01 · WealthTech Operations · M&A Integration
Post-M&A Direct Billing & Operational Cost Transformation
Centralizing advisor billing and compensation across a $24M revenue base while integrating acquired firms.
Executive summary
As Director, Enterprise Business Technology at Alera Group, led the post-M&A operational integration of acquired wealth-management firms — building a governed direct-billing capability, automating advisor compensation, and standing up responsible AI governance for the enterprise.
- Role
- Director, Enterprise Business Technology
- Timeline
- Jan 2025 – Present
- Budget
- ~$24M annual revenue oversight
- Team
- Cross-functional · Finance, Ops, Tech, Legal, Compliance
- Methodologies
- Agile DeliveryM&A IntegrationProcess EngineeringResponsible AI Governance
Process flow
- 01
The Problem
- 02
The Approach
- 03
The Result
25%
Reduction in operational costs through process optimization and automation
01 — The Problem
Acquired firms brought fragmented billing and advisor compensation processes. Together with Finance, total revenue was approximately $24M annually — about 15% billed direct to the client, and almost entirely manual. Operational cost was climbing, and post-M&A synergies were not being realized.
02 — The Approach
Built a transition program for M&A in the RIA space, incorporating pro forma assumptions, EBITDA targets, and anticipated synergies into operational planning. Implemented a direct billing tool and established governance around advisor compensation. Partnered with Compliance and Supervision on guardrails and controls, and with InfoSec to harden the Salesforce security posture and launch enterprise SSO.
03 — The Result
Reduced operational costs by 25% through process optimization and automation. Centralized direct billing and advisor compensation replaced manual work with a governed, auditable tool. Responsible AI governance models were established, and the technology capability for the Wealth Management division was built with a clear roadmap, integrations, and business-system analysis of downstream impact.