Hightower today announced that it has made a strategic investment in Bickling Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment advisory (RIA) firm based in Lexington, Massachusetts, with approximately $625 million in assets under development. administration and three offices statewide.

Founded in 1984, Bickling Financial Services, Inc. (BFS) is a family business. Company founder Dorothy Bickling, Ed. D., was one of the first 600 people — and one of the first women — to earn the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification. Dorothy’s two sons, Spencer Betts and Andrew Betts entered the business in 2000 and 2007 respectively. Since joining the company, Spencer and Andrew, now co-CEOs of BFS, have helped BFS transform the operation into a standalone RIA and have since led the company’s growth into a business. institutionalized industry.

“As a firm, we have experienced tremendous growth over the past few years,”

“To continue achieving our growth goals, we knew we needed a strategic partner that could help us scale the business and invest in its future. After speaking with several options in the marketplace, we concluded that Hightower has the right combination of resources and value-added services that will allow us to both serve clients and take the business to new heights.”

Spencer Betts, CFP, who, along with his brother, Andrew Betts, MBA, CFP, oversees the family-owned business.

With 14 employees, including five advisors, Bickling Financial Services offers comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services designed to help clients achieve their personal and long-term financial goals.

“When it came to choosing a partner, we knew we wanted a firm that would add resources and expertise, but also give us the freedom to implement our strategic vision,”

“With Hightower, we have a partner who appreciates our vision and can provide the right level of support to help us follow through on our growth plan in an accelerated fashion. We see this as the next evolution of our business.”

Andy Betts, Financial Advisor, Bickling Financial Services.

Bickling Financial Services has strong relationships with communities in New England and the Northeast. Throughout its history, the company has mainly served well-to-do and affluent customer households.

“Spencer and Andy are young leaders who have ushered in tremendous growth over the past several years,”

“We look forward to helping them achieve their ambitious growth goals, both organically and through talent acquisition, scale their operations, and develop the next-generation of leaders through programs like our Hightower Center for Leadership.”

Hightower Chairman and CEO Bob Oros.

Hightower provides 132 consulting businesses in 34 states and the District of Columbia with a range of services designed to catalyze and drive organic growth, including business development consulting, leadership development, and team development. talent acquisition, marketing support, technology, investment management resources, compliance, accounting, payroll and human resources. Inorganic Growth services include sourcing, pricing, deal structuring, due diligence, legal and regulatory integration, pre- and post-close, and funding for M&A transactions. Consulting groups partnering with Hightower also have access to economies of scale, deep industry relationships, and a nationwide advisory community.

As of December 31, 2022, Hightower’s assets under management were approximately $144.3 billion and assets under management (AUM) were $113.7 billion, up from $106.1 billion on December 31, 2022. September 30, 2022.