Waverly Advisors Expands Florida Presence Through Acquisition of Fiduciary Wealth Advisors
Waverly Advisors, LLC, a federally registered investment adviser (RIA) known for its comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and wealth advisory services, has announced the acquisition of Fiduciary Wealth Advisors (FWA), a Sarasota-based wealth management firm. This strategic move deepens Waverly’s footprint in Southwest Florida and marks the 25th acquisition since the firm received a growth investment in late 2021.
Founded in 2014 by Scott Collins, Fiduciary Wealth Advisors has earned a reputation for delivering highly personalized, data-driven investment solutions to high-net-worth individuals. With approximately $110 million in assets under management (AUM), FWA’s integration into Waverly further bolsters the latter’s growing portfolio and expands its advisory talent with Collins joining the firm as a Partner and Wealth Advisor.
A Strategic Fit with Shared Values
Waverly Advisors has grown to become a leading player in the RIA space through a combination of organic growth and a targeted mergers and acquisitions (M&A) strategy. The firm focuses on partnering with advisors who share its client-first philosophy and commitment to excellence.
“Bringing in experienced advisors like Scott who align closely with our core values fosters a collaborative learning environment,” said Justin Russell, President and CEO of Waverly Advisors. “Attracting top talent is a cornerstone of our growth strategy, and this acquisition is another example of how we’re building a strong, values-driven team.”
Scott Collins, who has built FWA on the principles of fiduciary responsibility and personalized service, echoed the sentiment. “Waverly’s commitment to delivering high-quality, client-centered financial advice was very attractive to me,” he said. “This partnership allows me to offer my clients access to a broader set of tools and resources, while maintaining the individualized service they’ve come to expect.”
Strengthening the Florida Market
With a strong presence across the Southeast, Waverly’s expansion into Florida is part of a deliberate strategy to build regional hubs that can support long-term client relationships. The acquisition of FWA positions Waverly to better serve clients in Sarasota and surrounding areas—a region with a growing population of retirees, entrepreneurs, and affluent families seeking sophisticated wealth management solutions.
“Florida remains a key market for us, both in terms of demographics and the quality of advisory talent,” Russell said. “By integrating established firms like Fiduciary Wealth Advisors, we are able to offer a more localized and responsive service model that’s tailored to the needs of Florida’s dynamic client base.”
Waverly’s approach to growth emphasizes cultural alignment and long-term partnership. Rather than subsume acquired firms under a monolithic brand, the company works closely with new team members to preserve the unique client relationships and service models that made the firms successful in the first place.
“From our first conversations with Scott, it was clear that his philosophy and client approach mirrored our own,” said Pete Wheatley, Director at Wealth Partners Capital Group (WPCG), one of Waverly’s financial backers. “This acquisition provides Scott with the infrastructure to elevate his already impressive client service model, and it gives Waverly another strong foothold in a key market.”
A Scalable Platform with a Human Touch
The acquisition underscores Waverly’s broader mission to become the advisor of choice for both clients and financial professionals. Since receiving an equity investment from Wealth Partners Capital Group and HGGC’s Aspire Holdings platform in December 2021, the firm has completed 25 acquisitions—each selected based on cultural fit, strategic location, and client alignment.
These deals are part of Waverly’s effort to create a scalable platform that still maintains a personal touch. “We’re building a firm that can support advisors at every stage of their journey,” Russell explained. “Whether they’re looking for succession planning, expanded investment capabilities, or just more time to focus on clients, we’re here to provide the support they need.”
Scott Collins said the decision to join Waverly was driven by a desire to better serve his clients in an increasingly complex financial environment. “Our clients expect and deserve sophisticated planning, personalized strategies, and seamless execution,” Collins said. “By partnering with Waverly, I can continue to deliver that level of service, but now with access to deeper resources, cutting-edge technology, and an experienced team of professionals.”
Elevating the Client Experience
FWA’s clients will benefit from Waverly’s full suite of services, including advanced financial planning, risk management, tax optimization, estate planning, and portfolio management. The firm leverages both in-house expertise and strategic partnerships to deliver these services through a high-touch model that prioritizes education, transparency, and long-term value.
“The client experience has always been the heart of our business,” Russell noted. “We want every client to feel like they’re getting world-class advice tailored specifically to their goals. That’s why we’re so selective about the firms we partner with—we want advisors who share that same commitment.”
The addition of FWA also enhances Waverly’s ability to meet the evolving needs of today’s investors, who are increasingly seeking holistic advice that goes beyond investment returns. “Clients today are looking for comprehensive financial solutions,” said Russell. “They want guidance on retirement, legacy planning, philanthropy, and even family governance. With Scott on board, we’re even better equipped to deliver that level of insight and support.”
A Collaborative Future
The deal was advised by Tyler Nunnally of Nunnally International Inc., who represented FWA throughout the transaction. While the financial and legal terms were not disclosed, both parties described the transition as smooth and mutually beneficial.
Looking ahead, Waverly Advisors plans to continue its M&A activity while remaining focused on integrating new partners in a thoughtful and deliberate way. “It’s not about growth for growth’s sake,” said Russell. “It’s about building a firm where great advisors can do their best work and clients can get the best possible outcomes.”
As Waverly marks its 25th acquisition, the firm remains firmly committed to its founding mission: to deliver highly customized, fiduciary-based financial guidance that empowers clients to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and clarity.
For more information about Waverly Advisors, visit www.waverly-advisors.com.
About Waverly
Waverly Advisors, LLC (“Waverly”) is a fee-only federally registered investment adviser that serves the investment management and wealth planning needs of a diverse group of clients, including high-net-worth individuals and families, corporate retirement plans, trusts, endowments, and institutions. Waverly offers collaborative investment, tax, estate, and financial planning services. Founded in 1999 in Birmingham, Alabama, the company has 39 offices across the U.S. and a team of over 260 professionals who hold many of the industry’s most prestigious credentials. For more information, please visit www.waverly-advisors.com.
About Wealth Partners Capital Group
Wealth Partners Capital Group (“WPCG”) is a financial services holding company, which invests in and partners with select leading wealth management firms. WPCG assists its partner firms by identifying and integrating like-minded wealth advisers who seek access to expanded business capabilities, strategic growth and/or customized transition solutions. For more information, please visit www.wealthpcg.com.
About HGGC
HGGC is a values-driven, partnership-focused private investment firm. The firm’s ecosystem of investors, operators, and professionals are united by the shared mission to develop leading enterprises and build long-term value together. HGGC invests in technology, business services, financial services and consumer enterprises generally valued between $200 million – $1.5 billion+. The firm is based in Palo Alto, CA and manages over $8 billion in cumulative capital commitments. Since its inception in 2007, HGGC has completed more than 700 platform investments, add-on acquisitions, recapitalizations, and liquidity events with an aggregate transaction value of over $80 billion. HGGC makes investments in RIAs via its Aspire Holdings platform, which is targeting $300 million of total investment in the space. More information, including a complete list of current and former investments, please visit www.hggc.com.
