Farther Builds on Recent Growth with Key Additions
October 19, 2022: The rising wealthtech welcomes two boutique wealth management firms and two veteran advisors, furthering strategic growth and expanding into key markets.
WealthTech firm Farther today welcomed two boutique wealth management firms – WealthFactor and Bell Tower Advisors – who will now operate as part of Farther. The firm also announced the hiring of independent advisor Katherine Fibiger, who previously partnered with Stratos Wealth Partners, and Michael Lee, who spent a decade at The Retirement Group. These veteran hires expand Farther’s client base and growth potential, reinforcing its industry status as a rising wealth management leader.
“We are thrilled to welcome the teams at WealthFactor and Bell Tower, as well as Katherine and Michael to Farther,” said Taylor Matthews and Brad Genser, Co-Founders of Farther.
“Our goal is to unite the best advisors and trailblazing technology to deliver an elite experience for every client. Each addition to the Farther family will help us reach that target by deepening our wealth of resources and experience.”
WealthFactor, which was founded by Bill Woodruff in 2017, is based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Woodruff joins Farther as a Managing Director. Prior to 2017, Bill launched and ran a mutual fund business, which Fortress Investment Group later acquired. He subsequently served as Managing Director of Fortress.
“WealthFactor began with a vision to build technology that drives efficiency throughout every facet of wealth management – exactly as Farther is doing,” said Bill Woodruff. “That is why I am excited to join Farther: a firm that has reimagined wealth management and achieved technical innovation at an impressive pace. I look forward to growing with them and providing an integrated client and advisor experience unlike any other.”
Bell Tower Advisors, which was founded by Margie Carpenter in 2010, is based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Carpenter brings more than 30 years of financial advisory experience to her new SVP Wealth Advisor role at Farther.
“Bell Tower Advisors’ addition to Farther will give our clients access to the best technology and back-office operating services available,” said Margie Carpenter. “I started my firm 12 years ago to serve women and improve their financial futures. In Farther, I have found a wonderful home that will enhance the client service that Bell Tower Advisors already provides. I cannot wait to begin our partnership.”
Katherine Fibiger joins Farther as an SVP Wealth Advisor. She brings 20 years of experience as an award-winning, independent financial advisor and Certified Financial Planner. Fibiger founded the Retirement Wealth Institute in Westport, Connecticut – and since 2017, has worked with Stratos Wealth Partners.
“Joining Farther enables me to provide more for my clients in numerous ways,” said Katherine Fibiger. “Their cutting-edge tech platform, sophisticated tax management services, and swift operational abilities will enable me to spend more time with clients and take my practice to an entirely new level.”
Michael Lee joins Farther as an SVP Wealth Advisor based in San Francisco. He has spent over 12 years in financial services – including as a Registered Representative at FSC Securities, a Financial Analyst, and most recently as an Investment Advisor Representative at The Retirement Group.
“Farther’s visionary leadership and best-in-industry technology made joining the firm a natural decision,” said Michael Lee. “My clients will benefit tremendously from Farther’s commitment to personalized, comprehensive wealth management. I look forward to our collaboration and mutual growth in the coming months.”
These new team additions build on the company’s recent momentum. In the past year, Farther grew its assets under management tenfold and nearly tripled its staff size to 69 employees nationwide. Earlier this year, Farther announced a successful Series A Funding Round, raising $15 million despite a national decrease in startup funding. Farther also recently announced the hiring of its new VP and Head of People, Ching Tao, who is spearheading new talent acquisition and personnel development efforts.
To learn more about Farther, visit farther.com.
About Farther
Farther is a new kind of financial institution: combining expert wealth advisors and innovative technology to deliver a comprehensive, personalized client experience. Backed by top-tier venture capital firms, Farther caters to high-net-worth professionals who need a more holistic approach to growing and protecting their wealth.