"We've hired a search firm, and we're committed to growing the New York office over the next few years," says Steve Aucamp, head of CWA's ultra-high-net-worth group.

 

Aucamp adds that CWA's search for leadership in New York could lead it to lifting out a team from another firm - "if it's a cultural fit" - or even a unit-level acquisition.

 

Rockville, Mad.-based CWA - then known as Lydian Wealth Management - has been in New York since 2004, though it wasn't until it hired McLaughlin away from Mellon Financial (now part of Bank of New York Mellon) early in 2005 that it made the move official.

 

Early in 2007, Beverly Hills, Calif.-based City National purchased Lydian Wealth Management - from Palm Beach, Fla.-based holding company Lydian. Since then - aside from moves to bolster its institutional capabilities in 2008 and this year with hires in Rochester, N.Y., and in the Greater Washington, D.C., area - it has focused mainly on establishing itself in and around Los Angeles.

 

Now though, with CWA's Los Angeles business fully staffed, it's time for the firm to turn its attention back to the Big Apple, according to Aucamp. "Our focus is front and center on New York."

CWA manages about $10 billion for individuals, institutions and family offices. In addition to New York, Los Angles, Rochester and Rockville,  it has offices in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Portland, Ore., and Seattle.