EP Wealth Advisors announced a partnership with Divergent Planning, a Bethesda, Maryland-based firm, as part of its continued geographic expansion strategy. The transaction adds approximately $418 million in assets under management and establishes a new East Coast region for EP Wealth.
The partnership marks EP Wealth’s formal entry into the Mid-Atlantic market, strengthening its ability to serve clients in the region while building a broader national footprint. Divergent Planning, founded in 2010, has operated as a fee-only fiduciary advisory firm since 2017, aligning closely with EP Wealth’s planning-led and client-centric approach.
As part of the transaction, seven team members from Divergent Planning will join EP Wealth, contributing to the firm’s advisory capabilities and supporting its expansion into Maryland, its first regional presence in the state. The move reflects EP Wealth’s strategy of partnering with firms that emphasize comprehensive planning, fiduciary responsibility, and long-term client relationships.
The deal represents EP Wealth’s fourth partnership of 2026. Financial and legal terms were not disclosed.
KEY QUOTES:
“From the beginning, our goal at Divergent has been to build a firm rooted in trust, transparency, and true accountability to our clients. Partnering with EP Wealth allows us to preserve that mission while giving our clients and our team the scale, resources, and long-term support of a firm that shares our fiduciary values and commitment to putting clients first. Comprehensive planning has always meant looking at every part of a client’s financial life and building thoughtful, disciplined strategies around what matters most to them. This partnership allows us to continue delivering highly personalized advice while strengthening the infrastructure and long-term vision behind the work we do for our clients.”
Ara Abrahamian, Co-Founder, Divergent Planning; Matt Brock, Co-Founder, Divergent Planning
“From our earliest conversations, it was clear this was more than a strategic fit, it was a true alignment of values. Ara and Matt have built Divergent with real intention, grounded in thoughtful planning, and deep respect for the client relationship. That clarity of purpose is exactly what we look for in a partner, and we’re excited to support their team with the resources and long-term platform needed to continue delivering exceptional outcomes for clients.”
Kyle Miller, Chief M&A Partnership Officer, EP Wealth Advisors
“Divergent Planning represents exactly the kind of team we want to grow with at EP Wealth, planning-led, fiduciary-minded, and deeply committed to earning client trust. This partnership expands our presence in the Mid-Atlantic and reflects our strategy of expanding with firms that strengthen our culture, deepen our capabilities, and enhance what we can deliver to clients over the long term.”
Ryan Parker, CEO, EP Wealth Advisors
