Modera Wealth Management acquires Ferrentino & Associates

Modera Wealth Management today acquired New Jersey-based accounting firm Ferrentino & Associates.

Ferrentino & Associates specializes in tax planning, reparation and consulting services for high-net-worth individuals, small business owners, estates and trusts. The deal expands Modera’s in-house tax capabilities.

Gary Ferrentino, founder and CEO of Ferrentino & Associates, joins the Modera existing tax group based in Asheville, North Carolina, as director of tax services, leading the tax practice, guiding the firm’s tax strategy and working with advisors to deliver the services.

“I feel strongly that a client is best served when their investment advisor and accountant are in close communication. I always felt that it was a natural fit. This is why we have so many mutual clients; we see the benefits of working together,” Ferrentino said in a statement. “By joining Modera, we are able to provide additional opportunities for our team and attract talented professionals in new markets. My vision is to look beyond the tax practice to offer estate administration and other services that will benefit our clients.”

The deal continues the burgeoning trend of wealth management and financial planning firms adding tax and accounting services, which began in June 2023 when Top 100 Firm BerganKDV was acquired by Creative Planning, a wealth management firm with over $210 billion in assets under management. 

Modera Wealth Management was founded in 1983 year and is headquartered in Westwood, New Jersey, with 19 offices along the East Coast. It provides wealth advisory, financial planning, investment management and tax services to individuals, families, nonprofits and retirement plan sponsors. With over 6,000 clients nationwide, it oversees $15 billion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2024.

“Gary and I have worked together for more than 25 years. This is a formalization of a relationship built on shared purpose,” Tom Orecchio, CEO of Modera, said in a statement. “Unified planning across investments, taxes, and estate strategy isn’t just a value-add; it’s essential to full-service, fiduciary wealth management. Gary’s firm has provided tax planning, preparation, and consulting services to Modera and our clients. As a result of this transaction, our clients will have access to sophisticated tax guidance and accounting advisory services as part of our holistic, integrated service model.”