EP Wealth Advisors, a Torrance-based registered investment advisory firm, has made yet another acquisition, looping in Better Money Decisions into its platform of RIAs. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The Santa Fe advisory firm brings about $370 million in assets under management to EP’s existing $36.4 billion in assets as of June and builds upon EP’s goal of expanding its Southwest footprint.
This is EP’s eighth acquisition for 2025, following seven acquisitions in 2024. From July 2024 to June, its assets have increased by about 39%.
The firm’s acquisitions are based on strategic national expansion goals, as well as alignment in culture and seeking best talent, Ryan Parker, chief executive of EP, told the Business Journal in a 2024 interview.
“The purpose really is not just to grow to fill out a map, but there are people across this whole country who really need better financial advice, and we think that we can partner with people who can do that in a high-quality way,” Parker said.
Better Money Decisions’ model is rooted in “simplifying financial decisions and helping clients find confidence in their financial lives,” according to a release.
Through this acquisition, BMD Managing Partner Lea Ann Knight will become a regional director and partner at EP Wealth, while Lorraine Ell – also managing partner at BMD – will retire.
“Lorraine and I have shared a vision of putting people at the center of every financial decision,” Knight said in a statement. “As we look to the future, joining EP gives us an even greater ability to bring that vision to life.”
Parker said he looks forward to integrating BMD, which has expertise in divorce and retirement planning, into EP Wealth’s platform.
“BMD is a firm that leads with heart and purpose,” he said in a statement. “Their philosophy of helping clients use money as a tool to live a better life aligns beautifully with our mission at EP. We’re excited to welcome their talented team and honored to support their continued growth.”
