Great Valley Advisor Group Adds Bernicke Wealth Management

The $530M Wisconsin-based independent RIA joins GVA advisor network to take advantage of compliance support and enhanced technology resources

PAOLI, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Great Valley Advisor Group (“GVA”), a technology-driven full-service registered investment adviser (“RIA”) that partners with select independent financial advisors to support growth and provide access to superior practice management and business strategy resources, has added Bernicke Wealth Management (“BWM”) to its network of advisors. BWM joined GVA via its hybrid affiliation model.

Based in Altoona, Wisconsin, BWM is an independent wealth management firm that provides comprehensive investment management, estate and tax planning strategies for wealthy individuals and families. Under the leadership of Founder and President Ty A. Bernicke, the firm has grown to a team of 21 employees and manages over $500 million in client assets. BWM aligned with GVA as it sought the opportunity to maintain its independence and grow, and it will take advantage of GVA’s expansive advisor network, as well as the technology and compliance solutions.

“GVA is dedicated to supporting advisor growth and long-term practice success by providing access to best-in-class technology and compliance solutions,” said James J. Spinelli, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director at GVA. “As the BWM team diligently searched for the right partner, GVA stood out as a natural fit.”

“We are an independent firm and safeguarding this independence was of chief importance to our team,” said Bernicke. “We sought a partner who we could trust to help us grow our business and who would support the practice philosophy that is core to our work and client service. The real value in joining GVA is realizing the distinct competitive advantage the partnership provides in terms of compliance and technology solutions. We’re excited to join the GVA network and take advantage of its benefits.”

With a centralized focus on helping financial advisors grow and achieve long-term independence in their businesses, GVA partners with select advisors and offers customized and integrated technology tools, comprehensive compliance oversight and back-office services, asset management, succession solutions, and proprietary advisor billing and compensation software. Advisors can affiliate with GVA by joining the RIA, utilizing its Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction (OSJ) or via a hybrid model. The GVA advisor network includes 26 offices across the country, who collectively manage over $3.25 billion across its advisory and brokerage businesses.

“We recognize that independent advisors have worked tirelessly to build their businesses and emerge as leaders in the industry,” added Spinelli. “Yet they face mounting challenges to maintain these levels of success. Our goal is to help them grow their businesses by removing some of the operational and compliance burden. For example, in addition to our in-house compliance team, we also partnered with Cipperman Compliance Services for external oversight. GVA gives advisors and their teams the flexibility to focus on client service and creating solutions for their clients.”

BWM joined GVA on June 18, 2020. The firm will maintain its BWM branding and Wisconsin headquarters.

About Great Valley Advisor Group

Great Valley Advisor Group (“GVA”) is a technology-driven full-service registered investment adviser. GVA partners with select independent financial advisors by providing customized technology, investment strategies, compliance, and proprietary compensation tools to help them grow their businesses. Our advisors have the choice and flexibility to run their businesses the way they want. GVA provides advisors with support to get started and technology to help the firm thrive.

For more information, visit greatvalleyadvisors.com.