Mary Gilligan makes it clear that she was not looking for a firm to partner with. Nearly 30 years after founding MG Financial and growing it into a leading RIA with $1.1 billion in assets under management (AUM), she and her team have built the firm they would want for their own families. However, when she was introduced to Aspen Standard Wealth and learned of its commitment to being a long-term partner and permanent home for successful RIAs, she knew she had found the firm that would enable MG Financial to scale and meet the ever-evolving financial needs of the sophisticated clients they work with, without sacrificing their culture and legacy. We recently caught up with Mary to learn more about her decision and why Aspen was the right partner for MG Financial going forward.
Mary, what were the most important factors you considered when you made the decision on a firm to partner with?
When we first met the Aspen team, we were not actively looking to partner with a firm. However, once we got to know them and learned more about their refreshing approach to partnering with firms like MG Financial, we were intrigued … but we had clear priorities. First, our approach to client service and organizational culture were non-negotiable. We would never jeopardize what makes MG so special for the sake of immediate AUM growth. Aspen absolutely respects that. We also needed to remain independent in how we manage client assets and provide our services. We found all of that with Aspen, which is very reassuring.
What does Aspen bring to the table that can help MG Financial continue to grow in a way that respects and preserves your client relationships?
Although Aspen is not a wealth manager, they truly understand the business and strategies for growth while minimizing the growing pains that are common along the way. The support Aspen provides allows all of us at MG Financial to focus on our clients, current and new, while ensuring that all the other elements of a healthy business remain in good order.
The client is at the center of everything the MG team does. How does MG approach client service in a way that is distinct from other firms, and how will Aspen further enable that going forward?
When working with our clients, we do not use an off-the-shelf approach. We meet our clients where they are and provide strategies that address their needs and goals regardless of the investment climate. Our clients know we have their back, and we are the first point of contact for any new transitions in their lives. Aspen embraces our philosophy and is committed to preserving our unique approach, which is vital to our ongoing success.
MG is team-oriented in everything it does. How do you envision Aspen being part of that team?
Aspen offers a refreshing and welcome perspective with a back-and-forth evolution of ideas and implementation. They listen to their partners’ concerns and needs, and just as we have our clients’ backs, they have ours. Aspen’s support for our infrastructure and growth provides us with more bandwidth to focus on what we love most, which is to work with clients to enable them to not just achieve their financial objectives, but also personal goals for their family, businesses, and fun.
Why did you start MG Financial?
In the early years of my career, I was among a handful of wealth advisors who operated on a fee-only basis to provide comprehensive investment strategies integrated with estate and income tax planning. Founding MG Financial allowed us to remain fully independent and objective as we create durable solutions for the complex financial situations unique to the clients we serve. From the beginning, our values have been to focus intensely on meeting each client’s needs on their terms, staying disciplined, going above and beyond, and acting with integrity.
What are you most looking forward to in your next phase of growth?
I’m very much looking forward to watching all of us at MG Financial grow and thrive along with the team at Aspen as we continue to provide the deep expertise and support our clients expect and deserve.
