Ascentis Independent Advisors Welcomes Strada Wealth Advisors
Scottsdale and Salt Lake City firm joins platform following launch of Ascentis Holdings
Dallas, February 24, 2026 – Ascentis Independent Advisors (AIA), a fee-based platform for independent advisors and part of Ascentis Holdings, today announced that Strada Wealth Advisors, with locations in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Salt Lake City has selected AIA as its new RIA partner.
Strada Wealth Advisors is led by founders James Matt and Michael Otterson. Together, they have decades of combined experience and have built a reputation for trust, clarity and client-centric service that is consistent with AIA’s core culture.
“We are thrilled to welcome James, Michael and the Strada Wealth Advisors team,” said John Nahas, CEO of AIA. “Their dedication to delivering exceptional client outcomes aligns perfectly with our mission to support entrepreneurial advisors with the resources, technology and investment platform needed to operate and grow with confidence.”
The announcement follows the formal launch last month of Ascentis Holdings, a unified wealth management and asset management platform. It is comprised of three businesses: Ascentis Wealth Management (AWM), Ascentis Asset Management (AAM) and AIA, which includes the fee-based advisory business and related advisor affiliations previously operating as part of Golden State Equity Partners.
As part of this move, Strada Wealth Advisors will gain access to the broader Ascentis Holdings platform, including integrated technology, investment management solutions, such as access to an expanded private markets portfolio, compliance support and marketing resources. Together, these capabilities will help the firm deliver more coordinated planning across investments, taxes, estate planning and business planning, while preserving full ownership of its brand and client relationships.
“This step marks an exciting next chapter for our firm,” Matt said. “We were looking for a partner that allows us to remain independent while enhancing our ability to serve clients at a high level. Ascentis Independent Advisors provides the scale, strategic alignment and advisor-focused culture we were seeking.”
Otterson added, “Ascentis Independent Advisors understands what it means to support growth-minded advisors. The platform gives us the flexibility we want and the depth of resources our clients deserve.”
About Ascentis Holdings
Ascentis Wealth Holdings, LLC (Ascentis) is a holding company that owns or controls multiple Registered vestment Adviser (RIA) firms. Advisory services may be provided by Ascentis Wealth Management (AWM), Ascentis Asset Management (AAM) and/or Ascentis Independent Advisors (AIA), investment advisers registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Each RIA affiliated with Ascentis operates as a separate legal entity and is solely responsible for its own advisory services, disclosures and regulatory compliance.
Together, AWM, AAM and AIA form a next-generation wealth management platform offering fee-based advisors flexible affiliation options, disciplined practice management resources and structured investment processes, all supported by a shared technology and service infrastructure. Ascentis supports advisors serving affluent individuals, families and business owners, with investment capabilities spanning traditional and alternative strategies.