Hightower Advisors has added Stearns Financial Group to Hightower Signature Wealth, bringing approximately $2.5 billion in assets under management and 30 employees to the integrated wealth management platform. Stearns Financial Group operates from Greensboro and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and has provided financial planning and wealth management services since 1991.
The practice first partnered with Hightower in 2020. Its transition to Hightower Signature Wealth represents an expansion of that relationship and will give the team access to a more fully integrated operating model.
Through the platform, Stearns Financial Group will receive centralized support across investment management, operations, technology, compliance, marketing and client service.
Hightower said the structure is designed to reduce administrative demands on advisory teams and allow advisers to spend more time serving clients and developing their practices.
Hightower Signature Wealth launched in October 2025 as a national wealth management platform combining personalized financial advice with the operating scale and resources of a larger organization.
The platform has added nearly $30 billion in assets under management during 2026 through a combination of internal and external acquisitions.
Following the addition of Stearns Financial Group, Hightower Signature Wealth oversees approximately $40 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2026.
The platform now includes more than 160 advisers operating from over 35 locations across the United States.
Stearns Financial Group was founded more than 35 years ago and focuses on helping clients manage major financial decisions through personalized planning and investment advice.
Its leadership team includes Founding Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor Dennis Stearns, Managing Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor Haleh Moddasser, and Managing Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor John Thomas.
The firm expects the transition to Hightower Signature Wealth to provide additional infrastructure for future growth while preserving its existing client relationships and planning-focused approach.
Hightower said it expects to announce additional Hightower Signature Wealth acquisitions before the end of 2026.
The Chicago-based company provides investment management, financial planning, retirement planning, 401(k) consulting and cash management services to individuals, families, institutions and corporations.
Hightower also supports independent advisory businesses seeking to expand their practices, strengthen their operating capabilities and access the resources of a national wealth management organization.
KEY QUOTES:
“SFG has been a valued part of the Hightower community for several years, making this a natural next step in our relationship.”
“We are proud to welcome the team to HTSW and help them build on the trusted client relationships they have fostered for more than three decades.”
Larry Restieri, CEO of Hightower
“Since founding SFG more than 35 years ago, we have focused on helping clients navigate life’s biggest financial decisions with thoughtful, personalized advice.”
Dennis Stearns, Founding Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Stearns Financial Group
“Joining HTSW allows us to build on the strong foundation we have created while positioning our business for the future.”
Haleh Moddasser, Managing Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Stearns Financial Group
“By streamlining our day-to-day operations, our team can work even more efficiently and spend more time focused on clients.”
John Thomas, Managing Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at Stearns Financial Group
