Oppenheimer Expands Athlete Advisory Team with Hire of Former UNC Basketball Star
Event summary
- Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. hired Joel Berry II as a Financial Advisor for its Robinson Private Client Group in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
- Berry joins from Truist Financial and will focus on advising athletes, including those navigating Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
- The Robinson Private Client Group manages over $6 billion in client assets as of June 30, 2026.
- Berry brings firsthand experience as a former UNC basketball player and professional athlete.
The big picture
Oppenheimer's hire of Joel Berry II underscores the growing importance of the NIL market in wealth management. The firm is positioning itself to capture a niche segment of high-net-worth athletes, a strategy that aligns with broader industry trends toward specialized advisory services. With over $6 billion in AUM, the Robinson Private Client Group is well-positioned to scale this initiative, but success will depend on Berry's ability to leverage his unique background and network.
What we're watching
- NIL Market Growth
- How the evolving NIL landscape will drive demand for specialized financial advisory services for athletes.
- Competitive Positioning
- Whether Oppenheimer can differentiate itself in the crowded wealth management space by focusing on athlete clients.
- Client Acquisition
- The pace at which Berry can attract high-net-worth athlete clients to the Robinson Private Client Group.