Mariner, a national financial services firm, has completed a strategic transition with Ocean Heights Advisors, a Newport Beach-based wealth management firm with $730 million in assets under advisement. The move exemplifies Mariner's innovative approach to providing financial advisors with a clear succession pathway and maintaining client service excellence.
The integration follows a three-year partnership that began in 2022, during which Ocean Heights leveraged Mariner's operational, compliance, and marketing support while maintaining its independence. Through this collaboration, Ocean Heights nearly doubled its assets under advisement, setting the stage for a full transition.
Under the agreement, all Ocean Heights team members, including founders Kevin O'Grady and Nella Webster, will continue in their current roles. Current partners Kevin Barlow, Danielle Bronner, and Kara Devar will become Mariner shareholders, with Barlow leading the expanded Newport Beach operations.
This transition represents a significant strategic model for financial advisory firms seeking sustainable growth and succession planning. By creating a seamless pathway for integration, Mariner enables advisors to maintain their professional legacy while accessing broader resources and infrastructure.
The move aligns with Mariner's broader growth strategy, which has seen the firm expand from $300 million in assets under advisement in 2006 to over $560 billion as of January 2025. The Ocean Heights integration further reinforces Mariner's commitment to providing comprehensive, long-term financial services solutions.
