Chicago’s HighTower has launched the HighTower Network and HighTower Alliance, offering breakaway brokers and independent advisors a customized set of services with which to serve their clients. 

“HighTower Network and HighTower Alliance are for those advisors who want access to what we can provide, but may be in a market we have yet to enter or want to retain a distinct brand identity,” said Mike LaMena, chief operating officer.

HighTower Network provides advisors leaving wirehouses with the opportunity to become independent without the overheads associated with starting and running a practice. Members of the network can manage their own staff and maintain control of the “day-to-day details” of the business, while accessing the firm’s integrated broker/dealer platform and being affiliated with the HighTower brand.

Meanwhile, the HighTower Alliance is designed for advisors who are either leaving a wirehouse or are already independent. Alliance members also have access to the HighTower platform, with the option to retain the firm’s services in areas such as legal, human resources, technology and marketing. 

Both pathways allow advisors to keep all of their earnings, the firm said. 

“With the addition of the HighTower Network and the HighTower Alliance to our range of offerings there are more ways than ever for experienced advisors to establish true independence and build a business around doing what’s best for their clients,” said Elliot Weissbluth, chief executive.

HighTower is an advisor-owned firm that specializes in HNW and institutional clients, with headquarters in Chicago and corporate bases in New York and San Francisco.