An eight-person Morgan Stanley Wealth Management team that oversaw $715 million in assets is seeking independence and joining Americana Partners, a Houston-based registered investment advisory firm focused on oil and gas family wealth.

Formerly known as The Fidelis Wealth Management Group, the team is comprised of Phillip Knight, Managing Director and Partner; Amy Lawler, SVP and Partner; Charles Bailey, SVP and Private Wealth Advisor; and J. Tom Snelson, Associate and Private Wealth Advisor. The team also includes client associates Nick Perez, Anna Reed, Tori Eaton and Kaitlin Fossen.

The octet is headed to Americana’s new Permian Basin office in Midland, Texas to help focus on serving clients who work in the fossil fuel industry, the firm said.

“While other large firms shy away from the oil and gas industry, we are a Texas-based firm that recognizes the Permian Basin’s importance to our economy and national security,” said Jason Fertitta, CEO and Partner of Americana Partners.

“Our clients need financial advice and services that go beyond traditional investment management to providing a holistic, family-office approach to managing their wealth,” added Knight.

Americana Partners launched in 2019 when Fertitta and his team left Morgan Stanley with help from Dynasty Financial Partners. Americana had approximately $3.8 billion in regulatory assets under management and $5.75 billion in assets under advisement as of the end of January.

Dynasty Financial Partners, LLC acted as an exclusive advisor to Americana Partners on this transaction.