LPL expands Georgia footprint with $615M Osaic team

investmentnews.com:

LPL has gained strength yet again in Georgia’s mass-affluent network as it welcomes a five-advisor ensemble from Osaic.

LPL Financial has announced that Wealthstead Financial Advisors, an Atlanta-based advisory practice, has joined its broker-dealer, RIA, and custodial platforms. The Wealthstead team consists of advisors Jason Walker, Vladimir Nikitenko, H. Scott Braswell, Rosty Tkachenko, and John Hydrick.

Previously with Lincoln Financial, now part of Osaic, the team reports managing approximately $615 million in client assets.

The group has formed a new practice, Wealthstead Financial Advisors, and is coming under the LPL umbrella by aligning with existing LPL affiliate Integrated Financial Group. Wealthstead offers financial planning and investment services with a focus on retirement income strategies and portfolio management.

The firm’s origins are rooted in serving the nonprofit sector, and its client base now includes mass affluent families, executives, and business owners. Jason Walker, an Army veteran and West Point graduate, leads the practice as managing partner.

The decision to join LPL came after the advisors explored various options following the acquisition of their previous firm. “After a thorough due diligence process, we felt the move to LPL was a natural fit for our team,” Walker said in a statement Thursday.

“We believe LPL’s integrated technology and strategic business resources give us more choices and robust tools to deliver exceptional experiences to our esteemed clients,” he said.

The team also noted the importance of localized support from IFG.

Walker emphasized that the resources and collaborative culture at IFG were key factors in their decision, sharing his optimism at the opportunity to grow