$1.5B Advisory Team Shifts to Osaic’s Empowered Independence Model — Osaic, Inc.

Event summary

$1.5B AUM advisory team Gateway Investments transitions to Osaic’s Empowered Independence (W-2) channel after 22 years in the 1099 model.
Team includes six advisors led by Managing Director Thomas Santucci, CIMA®, AIF®.
Move aims to streamline operations and focus on client relationships while developing next-gen advisors.
Osaic’s platform provides enhanced operational support, technology, and resources for scaling.
Transition follows Osaic’s April addition of Pointes North Wealth Management ($2B AUM) to the same channel.

The big picture

Osaic’s Empowered Independence model is gaining traction as a scalable alternative for independent advisory teams seeking operational support without sacrificing flexibility. The $1.5B AUM transition of Gateway Investments underscores the platform’s appeal to established firms looking to streamline operations and focus on client relationships. This follows broader industry trends where wealth management firms are consolidating around advisor-first platforms that balance independence with institutional resources.

What we're watching

Advisor Retention: Whether Osaic can sustain this pace of high-AUM advisor transitions to its Empowered Independence channel.
Operational Efficiency: How the shift to W-2 model impacts Gateway Investments’ advisory team dynamics and client service.
Next-Gen Development: The pace at which Osaic integrates next-generation advisors into transitioned teams like Gateway Investments.