Concurrent Hits $17B AUM, Redefining the Independent Advisor Model

TAMPA, FL – February 27, 2026 – Concurrent Investment Advisors has surged past the $17 billion mark in assets under management, a milestone fueled by a powerful industry trend: independent advisors are increasingly choosing strategic partnerships over solitary autonomy. The firm's recent addition of the $300 million Fehrman Investment Group and three other advisors, collectively bringing over $450 million in new assets, underscores a pivotal shift in the wealth management landscape where access to institutional-grade resources is becoming the new benchmark for independence.

This growth spurt is not just a win for the Tampa-based Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) platform but serves as a barometer for the entire independent advice sector. It signals that for many entrepreneurial advisors, the path to sustainable growth and enhanced client service no longer means going it alone. Instead, it involves leveraging the scale, capital, and sophisticated infrastructure that specialized platforms can provide.

The New Face of Independence

The decision by Fehrman Investment Group, a multi-generational family firm from Augusta, Georgia, to join Concurrent is a case study in this evolving mindset. Led by President Jeff Fehrman, CFP®, and his daughter, financial advisor Katie Fehrman Edmonds, the team managed its successful practice for 16 years within the Raymond James Financial Services network before making the leap. Their choice was not about leaving one wirehouse for another, but about fundamentally upgrading their operational capabilities to better serve their clients.

“My entire career has been anchored by a commitment to providing clients with personalized, reliable advice,” Jeff Fehrman stated, articulating the core mission that remains unchanged. “With Concurrent as our partner, we can continue executing on that commitment with access to a top custodian, expanded investment options and practice management support.”

The specific drivers Fehrman cited are telling. Access to Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions (GSCS), a top-tier technology stack, and institutional-grade planning support were central to their decision. For a firm like Fehrman, which specializes in comprehensive financial planning and corporate retirement solutions, these tools are not just administrative perks; they are critical components for delivering sophisticated advice and a seamless client experience. As Katie Fehrman Edmonds noted, the partnership will make their team “even more efficient” in delivering the holistic advice their clients expect.

This move reflects a broader re-evaluation of what 'independence' means. The traditional definition, often associated with complete operational sovereignty, is giving way to a more pragmatic version. Today's independent advisor seeks freedom from the proprietary product sales and bureaucracy of large wirehouses but recognizes the immense challenge of recreating an entire ecosystem of technology, compliance, and investment research from scratch. Platforms like Concurrent offer a third way: maintaining firm ownership and client-facing identity while plugging into a powerful, pre-built operational engine.

The Platform's Competitive Engine

Concurrent's success in attracting high-caliber firms like Fehrman and individual advisors like Charles Sacco, Dave Coleman, and Amanda Adams is no accident. It is the result of a carefully constructed model designed to address the primary pain points of independent RIAs: access to capital, technology, and scale.

A key differentiator for Concurrent is its strategic partnership with Merchant Investment Management, a private partnership that provides growth capital to financial services firms. This relationship allows Concurrent to offer its advisors something many competitors cannot: access to capital and opportunities for shared equity ownership. This model enables advisors to de-risk, monetize a portion of their life's work, and fund succession plans or acquisitions without ceding control of their business. It transforms the platform from a mere service provider into a lifecycle equity partner.

“Our goal is to provide the infrastructure and partnership entrepreneurial advisors need to build and scale sustainable practices with complete ownership,” said Joe Mooney, Managing Director and Head of Business Development at Concurrent. This statement captures the essence of the platform's value proposition—empowering advisors to scale as entrepreneurs rather than converting them into employees.

Furthermore, the platform's multi-custodial approach, which includes the highly coveted Goldman Sachs Custody Solutions, is a significant draw. For advisors, the choice of a custodian impacts everything from trading efficiency and reporting capabilities to the client's digital experience. By offering access to a premium brand like Goldman Sachs, Concurrent not only provides robust operational capabilities but also a layer of institutional credibility that can be attractive to high-net-worth clients.

A Bellwether for Broader Industry Shifts

Concurrent’s growth trajectory is a microcosm of the tectonic shifts reshaping the wealth management industry. The RIA space is in the midst of a historic consolidation wave, with M&A activity expected to remain robust through 2026. Private equity firms have poured capital into the sector, fueling the growth of large-scale RIA platforms and aggregators.

This environment creates both opportunities and pressures. While the market for independent advice is growing, so is the competition. To stand out, firms must demonstrate superior service, a robust digital experience, and the ability to provide holistic advice that extends beyond simple investment management. This requires significant and ongoing investment in technology, particularly in areas like AI-powered analytics, CRM integration, and client-facing portals. Industry studies show that a majority of firms are already using or actively exploring AI to streamline operations and enhance client communication.

For many small- to mid-sized RIAs, keeping pace with this technological arms race is an insurmountable challenge. This is precisely where platforms like Concurrent find their sweet spot. They democratize access to the tools and resources that were once the exclusive domain of the largest wirehouses and mega-RIAs, leveling the playing field and allowing advisors to focus on what they do best: advising clients. This model effectively addresses the industry’s pressing succession planning crisis, providing a clear path for founders to transition their businesses while ensuring continuity of service for their clients.