BridgePort Financial Solutions, a platform launched by Cambridge Investment Research in 2024 to serve fee-only independent advisors, has appointed Clara Sierra as managing director. Sierra, a wealth management executive with over three decades of experience, will oversee the firm's strategic direction, operational performance, and expansion initiatives.
Sierra will report to Jeff Vivacqua, president of growth and development at Cambridge, and will lead efforts in advisor experience, wealth management services, technology, operations, compliance collaboration, and both organic and acquisition-driven growth. The appointment comes as BridgePort aims to help advisory firms navigate industry changes and succession planning challenges.
“Clara’s approach and values aligned perfectly with our vision for BridgePort, which offers an advisory and succession platform with optionality not offered elsewhere,” said Vivacqua. “Her experience across the wealth management marketplace provides a unique understanding of RIAs’ evolving needs and how a business like BridgePort can solve pressing issues facing RIAs and their clients through multiple business and growth models.”
Sierra most recently served as senior director and industry practice lead for asset management at Moody's Analytics. Earlier in her career, she was senior vice president of business development for the independent broker-dealer channel at Amundi Pioneer Investments. She also held senior leadership roles at Sentinel Investments, AIG Advisor Group (now Osaic), and Alliance Capital.
“BridgePort has been a collaborative partner for RIAs seeking solutions to their needs today in order to reach their goals in the future,” said Sierra. “The firm’s integrity and commitment to the values of kindness and excellence position us as a premier destination for leading RIAs seeking meaningful options for advisory and succession solutions that enable them to deliver exceptional support to clients.”
The hire underscores a broader trend of RIA platforms bolstering leadership to address advisor succession and growth. For context, recent moves include Merrill Lynch recruiting a UBS veteran with $460M and LPL adding a $500M team from United Planners.
BridgePort's model offers flexible business structures for RIAs, including options for partial liquidity, full exit, or continued independence. The platform targets advisors managing between $100 million and $2 billion in assets, providing back-office support, technology, and compliance services.
Sierra's appointment is effective immediately. She will be based in BridgePort's headquarters in Fairfield, Iowa, and will work closely with Cambridge's network of over 3,600 advisors.
