A team of seasoned financial advisors managing over $350 million in client assets has launched KRM Investment Counsel, a boutique wealth management firm aligned with Arkadios Capital, the companies announced.
Founded by industry veterans Jim Rapp, Justin Klestinski, June DiNardo and Alex Marmitt, the newly formed KRM Investment Counsel serves more than 40 ultra-high-net-worth families from offices in Chicago, Sarasota, and Naples. The firm joins Arkadios after its departure from Wintrust Wealth Management, a division of Wintrust Bank.
KRM’s decision to align with Arkadios Capital reflects a broader trend among elite financial advisors seeking more autonomy and personalized client service models, a news release highlighted. The move enables KRM to operate independently while leveraging the infrastructure, compliance resources and investment platform of Arkadios, a hybrid independent broker/dealer with over $13 billion in assets under advisement.
“Our clients deserve a wealth management experience that puts them first – not one-size-fits-all portfolios or scalability targets,” said Rapp, co-founder of KRM Investment Counsel. “Arkadios offered us the independence, resources, and support to deliver exactly that. It’s a partner who shares our values and believes in long-term, relationship-driven success.”
Arkadios supports more than 250 financial advisors across 75 offices nationwide and in Puerto Rico. The firm positions itself as a platform for entrepreneurial advisors seeking flexibility without sacrificing high-level service.
“KRM exemplifies the caliber of institutional-quality firms we are proud to support,” said Paul Pilcher, director of strategic partnerships at Arkadios Capital. “Their transition underscores the value of our platform for elite advisors seeking the freedom to tailor solutions and deepen relationships.”
KRM’s founding partners bring a collective 70 years of experience and have backgrounds in institutions such as JP Morgan Private Bank. The firm will focus on providing comprehensive planning and investment management while maintaining a high-touch, boutique culture.
The partnership reflects continued growth in the independent advisory sector as veteran wealth managers seek to escape traditional firm constraints and build more tailored experiences for affluent clients.
According to a report by Cerulli Associates, the independent advisory channel has recorded the largest year-over-year growth in advisor headcount over the past five to ten years. The report highlights that many breakaway advisors cite greater flexibility and improved client service as their primary motivations for leaving traditional firms.
Independent firm joins expanding national advisory network.
New research reveals shifting strategies in financial guidance.
Westlake Village office strengthened by acquisition.
The Finra filing cited an arbitration which involved seven claimants seeking compensation for alleged securities law violations.
"A year ago, if you asked me if there was a future for the small, independent wealth business, I would have replied with an emphatic, 'Yes.' Today, I’m not so certain."
RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.
As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.