$2B wealth management team leaves UBS, launches independent firm

A wealth management team with a dual headquarters in Ohio and Fort Myers that collectively managed $2 billion under UBS has split from its parent entity to launch an independent advisory firm. 

The new firm is 1280 Financial Partners; the 1280 refers to the miles between its two headquarters of Sandusky, Ohio, and Fort Myers, according to a statement. The firm has other offices in North Augusta, South Carolina and Miami.

“We are excited to embrace the benefits of independence and formalize our duty and conviction as fiduciaries to protect the best interests of clients,” 1280 Financial Partners co-founder and Managing Partner Tom Burt says in the statement. “Being independent gives us the freedom and flexibility to stay nimble and do more for clients.”

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The other founders and managing partners are Duane Ohly, John McGee II and Charles Todd. The partners, the release states, are joined by a team of eight more wealth management professionals. The team all previously worked together at UBS. 

For individuals and families, 1280 Financial Partners provides financial planning, investment management, risk and insurance, retirement, tax planning, estate and trust services and philanthropic strategies. The firm also works with small and mid-sized business owners, handling 401(k), deferred compensation and other retirement plan strategies, cash management, business valuation exit strategies and more. One of its specializations, according to its website, is working with auto dealers.