Northern Trust has launched a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and Non-Traditional Family practice. It will provide fiduciary and wealth management services to help meet the unique needs of LGBT individuals and non-traditional families.

Northern is one of a handful of wealth management firms with a practice dedicated to serving the LGBT community. Other big players catering to this segment include Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

John McGowan has been named national practice leader responsible for implementing the program in markets throughout the United States. McGowan, who is 24-year industry veteran, previously served as a senior relationship manager in Northern Trust’s Wealth Management Group, a unit focused specializing in ultra high net worth families and their family offices.

“Northern Trust recognizes the definition of family has evolved,” McGowan said.

“We have been helping LGBT clients develop wealth management strategies for decades and have the experience to deal with unique legal, tax and wealth transfer challenges. The creation of this group will help ensure our strategic focus will be executed more broadly across our network.”

Mark Braun has been named the national practice liaison focused on building relationships with LGBT individuals and families, community organizations, and other advisors. Braun was previously a private banker.

Northern Trust was one of the first financial services companies to begin offering domestic partnership benefits to employees more than 13 years ago, the firm said.

The firm has offices in 18 US states. The practice will eventually be rolled out nationwide.