Modern Wealth Management has acquired Kaye Capital Management (KCM), a California-based, fee-only RIA with $700+ million in assets under management (AUM) and an additional $300 million in assets under advisement (AUA). This acquisition brings Modern Wealth’s total AUM to $8.5+ billion and is its fourth acquisition of 2025.
Founded in 2000, KCM specializes in financial planning, investment management, and institutional retirement planning for a diverse client base across California and beyond. KCM’s leaders, Ken Watten, CFP, and David Hilton, AIF, are joining Modern Wealth as managing directors.
This move significantly enhances Modern Wealth’s retirement plan advisory services, integrating KCM’s specialized expertise to offer comprehensive solutions for various qualified retirement plans. This builds on Modern Wealth’s existing retirement plan business, launched in March 2024.
As part of Modern Wealth, KCM will benefit from an expanded wealth management platform, providing integrated services like financial and tax planning, estate planning, and investment management. They will also gain access to Modern Wealth’s “Organic Growth Hub” for lead generation, client onboarding, and business support.
KCM’s four-person team has joined Modern Wealth and adopted its brand. This marks Modern Wealth’s third acquisition in California this year.
KEY QUOTES:
“KCM joining Modern Wealth marks another significant milestone as we deepen our reach in California, strengthening our ability to deliver comprehensive wealth and retirement solutions for individuals and corporations in one of the nation’s most sophisticated markets. David and Ken have built an exceptional firm with deep community roots and real expertise across both personal wealth management and institutional retirement planning. Their leadership and local presence sharpens our bench in Los Angeles and contributes to our growing national presence.”
Jason Gordo, Co‑founder and President of Modern Wealth
“As KCM grew, so did the complexity of running the business. David and I found ourselves spending more time managing the firm and less time doing what we’re most passionate about – serving clients. Modern Wealth provides the scale and support we need to help our clients navigate the complexities of their financial lives, within a team that shares our values and is working toward a common goal. Joining Modern Wealth gives us the opportunity to continue growing both personally and professionally.”
Ken Watten
“Michelle and the Modern Wealth retirement plan services team bring a distinct level of depth and expertise that elevates our offerings for corporations and nonprofit organizations. Their acumen in plan design, compliance and administration will enable us to better serve the sophisticated needs of this client base, delivering institutional-caliber solutions for employers in Southern California and beyond.”
David Hilton
