A team of advisors led by Kara Boccella, previously a partner at Certuity, a $4 billion registered investment advisor, has left to create their own RIA, Serenus Wealth Advisors. The new RIA has $1.2 billion in assets under management and will be based out of Santa Monica, Calif.
Before joining Certuity in 2014, Boccella was at New York-based KLS Professional Advisors Group, a multi-billion-dollar RIA acquired by Boston Private, for 19 years. She managed KLS’s first West Coast office.
Boccella is joined by Devon Galindo, a former senior director at Certuity and former senior analyst at KLS. Rebecca Tipp and Laura E. Lemoine also join Serenus as directors from Certuity. Serenus also brought on Lonny Elfenbein, previously chief compliance officer at Dinsmore Compliance Services, as CCO.
The firm has chosen Fidelity for custody, according to a regulatory filing.
“For over 30 years, it has been my privilege and honor to serve clients with a hyper focus on ensuring their financial peace of mind throughout their lifetimes,” Boccella said in a statement. “This commitment to clients is the driving force behind launching Serenus Wealth Advisors, where our top priority is serving as their trusted partner, day in and day out.”
The name “Serenus” reflects the calmness and peace of mind that the team will provide to clients in their financial lives, according to Boccella.
The firm serves legal professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals and families.