The move highlights the new division that Hightower announced last year.

Hightower Advisors has announced that Journey Strategic Wealth has been added into Hightower Signature Wealth. Hightower Signature Wealth is a new division featuring a centralized brand, investment platform and middle- and back-office services for advisors who sign on. (See an analysis from our US correspondent last fall.)

Journey, led by Penny Phillips, brings about $5 billion in AuM. When the deal is closed, Hightower Signature Wealth will have more than $25 billion in AuM across 27 locations. As part of the integration, Phillips will assume expanded responsibilities within HTSW as head of advisor strategy and client experience.

“As we continue to be a destination for advisors who want to scale thoughtfully, Penny will play an instrumental role in shaping advisor strategy and experience,” Larry Restieri, CEO of Chicago-headquartered Hightower Advisors, said in a statement yesterday. 

The transaction is expected to close at the end of March. 

Journey includes a team of 24 professionals, including 16 advisors, serving nearly 1,000 clients. 

“The future of wealth management belongs to firms that deliver personalization at scale, comprehensive services, and an integrated client experience,” Phillips said. 

Hightower said it expects to announce additional acquisitions into the HTSW brand in the first half of 2026.

Dalphia Partners served as financial advisor and Seward & Kissel served as legal counsel to Journey Strategic Wealth for the transaction.