EP Wealth scoops $700M Texas practice

The fast-growing RIA boosts its assets in the state past $1B as it welcomes a 23-year planning and investment veteran as its new regional director.

EP Wealth Advisors has expanded its presence in Texas as it picks up a $700 million planning RIA firm.

The fast-growing national firm announced its acquisition of Dallas-based Sloan Investment Management, adding approximately $700 million in AUM to its portfolio.

This acquisition boosts EP Wealth’s total AUM in the Dallas region to over $1 billion, contributing to a national total of $25.2 billion.

Sloan Investment Management, led by Managing Partner Frank Sloan, has built a reputation for providing customized financial planning and long-term investment strategies for its clients. The firm is known for its client-first approach and deep understanding of the Dallas market.

Following the acquisition, Sloan will take on the role of regional director and partner at EP Wealth. Casey Conway and James Henry will join as partners and senior vice presidents, while Shannen Smith will become vice president. The existing support staff will remain in place.

Ryan Parker, CEO of EP Wealth, highlighted his firm’s focus on “[partnering] with firms that share our commitment to delivering an excellent experience to clients” and “embracing an entrepreneurial spirit that never rests on our laurels.

“As we have gotten to know Frank and his team, we are confident that they embody these elements of our culture,” Parker said in a statement Monday.

Sloan echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the partnership gives his firm “access to significant additional resources to evolve the way we serve our clients. providing both a more robust client experience and growth opportunities.

“We remain dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality financial advice,” the 23-year industry veteran said.

Nick Trepp, principal at Wealth Partners Capital Group, which took a minority stake in EP Wealth in July 2017, praised Sloan’s approach.

“Sloan’s success stems from its dedication to providing exceptional client service and high-quality solutions – both from a planning and investment perspective,” Trepp said.

“[I]t is exciting to see EP expand its footprint in the Dallas market because of this new partnership,” he added. In April, the fee-only RIA bolstered its presence in California as it welcomed a sports-focused advisory team from RBC Wealth Management and acquired a $1.2 billion independent practice in San Luis Obispo.