VestGen Secures Growth Capital to Expand Midwest Wealth Management Platform
Chicago-based registered investment advisor platform VestGen Wealth Partners announced that it has secured growth capital from Willow Tree Credit Partners. The company stated that the capital will fund ongoing mergers and acquisitions activity as the firm expands its independent wealth management footprint across the Midwest.
The transaction size of the credit facility was not disclosed. Raymond James & Associates served as financial advisor to VestGen. White & Case acted as legal counsel to Willow Tree Credit Partners, while Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff represented VestGen.
Acquisition History and Asset Growth Since Launch
VestGen launched in December 2024 with 10 financial advisory practices and $5.3 billion in assets. During 2025, the firm added nine additional practices representing $2.2 billion in client assets. By October 2026, the aggregator had absorbed a total of 19 firms, bringing its total client assets under management to $8.5 billion.
The firm targets practices primarily in the $300 million to $600 million range, integrating them onto a unified technology platform. VestGen’s model allows senior advisors to act as mentors and consultants to younger professionals before exiting the business, connecting advisors, families, and legacies under a single ecosystem.
Executive Leadership Transitions and Strategic Vision
Josh Gerry served as chief executive until stepping down earlier in 2026 as part of an executive succession plan. Jason Hanavan succeeded Gerry as CEO. Hanavan stated that institutional backing from Willow Tree will help the firm press forward with its aggressive growth strategy in a rapidly consolidating sector.
Philip Bianchi, founder and managing partner of nFleXion Capital Partners, stated that the strategic financing will benefit multiple stakeholders, particularly employee shareholders. Tim Lower, founder and CEO of Willow Tree Credit Partners, noted that VestGen has built a scaled platform with a disciplined ability to source, close, and integrate high-quality firms.
Expansion into Retirement Services and Fiduciary Oversight
Beyond traditional wealth management, VestGen launched a retirement plan advice division following the acquisition of a former Osaic team. VestGen Retirement Services offers fiduciary oversight and participant engagement programs to plan sponsors. The service is designed to support participants rolling over retirement assets and forms part of an integrated offering that combines financial planning, tax, wealth management, insurance, and legal services.
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