BPM Plants Flag in Austin, Tapping Tech and Innovation Boom

AUSTIN, TX – February 18, 2026 – BPM LLP, one of the nation's 35 largest public accounting and advisory firms, today announced the opening of a new office in Austin, a strategic move that plants its flag firmly in one of the country's most vibrant economic hubs. The expansion into Texas underscores a deliberate national growth strategy, positioning the firm to serve the high-growth technology, life sciences, and blockchain companies fueling the region's boom.

The new office, located in the city's innovation corridor, will provide a full suite of tax, assurance, and advisory services. This move not only provides a home base for BPM's existing professionals in the area but also signals a significant investment in the Texas market, with plans for continued hiring throughout 2026.

"Austin's dynamic business environment and its role as a major hub for high‑growth companies make it a natural fit for BPM," said Jim Wallace, CEO of BPM, in a statement. "Our new office strengthens our ability to support clients across the region and tap into the momentum driving Austin's growth."

Austin's Unrelenting Economic Pull

BPM's arrival is the latest validation of Austin's status as a premier destination for business and talent. The city's economic engine, once primarily known for music and government, is now supercharged by technology and innovation. According to a recent CBRE report, Austin's tech talent workforce expanded by an astonishing 29.1% between 2018 and 2023, the highest growth rate among all major U.S. tech markets. While other tech hubs saw contractions in 2024, Austin's tech employment experienced only a minimal dip, indicating a resilient market that is normalizing after a period of supercharged growth.

This robust tech ecosystem, which includes giants like Apple, Google, and Tesla, is complemented by a rapidly emerging life sciences sector. Central Texas is now home to nearly 300 life sciences companies, with employment in the sector surging by almost 74% in the last five years. With a total economic valuation of $42 billion and over $3.5 billion in venture capital raised recently, Austin has firmly established itself as a top-10 U.S. city for bio and health funding.

This concentration of innovation-driven industries creates immense demand for the specialized financial and advisory services that firms like BPM provide. The move is part of a broader trend of national professional services firms establishing or bolstering their presence in Austin to be closer to this lucrative and expanding client base.

A Calculated Play in a Competitive Arena

While the opportunity is clear, BPM enters a competitive landscape. All of the "Big Four" accounting firms—Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG—have established operations in Austin, alongside other national players like Cherry Bekaert and Grant Thornton, who have already cultivated deep roots in the city's tech and private equity spaces. However, BPM's expansion is not an isolated bet but part of a well-defined and aggressive growth strategy that has seen it climb the national rankings.

Recognized by INSIDE Public Accounting as one of the nation's fastest-growing firms and ranked #34 by Accounting Today, BPM has been on a multi-year expansion tear. The Austin launch follows recent entries into other high-growth markets, including Salt Lake City's "Silicon Slopes" in 2025, as well as international expansions into Canada and the United Kingdom. This pattern demonstrates a clear strategic focus on establishing a presence in key innovation ecosystems to build a seamless national and global platform for its clients.

The firm's approach is to embed itself within the local fabric, bringing both national resources and a localized, hands-on approach to client service.

"We're excited to bring BPM's collaborative culture and entrepreneurial spirit to Austin," said BPM Partner Javier Salinas. "This city is full of energy, creativity, and opportunity. Our team is eager to contribute to the community and help local organizations navigate the complexities of today's business landscape."

Beyond the Balance Sheet: The B Corp Advantage

In a crowded market, BPM brings a distinct differentiator: its status as a Certified B Corporation. Achieved in 2022, this certification places the firm in an elite group of companies legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. With a B Impact Score of 81.0—well above the median for assessing businesses—BPM's brand promise of "Because People Matter" is a demonstrated commitment, not just a marketing slogan.

This purpose-driven identity may prove to be a powerful asset in a progressive and values-conscious city like Austin. For potential clients, particularly those in sectors focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, partnering with a B Corp-certified advisor offers inherent alignment. It signals a shared commitment to balancing profit with purpose.

Furthermore, this status is a critical tool in the war for talent. Austin's highly educated workforce and competitive job market mean that attracting and retaining top professionals requires more than just a competitive salary. By leading with its B Corp values, BPM can appeal to a generation of professionals who seek meaningful work and an employer whose mission aligns with their own. This focus on culture and community impact could give the firm a significant edge as it builds its new multidisciplinary team in the heart of Texas.