BridgePort Financial Solutions, the registered investment advisor launched by Cambridge Investment Research in January, has hired Nikki Bell to serve as senior vice president of operations and service.

Bell was most recently the senior vice president, intermediary business at Wealthspire Advisors. He joined Wealthspire through the firm’s integration of Lenox Wealth Advisors in 2022. Both firms were NFP subsidiaries.  At Lenox, Bell managed a team of portfolio managers and implemented investment strategies across model portfolios. During the firm’s integration with Wealthspire, he oversaw the transition of client data, systems, operational workflows and trading functions.

Related: Ryan Beach Takes the Helm at Wealthtech Consultancy F2

In the new role at BridgePort, he will oversee operations, including its advisory platform, client and advisor services, technology, training, trading and supervision capabilities. He will also help develop and implement new platforms and offerings and report to Managing Director Eddie Rollins.

“Nik’s deep experience leading the operational side of wealth management makes him an ideal fit for BridgePort,” Rollins said in a statement. “His proven ability to lead complex integrations and build efficient processes will support BridgePort’s mission of providing industry-leading solutions to fee-only advisors who want to grow and scale their business.”

Related: Blackstone Bolsters Private Wealth Leadership

Cambridge Investment Research, the Fairfield, Iowa-based independent broker/dealer, launched BridgePort in January. It now has $1 billion in assets under advisement. The RIA model is aimed at smaller, fee-only advisors looking for flexible acquisition options. The firm takes minority, majority or full ownership stakes in the advisor businesses that join the platform.