Mariner's Strategic Integration with Ocean Heights Advisors Marks a Milestone in Financial Services

Mariner, a national financial services firm, has taken a significant step forward in its growth strategy by integrating Ocean Heights Advisors, a Newport Beach-based wealth management firm with $730 million in assets under advisement. This move not only highlights Mariner's commitment to expanding its footprint in the financial services industry but also showcases a successful model for advisory firm succession.

The partnership between Mariner and Ocean Heights began in 2022, allowing Ocean Heights to maintain its independence while benefiting from Mariner's operational support. This collaboration proved fruitful, enabling Ocean Heights to nearly double its assets under advisement and enhance its client services over three years.

Under the terms of the transition, the entire Ocean Heights team, including founders Kevin O'Grady and Nella Webster, will retain their current roles. Additionally, partners Kevin Barlow, Danielle Bronner, and Kara Devar will become Mariner shareholders, with Barlow at the helm of the expanded Newport Beach operations.

Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner, highlighted the strategic significance of this integration, pointing to Mariner's dedication to offering financial advisors a clear succession pathway and ensuring a seamless client experience. This model allows advisors the flexibility to start independently with the option to fully integrate into Mariner's infrastructure later, ensuring business continuity, access to expanded resources, and uninterrupted client service.

The agreement, finalized in December 2024 and effective April 1, 2025, represents a pivotal moment for Mariner. Since its inception in 2006 with $300 million in assets under advisement, Mariner has grown exponentially, now advising on over $560 billion in assets. This growth trajectory underscores Mariner's position as a forward-thinking leader in the financial services industry, committed to innovation, advisor support, and client service excellence.