EP Wealth Advisors announced a partnership with Opes Wealth Management, a Menlo Park, California-based wealth management firm. The partnership adds over $900 million in assets under management and expands EP Wealth’s presence in Northern California. Financial and legal terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2005, Opes was built to combine real estate and wealth management expertise within a single firm. The firm was shaped by founder Mark Duvall’s background in West Coast real estate development. Erin Whalen later joined Opes and helped expand its investment management and financial planning capabilities.
Opes also has extensive experience serving technology professionals throughout Silicon Valley, including employees at Apple and Google. The firm built its business around a planning-first approach, which EP Wealth said closely aligns with its own philosophy. Eight Opes team members will join EP Wealth. Duvall and Whalen will serve as regional directors.
The partnership is expected to expand the Opes team’s capabilities, create additional career opportunities, and establish another region for EP Wealth in Northern California.
EP Wealth has maintained a presence in Northern California since 2013. The deal marks EP Wealth’s fifth partnership of 2026.
Alaris Acquisitions, an M&A advisory firm focused on the wealth management industry, served as advisor to Opes in the transaction.
EP Wealth is a fee-only registered investment advisor and financial planning firm with more than 67 offices across 23 states. The firm manages more than $44.1 billion in assets as of March 31, 2026. EP Wealth offers financial planning, tax planning, estate planning, and investment management services. The firm is headquartered in Torrance, California, and is backed by minority equity investors Berkshire Partners and Ares Management.
KEY QUOTES:
“From the beginning, Opes has been built around the belief that clients are best served through integrated advice. As we considered the next chapter for our firm, it was important to find a partner that shared that philosophy and commitment to putting clients first. EP Wealth offers the resources to enhance our business for the future.”
Mark Duvall, Founder of Opes Wealth Management
“Joining EP Wealth represents an exciting opportunity to build on the values that have defined Opes for decades. Together, we’ll be able to offer even greater capabilities while preserving the personalized guidance and trusted relationships our clients have come to expect.”
Erin Whalen, Opes Wealth Management
“We could not be more excited to welcome Opes Wealth to the EP family. Opes Wealth represents exactly the type of firm we are excited to partner with—client-first, growth-oriented, and culturally aligned with EP. We have tremendous respect for what the team has built and are excited to provide additional resources, scale, and support as they continue to grow and serve clients at the highest level.”
Kyle Miller, Chief M&A Partnership Officer at EP Wealth
“Opes has built an outstanding reputation by helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with thoughtful, integrated advice. The team is committed to delivering comprehensive guidance and fostering enduring client relationships. We are excited to welcome the entire Opes team to EP Wealth as we continue to grow with firms that share our values and expand the ways we serve clients and their families.”
Ryan Parker, CEO of EP Wealth
