Vanguard Completes Acquisition of Just Invest

The deal was first announced in mid-July, and it follows a successful direct indexing pilot program run by the two firms.

A day after Franklin Templeton announced it was acquiring O’Shaughnessy Asset Management, known for its direct indexing Canvas platform, Vanguard announced it has completed its acquisition of Just Invest, a provider of tax-managed, personalized wealth management technology, which includes the Kaleidoscope direct indexing platform.

Vanguard first announced the purchase in July, saying it would be completed in the fourth quarter. Friday is the first day of that quarter. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

“Financial advisors understand that each client’s circumstances and values are personal,” said Tom Rampulla, managing director of Vanguard Financial Advisor Services. “We are excited to integrate Just Invest’s personalized indexing offering into our intermediary business and help advisors unlock new ways to tailor client experiences and provide value.”

Vanguard’s personalized indexing capabilities will initially be implemented within its $3 trillion Financial Advisor Services, which serves registered investment advisors, banks, and broker-dealer financial advisors. Over time, Vanguard expects to expand the offering to a broader set of clients and build on its capabilities, according to its original announcement of the Just Invest deal.

A visit to the Vanguard Financial Advisor Services home page now highlights “the power of personalized indexing,” using the asset management technology the fund giant is now offering through Just Invest.

“Just Invest has always focused on empowering financial advisors with the technology they need to care for clients’ financial futures,” said Jonathan Hudacko, CEO of Just Invest, in a statement. “We are excited that Vanguard shares in that mission, and we look forward to expanding the value we bring to financial advisors together.”

The Just Invest acquisition follows a successful pilot direct indexing program run that Vanguard and Just Invest launched in 2020 utilizing Just Invest’s large-scale data analysis, quantitative algorithms and risk modeling.

In its press release, Vanguard said the acquisition reflects the firm’s “commitment to innovation through client service, technology, and product development with the aim of creating a world-class client experience and driving better investment outcomes.”