Since the start of this year, HTSW, which launched in October last year, has added almost $30 billion in assets under management.

Hightower Signature Wealth (HTSW), a new Hightower Advisors division, has added Stearns Financial Group (SFG), a business with about $2.5 billion in assets under management and 30 team members. 

With locations in Greensboro and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, SFG has provided financial planning since 1991. The practice first partnered with Hightower in 2020 and, as part of HTSW, it will gain access to expanded operational and investment capabilities.

HTSW, which launched in October last year, features a centralized brand, investment platform and middle-and-back-office services for advisors who sign on. See an analysis here from last fall about the new Hightower division.

Since the start of 2026, HTSW has added nearly $30 billion in AuM (as of June 30) through a mix of internal and external acquisitions.

Following the addition, HTSW has about $40 billion in AuM, more than 160 advisors, and more than 35 locations nationwide. Hightower expects to announce additional HTSW acquisitions through the end of the year.

Hightower is headquartered in Chicago. It has recently expanded its family office operation, as reported here.