Mariner, a national financial services firm, has announced a significant transition involving Ocean Heights Advisors, a wealth management firm based in Newport Beach, Calif., with $730 million in assets under advisement. This move is part of Mariner's strategy to offer financial advisors a clear pathway for succession, ensuring long-term business continuity and superior client service. Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner, emphasized the importance of this transition as a milestone in the firm's growth journey, highlighting the benefits of improved team collaboration and enhanced services for associates and clients alike.
The transition of Ocean Heights Advisors from Mariner's Independent platform to a full integration with Mariner showcases the firm's approach to maintaining advisor independence while providing operational support. This strategy allows for a seamless transfer of client relationships and ensures that advisors can continue to serve their clients without interruption. Ocean Heights' partnership with Mariner since 2022 has enabled the firm to nearly double its assets under advisement, leveraging Mariner's operational, compliance, and marketing support. The full integration into Mariner will now offer Ocean Heights access to expanded growth channels and more robust infrastructure, benefiting both the firm and its clients.
Kevin Barlow, managing partner of Ocean Heights Advisors, shared his perspective on the transition, noting the instrumental role of the partnership with Mariner in accelerating the firm's growth. The integration is seen as a natural evolution that will allow Ocean Heights to provide even greater value to its clients, focusing on the personal relationships that define its service. The transition also includes a long-term, multi-generational succession plan, with current partners becoming shareholders in Mariner and Barlow leading the expanded Newport Beach operations.
This strategic transition, signed in December 2024 and effective April 1, 2025, underscores Mariner's commitment to innovation in financial advisory services. By offering a seamless succession pathway and enhanced resources, Mariner is setting a new standard for the industry, ensuring that advisors and their clients can look forward to a future of growth and continuity. For more information, visit https://www.mariner.com.
