Northwest Financial Advisors Reaches $1 Billion in Advisory AUM
Credit union investment program doubles advisory AUM in 5 years.
Herndon, Va. — Northwest Financial Advisors (NWFA), a subsidiary of Northwest Capital Management, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northwest Federal Credit Union, today announced that the firm reached $1 billion in advisory Assets Under Management (AUM), a major financial milestone for the northern Virginia company.
AUM reflects the total value of investments under management by an investment advisory firm. But to Kevin Fisher, NWFA’s president and CEO, the achievement is not just about the dollar figure.
“To achieve this growth in our practice is a testament to the holistic approach our advisors take to financial planning and the long-term relationships they have developed with our clients. Our advisors provide ongoing advice, taking into consideration an individual’s entire financial life. The difference is made in the connections and deep relationships our advisors have formed with our clients and their families,” said Fisher.
The firm’s growth in advisory AUM speaks to the strength of the advisory model which requires advisors to work in the best interest of their clients and to take an objective, independent approach to providing investment advice. It was also made possible through several strategic initiatives, in particular, hiring the required staff to support a growth plan. Favorable market conditions resulting in an increase in the value of assets has also been a driving factor for the rise in AUM.
Karen Benedict, NWFA’s senior VP and program manager said, “To grow our firm’s AUM from $454 million in October of 2012 to $1 billion today is a phenomenal achievement considering our limited presence in the retail space. I’m very proud of our advisors and their outreach efforts — especially in providing educational opportunities to credit union members and external organizations — that have helped fuel the growth of our business.”
While the majority of clientele reside in the DC metropolitan area, NWFA’s 11 advisors currently serve 2,100 advisory clients nationwide. The firm has a history of retaining its highly qualified advisors. Despite industry competition for top talent, none of NWFA’s advisors have resigned, and several have been with the firm for more than a decade.
NWFA plans to continue growing by hiring additional staff, expanding the use of technology and focusing on collaboration with its credit union parent in 2018. The firm is also looking to expand its footprint in the region through the potential acquisition of investment advisory practices that align with its strategy.
