Mariner Expands Financial Services Strategy with Ocean Heights Advisors Acquisition

Mariner, a national financial services firm, has announced a comprehensive transition of Ocean Heights Advisors, a Newport Beach-based wealth management firm with $730 million in assets under advisement. The strategic move represents a significant milestone in Mariner's growth strategy and offers a unique pathway for independent advisory firms seeking long-term business continuity.

The transition, effective April 1, 2025, will fully integrate Ocean Heights into Mariner's operational structure, building upon their existing partnership initiated in 2022. During this initial collaboration, Ocean Heights nearly doubled its assets under advisement while maintaining operational independence and leveraging Mariner's extensive support resources.

Key to this transition is the preservation of Ocean Heights' leadership and client-focused approach. All current team members, including founders Kevin O'Grady and Nella Webster, will continue in their roles. Moreover, partners Kevin Barlow, Danielle Bronner, and Kara Devar will become Mariner shareholders, ensuring a smooth generational succession and maintaining the firm's commitment to personalized financial services.

Marty Bicknell, Mariner's CEO and president, emphasized the strategic importance of this transition, noting that it provides independent financial advisors with a clear pathway for future growth and client service continuity. The approach allows advisors to maintain their independence initially while creating a structured mechanism for eventual full integration.

This acquisition reflects broader industry trends of consolidation and strategic partnerships in wealth management. By offering a flexible transition model, Mariner addresses critical challenges faced by independent advisory firms, such as succession planning, operational scalability, and maintaining client relationships during leadership changes.

For clients of Ocean Heights, the transition promises enhanced service capabilities, expanded resources, and increased long-term stability. The integration ensures that the high-touch, personalized approach that has been Ocean Heights' hallmark will continue under the Mariner brand.

As the financial services landscape continues to evolve, Mariner's strategic approach demonstrates an innovative model for advisory firm growth, client retention, and professional development. The successful transition of Ocean Heights Advisors serves as a potential blueprint for other independent firms seeking sustainable, forward-looking business strategies.