Betterment's Strategic Move: Acquisition of Ellevest's Automated Investing Division
In a significant strategic development, Betterment, which stands as the largest independent digital investment advisor in the United States, announced its acquisition of Ellevest’s automated investing business on February 26, 2025. This move not only highlights Betterment’s commitment to growth but also its determination to enhance the services it offers to clients across the country.
Betterment has been a prominent player in the digital investment space, managing over $55 billion in assets for more than 900,000 customers. The acquisition of Ellevest, a company designed to cater specifically to the investment needs of women, marks an important milestone in Betterment's expansion strategy. Ellevest has carved out a niche for itself since its launch, focusing on offering investment and wealth management services that align with women’s goals, values, and unique financial needs.
Sarah Levy, Betterment's CEO, emphasized the strategic significance of the acquisition, stating, "This acquisition further cements our leadership in the digital investing space. We look forward to welcoming Ellevest's clients to Betterment and to continuing to support them on their wealth-building journeys." With such a statement, Betterment aims to reassure both its existing and potential clients of its dedication to enhancing their investment experiences.
The move comes on the heels of prior acquisitions, including Wealthsimple’s US advisory accounts in 2021 and the Marcus Invest accounts from Goldman Sachs in 2024. These acquisitions collectively aim to build a more robust platform that can serve a more diverse clientele.
According to Dr. Sylvia Kwan, CEO and CIO of Ellevest, the decision to align with Betterment was a natural fit considering their shared commitment to digital-first clients. She noted that Betterment offers many features that their clients have expressed interest in, such as joint accounts and various cash account options, greatly increasing the value proposition for Ellevest customers.
Post-acquisition, Ellevest's clients who choose to transfer their accounts to Betterment will gain access to automated investing, diversified portfolios, and advanced tax-smart tools. These capabilities will be complemented by a rich array of account types, financial planning tools, and educational resources designed to empower users in their investment journeys, along with the option to engage with human advisors as needed.
The transfer of Ellevest’s automated investing accounts to Betterment is anticipated to complete around April 17, 2025, subject to certain closing conditions. Clients will have the option to opt-out if they wish, ensuring they maintain control over their accounts. Notably, while Betterment will acquire Ellevest’s automated investing accounts and associated assets, it will not take on any additional accounts, technology, team members, or operational functions tied to Ellevest in this transaction.
Ellevest intends to continue focusing on its mission to empower women in finance by providing personalized financial planning and wealth management for high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions seeking to invest $500,000 or more. By retaining their core offerings, Ellevest aims to further support women's financial empowerment amidst the changing landscape of digital investment.
As the investment landscape evolves, Betterment's acquisition positions it well to continue its ambitious growth trajectory while fostering an inclusive environment for all investors. Betterment’s combination of technology and personalized support is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital wealth management for a broader audience.
In summary, the acquisition of Ellevest’s automated investing business not only expands Betterment’s offerings but serves as a testament to its commitment to cater to diverse investment needs and uphold its mission to make financial well-being accessible to a wider audience. For those interested in learning more about Betterment and the services it provides, the official website at www.Betterment.com offers comprehensive information and resources.