Aequitas Capital Launches Exclusive Provider Network For Independent RIAs, Aequitas Financial Services Network

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PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Aequitas Capital, a diversified financial services company, has launched the Aequitas Financial Services Network (AFSN), a singular member network of select product and service providers who offer diverse yet complementary capabilities designed to empower Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) with new resources to grow their businesses. These select members are united to create opportunities and achieve greater success, individually and as a whole.

Aequitas Capital is an alternative investment management company dedicated to innovation, discipline, and excellence. With proven expertise in finance, management, and technology, and a focus on undervalued, high-yielding strategies, Aequitas sources, structures, and implements Private Credit and Private Equity solutions, benefiting the institutions and high-net-worth clients that trust us as a valuable investment partner. www.aequitascapital.com

The AFSN provides financial advisory firms with access to banks, insurance companies, institutional consultants, hedge funds, third-party alternative asset managers, and others with asset origination and investor distribution capabilities.

AFSN serves RIAs that are clients of its members and of Aequitas Capital Partners (ACP). ACP offers RIAs intellectual, financial and human capital, as well as access to investment platforms, financing, and partnerships with leading financial services firms to provide technology, alternative investment products, and value-add services.

"Many advisors find they don't have the proper tools to accelerate their growth to meet objectives and improve business valuations," said Bob Jesenik, CEO and co-founder of Aequitas. "At Aequitas, we expedite that process. We've always known that powerful business networks are at the heart of every successful company. The power is in the network. We give advisors access and opportunity to do more and be more, and that leads to success."

The network includes select organizations, each of which is a leader in its respective field. Through the AFSN, RIAs can access growth capital, as well as industry thought leaders in multiple disciplines. It is all part of Aequitas' drive to bolster the wealth management industry and become a leading innovator in the alternative investment space.

"Participants united in the network can maximize their ability to win more business, expand their offerings, and offer more value to their clients," said Executive VP and President of the AFSN Brian Oliver.

"And for advisors using the network, we are bringing a collection of products and services they can't find anywhere else. Advisors can access member companies to cultivate new relationships, broaden their expertise, make strategic acquisitions, create a legacy, and scale their businesses to build an enterprise of enduring value."

Organizations that are supporting the network includes alternative investment product platforms, marketing services firms, institutional consulting firms, a turnkey asset management platform, an accounting firm, an executive recruiting company, an investment banking firm that specializes in mergers & acquisitions, and a bank and trust company that provides trust services. The AFSN member organizations will also provide unique asset origination opportunities for Aequitas' private credit and private equity teams to source and structure strategic investments. To join, organizations must focus on servicing financial advisory firms and be nominated and approved by other AFSN members.

Gladstone Associates LLC, a boutique investment bank providing solutions to independent financial advisors and the institutions that serve them, is the one of the inaugural AFSN members. It recently launched Gladstone Analytics, a web-based solution for financial advisors around valuation, benchmarking and business process improvement, which also has been admitted to the network.

"We are joining a whole new society of energy, intellect and expertise, and will now become part of the Aequitas force that will provide strategic and organizational leadership to help independent financial advisors succeed," said Daniel Kreuter, co-creator of Gladstone.

Mr. Kreuter is also the CEO of D. A. Kreuter Associates, Inc., which provides retainer based strategic search for the global financial services community, and also is an AFSN member.

About Aequitas CapitalFounded in 1993, Aequitas Capital is a diversified financial services company that creates alternative investments including private equity, private credit and specialty finance. The firm leverages its robust network of industry experts to invest in under-served sectors that drive the overall economy in the areas of education, healthcare and financial services. Aequitas helps its portfolio companies and strategic partners reach their goals by providing management expertise, technology infrastructure and a network of support services.

For more information, please visit www.aequitascapital.com.