OpenArc's $10B Milestone: A New Blueprint for Wealth Management

ATLANTA, GA – March 27, 2026 – In an industry where growth is often measured in years, if not decades, OpenArc has achieved a monumental feat in a matter of months. The national wealth management and corporate advisory firm announced it has transitioned over $10 billion in client assets and established more than 14,000 new accounts since its high-profile launch in late September 2025.

This explosive growth signals a powerful market validation for the Atlanta-based firm, which broke away from Merrill Lynch with a team that previously advised on a staggering $129 billion in assets. The rapid success validates its core premise: a deep-seated need for an integrated model that fuses institutional-level corporate benefits consulting with bespoke financial advice for individuals and families.

“OpenArc’s early results confirm that employers want a higher-touch, fiduciary-driven experience for their most valuable asset - their people,” said Jeff Crowell, a Managing Partner of the firm. “Corporate mandates usually can take years to transition, so the pace we’re seeing in our first months is extremely encouraging to us.”

A New Integrated Model

At the heart of OpenArc’s rapid ascent is its innovative business model, designed to serve both Fortune 1000 companies and the individuals who power them. The firm has effectively dismantled the traditional silos that separate corporate benefits strategy—like 401(k)s, stock options, and deferred compensation plans—from the personal wealth management needs of executives and employees.

By creating a unified platform, OpenArc offers a holistic financial picture. For corporate clients, this means providing a more valuable and cohesive benefits package that can serve as a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent. For employees, from the C-suite to new hires, it provides access to sophisticated, personalized financial planning that seamlessly integrates their workplace benefits into a broader wealth strategy. This “open architecture” approach ensures that the firm is not tied to proprietary products, instead focusing on delivering customized solutions that prioritize client goals.

This integrated structure is a key differentiator in a crowded marketplace. It addresses a common pain point where employees are often left to navigate the complex interplay between their corporate compensation and personal financial goals on their own. By bridging this gap, OpenArc provides clarity and strategic alignment, turning standard benefits into powerful wealth-building tools.

The Power of Strategic Partnerships

Executing such a massive transition in under six months would be impossible without a robust operational backbone. OpenArc’s success story is also a testament to the power of strategic alliances in the modern financial advisory landscape. The firm strategically leveraged partnerships with two industry titans: Schwab and Dynasty Financial Partners.

Schwab served as the critical custody provider, a role that involves the secure holding and administration of client assets. The transition of billions of dollars across thousands of accounts is a monumental logistical challenge, and Schwab’s experience was indispensable. As OpenArc’s Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Emily Fletcher, noted, “Schwab’s experience supporting one of the industry’s largest independent advisory launches has been critical. Clients want confidence in the safety and custody of their assets, and that custodial relationship has provided a strong foundation for us.”

Meanwhile, Dynasty Financial Partners provided the essential operating system for the new firm. Dynasty’s comprehensive platform supplied OpenArc with state-of-the-art technology, compliance oversight, operational support, and a sophisticated investment platform. This partnership allowed OpenArc’s advisors to focus entirely on serving clients from day one, rather than being bogged down in the complexities of building a firm from the ground up.

“We’re proud to work with OpenArc,” said Dynasty CEO Shirl Penney, who also joined OpenArc's board. “Their stunning early momentum shows how scale, specialization, and independence can be an unstoppable force in the advisory space.”

A Vision Beyond the Numbers

While the $10 billion figure is headline-grabbing, OpenArc’s leadership emphasizes that its mission is about more than asset accumulation. The firm is built on a fiduciary promise—a legal and ethical obligation to always act in the client’s best interest. This commitment to a “higher-touch” experience is woven into the firm's culture, aiming to build relationships based on trust and education rather than transactions.

This values-driven approach is further reflected in a series of strategic initiatives launched alongside its core business, signaling a long-term vision. Managing Partner Kevin Higginbotham outlined these efforts as central to the firm’s identity.

“These initiatives reflect our commitment to building lasting value for clients, advisors, and the communities they serve,” said Higginbotham. “We’re focused on building a firm to serve the most discerning families and brands for the next hundred years.”

To that end, the firm has established a charitable fund dedicated to supporting underserved communities, embedding philanthropy into its corporate DNA from the outset. It has also launched an advisor development program, a crucial investment in cultivating the next generation of talent to ensure sustainable growth and a consistent standard of service.

Perhaps most notably, OpenArc has created a specialized sports and entertainment division. This group caters to the unique and complex financial lives of athletes, entertainers, and creators, who often face challenges such as irregular income streams, short career spans, and complex tax situations. By offering services like contract analysis, cash flow management, and long-term security planning, the division provides a vital support system for clients in high-profile, high-stakes professions. These initiatives demonstrate a sophisticated strategy that combines broad market appeal with deep, specialized expertise, positioning OpenArc not just for immediate success but for enduring influence in the wealth management industry.