EP Wealth, Opto Team to Build Private Markets Program for RIAs

EP Wealth Advisors, an independent registered investment advisor, and Joe Lonsdale-founded Opto Investments, a wealthtech platform for private markets, announced a strategic partnership to launch a private markets program designed for high-net-worth clients.

Torrance, CA-based EP Wealth will leverage Opto’s custom funds offering and its end-to-end platform to create private markets vintage funds that provide access to bespoke investment strategies.

The funds, which will start with a growth fund, will be designed to address the needs of their HNW and UHNW clients by offering institutional-level investments.

“When introducing private market strategies to client portfolios, a one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work,” said Adam Phillips, managing director of investments at EP Wealth Advisors. “Opto’s fiduciary-first approach helps us build personalized portfolios that meet the unique needs of our clients, while providing access to institutional-grade investments from a vast array of managers.”

Backed by private investment firm Berkshire Partners, EP Wealth manages more than $26.2 billion in assets focused on financial, tax and estate planning, and investment management services to individuals and businesses.

The firm is led by CEO Ryan Parker, along with co-founders and managing directors Derek Holman and Brian Parker, and executive chair Patrick Goshtigian.

In June, NY-based Opto announced a similar strategic partnership with $64 billion RIA Mercer Advisors.