Stribling~Whalen Financial Group has launched as an independent registered investment adviser, marking a new chapter for a wealth management team that previously managed more than $1.1 billion in client assets across more than 350 households.
The Gainesville, Georgia-based firm is led by Brian E. Whalen and uses Fidelity Investments as its custodian.
Whalen brings more than 32 years of investment experience. Before launching the independent RIA, he and his team managed more than $1.1 billion in client assets at their prior firm.
The Stribling~Whalen Financial Group team also includes founder Warren Stribling, Jacob Beauchamp, Cindy Casey, Lauren Tuttle, Christa Griffin, and Kayleigh Dell.
Collectively, the team brings more than 89 years of financial services experience.
Stribling founded the firm in 1975, and the business has spent more than five decades serving families and business owners.
The move from a broker-dealer platform to a fee-based independent RIA gives the team the ability to operate in a fiduciary capacity while maintaining its focus on personalized planning and long-term client relationships.
Stribling~Whalen provides advisory, financial planning, wealth management, and estate planning services to high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners.
The firm emphasizes coordinating investment decisions with tax considerations, estate planning, and broader financial objectives.
Stribling~Whalen also has a significant multigenerational client base. The team works with some families across three and four generations and currently serves clients in Georgia and 19 other states.
Before becoming a financial advisor, Whalen spent a significant portion of his career in asset management, including nine years with Capital Group/American Funds. He transitioned into financial advising in 2012.
Whalen earned a B.A. in Economics from Boston College, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He holds the Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Investment Fiduciary designations.
Fidelity Institutional will provide custody services to Stribling~Whalen, giving the firm access to investment products, technology, operational resources, and other capabilities as it expands its independent wealth management platform.
KEY QUOTES:
“For us, becoming an independent RIA is really about having greater flexibility to serve our clients the way we believe they should be served. Our relationships with clients have always been personal. We know their families, their businesses and the goals they are working toward. This next chapter gives our team additional resources and capabilities while allowing us to stay focused on what has always mattered most – helping clients make thoughtful decisions about their financial lives.
“One of the things we are most proud of is that we have the opportunity to work with three and even four generations of the same family. Those relationships mean a great deal to us. Warren began serving families and business owners in North Georgia more than 50 years ago, and our goal is to continue building on that foundation for generations to come. Today, we serve families here in Georgia as well as clients in 19 other states.”
Brian E. Whalen, Owner And Leader Of Stribling~Whalen Financial Group
“For more than 50 years, our focus has always been on how we can serve our clients in the best way possible. I believe this next chapter gives us an opportunity to continue doing that, and I’m excited about what it means for the future of Stribling~Whalen.”
Warren Stribling, Founder Of Stribling~Whalen Financial Group
“We are excited to welcome Stribling~Whalen Financial Group to the Fidelity platform and look forward to supporting their mission of offering personalized, intergenerational financial planning.”
Trevor Norton, Head Of Custody At Fidelity Investments
