Arax Investment Partners Appointed New Operations Chief
The firm, which manages $45 billion, promoted CFO Diego Galan to COO to streamline its rapid expansion.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Financial Planning
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Arax Investment Partners has named CFO Diego Galan as its new chief operating officer. The promotion aims to coordinate and scale the firm as it continues a series of acquisitions in the wealth management sector.
Why it matters
As Arax grows through aggressive acquisition, the move signals a shift toward centralized control of operations and technology. For clients, this restructuring is designed to improve execution efficiency across the firm’s $45 billion in assets.
Arax completed seven firm acquisitions during 2026, contributing to a broader industry trend where RIA transactions rose 40% year-over-year in the first half of 2026.
The players
Diego Galan
The current CFO and newly appointed COO at Arax Investment Partners who has managed the firm's finances since 2022.
Arax Investment Partners
A New York-based financial firm overseeing $45 billion in assets that acquires controlling stakes in registered investment advisory businesses.
Transcend Capital Advisors
A Madison, New Jersey-based firm managing $3 billion in assets that was acquired by Arax in July 2026.
The details
Diego Galan will retain his current role as CFO while assuming expanded oversight of operations, technology, M&A activity, and human resources. Arax functions by acquiring controlling stakes in registered investment advisory firms while allowing those partners to maintain direct client relationship management. By centralizing management of these diverse entities, the firm intends to better coordinate services for its asset base.
Timeline
2022: Arax Investment Partners was founded.
June 2026: The firm acquired Millares Asset Management.
July 2026: The firm acquired Transcend Capital Advisors.
Late September 2026: Arax formed a partnership with KingsRock Advisors.
October 6, 2026: The appointment of Diego Galan as COO was announced.
Money Landscape
This appointment occurs against a backdrop of rapid consolidation in the wealth management sector. The firm's expansion strategy mirrors broader industry activity, which saw RIA deal volume increase by 40% during the first half of 2026.
Clients at acquired firms should review their current service agreements to ensure they understand how operational changes might affect local relationship management. If you have concerns about how firm-level shifts impact your portfolio, schedule a conversation with your advisor to clarify their ongoing role.
The takeaway
Management changes at large investment firms are common during periods of rapid acquisition as companies seek to unify their service models. Review your most recent account statement and contact your financial professional to ask how recent firm-level structural changes may influence your service.
Further reading
For more information on how firm management shifts affect long-term strategy, visit Financial Planning.
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