Phoenix Welcomes EP Wealth Expansion, Bolstering Local Financial Sector

Phoenix, January 7, 2026

The Phoenix metropolitan area is experiencing growth in its financial services sector with EP Wealth Advisors’ recent acquisition of Scottsdale-based Capital Insight Partners. This strategic acquisition, adding $730 million in assets under management, enhances financial capabilities for Arizona entrepreneurs and residents. The expansion reflects the ongoing trend of private investment in wealth management and highlights Arizona’s favorable business environment. EP Wealth Advisors now has five offices in Arizona, strengthening its commitment to serving the local community and supporting small business owners in their financial journeys.

Phoenix

Phoenix Welcomes EP Wealth Expansion, Bolstering Local Financial Sector

The Phoenix metropolitan area, a recognized hub for entrepreneurial spirit and economic dynamism, is witnessing further growth within its financial services sector. EP Wealth Advisors, a prominent independent financial advisory firm, recently expanded its footprint in the region with the acquisition of Scottsdale-based Capital Insight Partners. This strategic move not only enhances the capabilities available to Arizona AZ entrepreneurs and residents but also underscores Phoenix’s enduring appeal as a vibrant center for business and investment.

This latest expansion by EP Wealth Advisors highlights a broader trend of private investment and strategic growth in the wealth management industry. Such developments often bring new resources and expertise, which can be invaluable for Phoenix small business owners seeking robust financial guidance and for individuals aiming to secure their financial futures in a thriving economic environment. The sustained interest from established firms like EP Wealth Advisors reflects confidence in the foundational strengths of the local economy and the opportunities present in a state that consistently champions a favorable business climate.

EP Wealth Advisors’ Strategic Arizona Expansion

EP Wealth Advisors acquired Scottsdale-based Capital Insight Partners (CIP), a move that significantly strengthens its presence in Arizona. This acquisition added $730 million in assets under management (AUM) to EP Wealth Advisors’ portfolio. Capital Insight Partners is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. This expansion establishes a total of five Arizona offices for EP Wealth Advisors. The firm, which already maintains offices in Phoenix and Chandler, continues to demonstrate a clear commitment to serving the growing financial needs of the region.

This recent acquisition is part of EP Wealth Advisors’ broader growth-by-acquisition strategy. The firm has been actively expanding, including a notable acquisition in December 2025 of Phoenix-based Clearview Wealth Advisors. These strategic partnerships allow EP Wealth Advisors to integrate new teams and capabilities, enhancing their service offerings for clients across various wealth management needs.

A National Trend: Consolidation in Wealth Management

The acquisition by EP Wealth Advisors is indicative of a wider, Nationwide trend of consolidation within the wealth management industry. This strategic approach has seen mergers and acquisitions in the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) space reach record highs in 2024, with expectations for this momentum to continue into 2025. Analysts predict that over 1,500 significant deals could occur in the asset and wealth management sectors by 2029. Since 2022, the industry has averaged over 200 M&A deals annually, effectively doubling the average of the preceding decade.

Several factors contribute to this consolidation wave. Private equity firms are increasingly investing in wealth management, drawn by stable cash flows and growth potential. The aging demographic of financial advisors, many seeking succession planning, also fuels this activity. Furthermore, larger firms gain advantages through economies of scale, reduced operational costs, and the ability to offer a broader range of services. Regulatory pressures and the increasing demands for advanced technology and data analytics also prompt smaller firms to seek partnerships or acquisitions to maintain competitiveness. A significant majority, over 81%, of wealth management firms are considering strategic partnerships, consolidations, or mergers and acquisitions as a means to expand their offerings and technological capabilities. Private equity investing has notably driven this consolidation, with acquisitions of wealth management firms nearly tripling from 2020 to 2023 and accounting for approximately 78% of all wealth management M&A Nationwide.

Arizona’s Favorable Business Environment Attracts Investment

Arizona, and particularly the Phoenix metropolitan area, continues to stand out as an attractive location for businesses and investors. The State-level economic environment fosters growth and innovation, drawing firms like EP Wealth Advisors. Arizona has been recognized as a magnet for people and jobs, attributed to its premier business environment and quality of life. In 2022, Arizona ranked in the top 4 of “Best States For Business” by Chief Executive Magazine. Furthermore, the American Legislative Exchange Council’s 2022 analysis placed Arizona at No. 1 for economic performance over the last decade and No. 3 for economic outlook.

The state’s appeal to Arizona AZ entrepreneurs is further underscored by studies ranking Arizona among the best states for entrepreneurs to start a business in 2025. One such study by SimplifyLLC placed Arizona as the 14th best state for entrepreneurs in 2025, an 11-spot jump from the previous year. Key contributing factors included the state’s No. 8 ranking for new business growth and No. 4 for job creation rate. Arizona is also recognized as the third most affordable state to live and operate a business in by USA TODAY, featuring some of the cheapest business filing fees. WalletHub independently ranked Arizona as the 9th best state to start a new business. These rankings collectively illustrate a supportive ecosystem that encourages private investment and business formation.

Phoenix’s Economic Momentum and Outlook

The city of Phoenix continues to demonstrate robust economic momentum, making it a prime location for investment and business development. Phoenix’s economic landscape experienced significant growth in April 2025, marked by major investments and transformative developments. Notably, Arizona is recognized as the second-fastest-growing state for advanced manufacturing in 2025. The city is rapidly becoming a national hub for advanced manufacturing, with large-scale projects, such as TSMC’s expansion, generating thousands of jobs.

Job growth in Phoenix surpasses the national average, with the city contributing nearly 70% of the state’s total employment gains as of October 2024. Phoenix added 52,400 jobs year-to-date in 2024, representing a 2.2% increase, compared to the national growth rate of 1.3%. The city also benefits from a lower inflation rate, which slowed to 1.6% over the past year as of October 2024, significantly below the Nationwide average of 2.6%. For 2025, Phoenix MSA job growth is projected at 0.9%, accelerating to 1.6% in 2026. Other forecasts anticipate Phoenix MSA job growth at 2.2% in 2025 and 2.0% in 2026, consistently outpacing the national average. Overall, the Arizona economy is projected to significantly outpace the nation in both 2025 and 2026. Arizona’s unemployment rate also remains below the national average at 4.2% as of September 2025. These indicators collectively point to a strong and expanding economy that fosters both business and personal achievement.

Empowering Phoenix Businesses and Individuals

The expansion of financial advisory firms like EP Wealth Advisors is crucial for the ongoing vitality of the Phoenix AZ business community. EP Wealth Advisors offers a range of services including retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, and tax planning. As a fiduciary, the firm prioritizes clients’ best interests and operates on a fee-only structure, ensuring objectivity in investment recommendations. The firm works with a diverse clientele, including individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and businesses. With over $40.5 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2025, and more than 50 offices Nationwide, EP Wealth Advisors brings substantial resources and expertise to the region. Their recognition as a 2024 Largest Phoenix-Area Investment Adviser by the Phoenix Business Journal further solidifies their role in the local financial landscape. The availability of sophisticated financial guidance and investment solutions can help Phoenix small business owners navigate complex financial decisions, secure capital for growth, and plan for long-term success, ultimately contributing to the overall economic resilience of the community.

Conclusion

EP Wealth Advisors’ acquisition of Capital Insight Partners marks another positive development for the Phoenix AZ business community and the broader Arizona economy. This expansion reflects both EP Wealth Advisors’ strategic growth and the enduring appeal of Arizona as a pro-business environment. As private investments continue to flow into the region, driven by entrepreneurial innovation and a supportive economic climate, Phoenix is well-positioned for continued prosperity. We encourage our readers to stay engaged with the evolving economic landscape and to support the businesses and initiatives that contribute to our community’s growth and vibrancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What firm did EP Wealth Advisors recently acquire in Scottsdale?

EP Wealth Advisors recently acquired Scottsdale-based Capital Insight Partners (CIP).

How much in assets under management (AUM) did Capital Insight Partners bring to EP Wealth Advisors?

The acquisition added $730 million in assets under management (AUM).

How many Arizona offices does EP Wealth Advisors now have?

EP Wealth Advisors now has five Arizona offices.

What other Arizona firm did EP Wealth Advisors acquire recently?

In December 2025, EP Wealth Advisors also acquired Phoenix-based Clearview Wealth Advisors.

What is EP Wealth Advisors’ total assets under management (AUM)?

EP Wealth Advisors has over $40.5 billion in assets under management (AUM) as of September 30, 2025.

What is a key trend in the Nationwide wealth management industry?

The wealth management industry is experiencing a significant consolidation wave, with mergers and acquisitions reaching record highs.

How does Arizona rank as a state for business?

Arizona ranks in the top 4 of “Best States For Business” by Chief Executive Magazine (2022).

What is the job growth outlook for the Phoenix MSA?

Phoenix MSA job growth is forecast to accelerate in 2026 to 1.6% after decelerating to 0.9% in 2025.

What services does EP Wealth Advisors provide?

EP Wealth Advisors offers services including retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, and tax planning.

Key Features of EP Wealth Advisors’ Arizona Expansion

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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.