TAWA is led by Michael Ross and Robert Hayden, whose founding clients sought an independent family advisor that would be prohibited from selling financial products, the firm said.  

Prior to co-founding Total Alignment, Ross was a vice president at Wilmington Trust Company, according to the company's website.

“Our founding clients already had strong relationships with their accountants, estate planning attorneys, insurance advisors and investment managers, and they weren’t looking for yet another advisor, one who might threaten those relationships,” said Hayden. 

The firm’s Total Alignment Family CFO offering provides financial organization, implementation assistance and advice on areas like estate planning, taxes, insurance, cash flow, investments and, where appropriate, recommendations on the replacement of advisors. 

The firm also reviews trust-owned life insurance for trustees and offers financial plans surrounding specific life events such as retirement, death and divorce. Each advisor is limited to 20 clients, creating a more personalized service.  

Services are offered on a combined fixed fee and small variable fee arrangement, paid quarterly.  

“It is rare that a wealth advisory firm will be formed from its outset with restrictions on how it can earn revenues, and we think that such a structure is not only in the best interests of our clients but also represents a competitive advantage for our firm,” said Ross.

Ross and Hayden together have over 25 years of experience in the wealth advisory industry, with Ross’ expertise in investments and executive benefits, and Hayden’s specialist areas in estate planning, taxes and law.