income Lab. “We’re proud to support IAA’s growing advisor network and share in their commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences. Together, we’re equipping advisors with modern tools that elevate the planning experience and help them deliver greater value to the clients they serve.”
Modern Wealth Selects RISR as Partner
RISR is partnering with Modern Wealth Management, a registered investment advisory (RIA) firm. Modern Wealth’s network of advisors collectively oversees more than $8.5 billion in assets under management (AUM).
With this integration, Modern Wealth’s advisors will be able to consolidate business financials, tax returns, succession plans and liquidity goals into one platform.
“Modern Wealth has built one of the most progressive and advisor-centric platforms in the country, and we’re proud to support their vision,” said Jason Early, founder and chief executive officer of RISR. “Business owners need more than portfolio management—they need clarity around their personal and business finances, guidance on succession and tax strategy, and confidence in their long-term plan. This partnership brings all of that together.”
“As Modern Wealth scales nationally, it’s essential that we arm our advisors with the tools and technology they need to run their practice efficiently, stay focused on client service and continue growing,” said Jason Del Col, head of advisory services at Modern Wealth. “RISR’s platform fits perfectly within our integrated service model. It empowers our advisors to have smarter, more strategic conversations with business owners and ultimately helps them deliver more comprehensive advice.”
Pacific Life Names DCLI Head
Pacific Life’s DCLI head Michael Oler will retire at the end of the year, the firm announced this week.
In preparation for this transition, Pacific Life has named Christine Bass as the new head of DCLI. She will report to Karen Neeley, senior vice president, head of the Institutional Retirement Solutions Group (IRSG).
“At Pacific Life, we are proud to deliver retirement solutions to hardworking Americans across the defined benefit and defined contribution landscape. Our commitment to ensuring retirees have secure, dependable income for life is built on nearly 160 years of trust, stability and innovation,” said Neeley. “As we help shape the future of retirement income, we’re excited to welcome Christine Bass as the new head of our DCLI team.
Christine brings the deep experience, vision and leadership our clients rely on to help plan participants achieve the secure retirements they deserve.”
Bass has held multiple senior leadership roles across both institutional and retail markets. A Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, she joined Pacific Life in 2022 to lead the institutional fixed annuity business.
“I’m honored to lead the Defined Contribution Lifetime Income team at such a critical time for retirement security in America,” said Bass. “Pacific Life has long been a trusted name in this space, and I’m committed to building on that legacy — delivering solutions that help plan sponsors and participants feel confident about the future.”
Soltis Welcomes High End Financial
Soltis Investment Advisors, a registered investment adviser (RIA) with more than $11 billion of client assets, is bringing in Utah-based High End Financial, LLC, led by Jay Wells. The addition will bring more than $500M in client assets to Soltis’ existing operations.
With over two decades of experience, Wells has worked with high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners to help navigate financial planning, retirement, and investments. Wells will assume the role of senior advisor, Institutional & Wealth Services.
“Joining Soltis gives me the opportunity to provide my clients with expanded resources, expertise, and a broader set of planning strategies to help them achieve their financial goals,” said Wells. “With the strength of a nationally recognized team with institutional-quality support, it’s a move aligned with my values that elevates the experience for the individuals, families, and businesses I serve.”
Tyler Finlinson, managing partner at Soltis, added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Jay to the team. His expertise working with individual and institutional clients is unique and aligns with Soltis’ efforts to assist clients in each of these disciplines.”
Aspen Acquires $1.1B RIA
Aspen Standard Wealth, LLC has acquired MG Financial, LLC, an RIA with $1.1 billion in assets under management (AUM) based in the greater Boston area.
Founded in 1996, MG Financial serves entrepreneurs, business owners, CEOs, and their families in all aspects of wealth management, including tax and estate planning.
“Aspen is a unique partner whose values are aligned with our own. They are focused on supporting our tight-knit, energetic culture and high standards of service,” said Mary Gilligan, CEO and CIO of MG Financial. “We are excited to work with Aly and the Aspen team to amplify our growth as we continue to provide our clients with strategies tailored to their specific needs and objectives. What we do enables our clients to pursue other passions; be it enjoying retirement or working on the next start-up company.”
“We are honored to partner with the incredible team at MG Financial and to work together to build on their long-term vision to serve sophisticated families with complex wealth management needs,” said Aly Kassim-Lakha, CEO of Aspen.
Aspen has acquired three other RIAs since launching in late 2024. Previous acquisitions include: SKY Investment Group, LLC, New England Private Wealth Advisors, LLC, and Summitry, LLC.
Stephens Hired VP and Financial Consultant
Stephens, an independent financial services firm, announced that the firm’s Private Wealth Management division has hired Josh McCord as a vice president and financial consultant. McCord is based in Stephens’ Shreveport, LA office.
“Josh is a dedicated advisor, recognized for his client-first approach and well-rounded perspective. We’re proud to officially welcome him to Stephens,” said Kevin Scanlon, executive vice president and head of Stephens Private Wealth Management.
McCord graduated from Louisiana State University – Shreveport with a bachelor’s degree. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation, conferred by the College for Financial Planning. He is a native of Shreveport.
“At Stephens, I have the unique opportunity to work for a family-owned firm that empowers me with the freedom to think independently and prioritize clients. I look forward to working with the Shreveport team, helping our clients and firm succeed,” said McCord.