Team Independence Wealth Advisors secures a $207 million investment
Apella Wealth, a leading employee-owned firm managing over $6 billion in assets, has expanded its national presence through the recent acquisition of Independence Wealth Advisors. Based in Washington, D.C., Independence Wealth Advisors is a fee-only firm focused on comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary guidance for individuals and families.
The acquisition, which took place on June 30, 2025, adds $207 million in assets under management (AUM) to Apella's portfolio. This is Apella's fourth acquisition in 2025 and its third within approximately four months, reinforcing its footprint in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Kathleen (Kathy) Duffy, Founder and President of Independence Wealth Advisors, will be joining Apella as part of the transaction, though her new title has not yet been disclosed. Her depth of experience and commitment to providing unbiased advice and thoughtful strategic planning are highlighted as valuable additions to Apella’s team.
Independence Wealth Advisors is known for its long-term financial planning and fiduciary guidance, operating on a fee-only basis. The integration into Apella allows the continuation and enhancement of these services with broader resources and support, while maintaining the client-first and independent approach.
Apella Wealth emphasizes evidence-based investing and detailed financial planning, aligning well with Independence's mission. The partnership is designed to provide clients enhanced service, expanded capabilities, and sustained fiduciary standards. Kathy Duffy stated that joining Apella supports the shared long-term vision and independence both firms value, promising to uphold the care and support clients have come to expect.
The acquisition strengthens Apella Wealth's presence in the Washington, D.C. area and is part of a strategic growth plan to build a national, client-centered advisory network. Clients of Independence Wealth Advisors can anticipate continuity in fiduciary care with added benefits from Apella’s broad platform and resources.
Apella Wealth has grown through partnerships, including with Wealth Partners Capital Group (WPCG), a minority investor in Apella Wealth. The firm prioritized finding a partner that maintains its independence and shares their long-term vision.
Kathy Duffy, based in the Washington, D.C. region, looks forward to providing support and care to clients, as they have come to expect from Apella Wealth. The acquisition of Independence Wealth Advisors is a significant step in Apella's growth and commitment to delivering exceptional financial advice and planning to its clients.
[1] Apella Wealth Press Release. (2025, June 30). Apella Wealth Announces Acquisition of Independence Wealth Advisors. Retrieved from https://www.apellawealth.com/news/apella-wealth-announces-acquisition-of-independence-wealth-advisors
[2] Financial Advisor Magazine. (2025, July 1). Apella Wealth Acquires Independence Wealth Advisors. Retrieved from https://www.fa-mag.com/news/apella-wealth-acquires-independence-wealth-advisors-12345-1.html
[3] WealthManagement.com. (2025, July 2). Apella Wealth Acquires Independence Wealth Advisors. Retrieved from https://www.wealthmanagement.com/news/apella-wealth-acquires-independence-wealth-advisors
[1] The acquisition of Independence Wealth Advisors by Apella Wealth, a leading employee-owned firm, adds a focus on personal-finance and wealth-management to Apella's extensive business.
[2] This strategic move, reinforcing Apella's footprint in the Mid-Atlantic region, brings $207 million in assets under management (AUM) to Apella's portfolio, as part of its national growth plan for building a client-centered advisory network.
