3 Largest Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) in Louisiana

Registered investment advisors (RIAs) are undoubtedly best positioned to serve high-net-worth families and individuals seeking an alignment of interests between the firm and client. To shine a light on the growing RIA channel, FINTRX explores three of the largest registered investment advisors (RIAs) based in Louisiana.

1. Goss Wealth Management Advisors, LLC (GWM Advisors) = ~$5.6B+ in AUM

Founded in 2015, Goss Wealth Management (GWM) Advisors is a New Orleans, Louisiana-based investment advisor with an additional office in Baton Rouge. The firm offers investment management, retirement planning, and investment advisory services to clients in the United States. Goss Wealth Management has the experience to help identify which investments are most appropriate for your specific investment objectives and tolerance for risk. LPL Financial also offers Goss Wealth Management, one of the industry’s broadest, non-proprietary investment platforms, providing choice and objectivity when recommending investments.

Integrated, web-based technology platforms allow its clients to manage critical aspects of their business while remaining highly efficient and responsive to their needs. Time-consuming processes—such as account opening and management, document imaging, transaction execution, and account rebalancing—are automated to improve efficiency and accuracy. Goss Wealth Management Advisors can choose which broker/dealer it partners with. 

- Founded: 2015
- Headquarters: New Orleans & Baton Rouge, LA
- Discretionary Assets: ~$5.6B+
- Non-Discretionary Assets: $55.1M+
- Total AUM: ~$5.6B+
- Specialties: Investment Management; Business Owner Services; Retirement Planning; Multi-Generational/Estate Planning; Insurance; Advisor Transitions; Hybrid RIA; Advisor Networking; Advisor Education; and Financial Planning

2. Bernhard Capital Partners Management, LP = ~$2.5B+ in AUM

Bernhard Capital Partners is a Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based infrastructure-focused private equity management firm established in 2013 by Jim Bernhard, Jeff Jenkins, and a team of experienced private equity professionals. Bernhard Capital seeks to create sustainable value by leveraging its experience in acquiring, operating, and growing services and infrastructure businesses. Bernhard focuses on investments in energy services, including midstream or transportation; downstream or refining and marketing; and power sectors.

The firm's strategy is to invest in North American service companies across the midstream, downstream, and power verticals that are well-positioned to capitalize on oil and gas investment opportunities. The fund and its portfolio companies have made 14 acquisitions through four companies: Brown & Root, Epic Piping, ATC Associates, and Bernhard LLC.

- Founded: 2013
- Headquarters: Baton Rouge, LA
- Discretionary Assets: ~$2.5B+
- Non-Discretionary Assets: $0
- Total AUM: ~$2.5B+
- Specialties: Asset Management; Financial Services; Investment Management

3. St. Denis J. Villere & Co., LLC = ~$2.27B+ in AUM

With roots dating back to 1911, St. Denis J. Villere & Co., LLC is a New Orleans, Louisiana-based investment advisor managing over two billion in equity and fixed income strategies for high net-worth individuals, multi-generational families, and institutional clients through customized managed accounts and mutual funds. With a commitment to highly personal service, four generations of the Villere family have continuously served clients from our headquarters in New Orleans since the early 1900s.

Today, Villere & Co. invests selectively and independently–taking a long-term perspective. Comprehensive, rigorous bottom-up analysis with a long-term focus allows the group to look beyond short-term noise and identify the fundamental value of a security. This includes a focus on stocks where valuations are compelling, management teams and balance sheets are strong, and any dislocations appear temporary. The result is a portfolio that gives investors an upside opportunity through carefully selected stocks while potentially reducing overall risk through fixed income holdings when applicable. All client assets are managed in-house. 

Founded: 1997 (Registered as an RIA in 2000)
Headquarters: New Orleans, LA
Discretionary Assets: ~$2.24B+
Non-Discretionary Assets: ~$31.4M+
Total AUM: ~$2.27B+
Specialties: Asset Management; Financial Services; Advisory Services; Separately Managed Accounts; Concentrated Portfolios; and Mutual funds

RIA Review

A registered investment advisor (RIA) is any firm advising or managing the wealth of high-net-worth individuals or institutions. Directly regulated by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), RIAs offer a wide range of financial services — from wealth and investment management to direct lending and personal finance education, etc. An important distinction regarding RIAs is the fiduciary obligation to always act in the best interest of their clients.

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