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.
Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.
From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.
"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.
Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.
Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.
