Public Buys Alto’s CryptoIRA Side, Financial Advisor Duo Join Raymond James
Public Buys Alto’s CryptoIRA Side
Public has acquired the CryptoIRA business from Alto.
Public says it will bring Alto CryptoIRAs into its platform in early 2026, and until then, customers will continue to trade on the Alto platform. In the following months, Alto’s technology will be integrated into the Public platform.
Alto’s partnership with Public is its first enterprise relationship under its Custodial Infrastructure as a Service (CaaS) model.
“Alto wanted the right crypto distribution partner who truly understands the unique needs of sophisticated investors in this dynamic asset class, and there’s no question Public is that partner,” said Eric Satz, CEO and Founder of Alto. “We will continue to serve as the custodian for these accounts, while our customers get a best-in-class trading experience with Public.”
Next Page: Financial Advisor Duo Join Raymond James
Financial Advisor Duo Join Raymond James
Raymond James recently welcomed financial advisors Hugo Porro and Manuel Porro to Raymond James & Associates (RJA) – the firm’s employee advisor channel – according to Gregg Stupinski, South Atlantic regional director for RJA.
The sibling duo arrives from Morgan Stanley, where they managed approximately $150 million in client assets. As Porro Financial Group of Raymond James, based in Hallandale Beach, Florida, they operate as part of RJA’s Aventura Branch, led by Branch Manager Ed Kleinman, and provide holistic financial planning and guidance to clients including business owners, family offices and clients in or nearing retirement.
“Serving families with a people-first approach is central to our team and is a value Manuel and I embody from our Bolivian roots,” said Hugo. “Raymond James offers steady leadership and resources that help us build lasting client relationships and deliver impactful guidance.”
Hugo earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and finance in addition to a master’s degree from Georgia Southern University. His financial services industry experience began at Chase Bank in 2008, and he has over 14 years of advisory experience.
“Hugo and I are twin brothers who have had similar career paths at major financial institutions,” said Manuel. “Through thoughtful due diligence, we chose Raymond James as our home for what we believe are the most important years of our careers.”
Manuel also began his career at Chase Bank in 2008, transitioning into wealth management in 2011. His experience is backed by a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance alongside a master’s degree from Georgia Southern University.
Next Page: Merit Financial Welcomes Advisors
Merit Financial Welcomes Advisors
Merit Financial Advisors, a Georgia-based financial advisory firm that specializes in financial planning and wealth management solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families and those navigating life transitions, announced the addition of two executives to its leadership team.
Joining Merit as the firm’s newly created chief advisor success officer is industry veteran Alex Hansen, formerly SVP, RIA Solutions, at Commonwealth Financial Network.
Hansen spent the majority of his wealth management career consulting with advisors through business model transitions — fee-only, hybrid, launching RIAs, and evaluating affiliation options. At Commonwealth, he built and led the RIA Solutions consulting function, along with transition and relationship management teams.
Merit also announced the appointment of Brian Brashaw as vice president of Employer Plan Solutions, a newly created role designed to lead the firm’s strategy for retirement plan business including the expansion of 401(k) and employer-sponsored plan opportunities.
Brashaw joins Merit from Osaic, where he served as head of Employer Plan Consulting. In that role he helped support more than 23,000 401(k) plans and approximately $80 billion in plan assets and developed communities including Generation (k)ultivate, designed to grow the next generation of retirement plan advisors.
Earlier in his career he held roles at TD Ameritrade and Ladenburg Thalmann.
Next Page: Wealthspire Acquires RoundAngle Advisors
Wealthspire Acquires RoundAngle Advisors
Wealthspire, an independent wealth management, retirement advisory, and business management firm with more than $580 billion in assets under management or advisement, has entered into an agreement to acquire RoundAngle Advisors, a Red Bank, New Jersey-based registered investment advisory firm.
Founded by Jonathan Bernstein, RoundAngle Advisors has guided individuals and families through personalized financial planning for more than a decade. Bernstein, along with Nela Diaz and Deirdre (Dee) DeRosa, will continue to lead the practice and serve clients.
“For us, this partnership represents a natural evolution,” said Jonathan Bernstein, founder and managing principal of RoundAngle Advisors. “Our mission has always been to provide families with thoughtful guidance through all of life’s stages, and joining Wealthspire enables us to continue that work while adding depth and support so we can focus on what matters most – our clients.”
“Jonathan and his team exemplify the care and professionalism that define Wealthspire,” said Mike LaMena, chief executive officer of Wealthspire. “Their long-term focus and personalized planning approach aligns seamlessly with how we serve families. This partnership also deepens our presence in the Tri-State area and continues our strategy of supporting advisors who lead with empathy, integrity, and client-first values. We’re proud to welcome the RoundAngle team.”