$28.9B EP Wealth welcomes Sageview alum as COO

EP Wealth Advisors has strengthened its leadership as it taps a seasoned RIA leader as its next chief of operations.

The Torrance, California-based RIA has announced Jorge Bernal as its new chief operating officer, adding a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in financial services and wealth management to its leadership team.

Bernal, who previously held senior roles at SageView Advisory Group, Goldman Sachs, United Capital, Fidelity, and JPMorgan, will oversee key divisions at the firm, including wealth advisory, marketing, investments, and wealth management services.

His appointment comes after EP Wealth's August hiring of Megan Glover as its first-ever chief people officer, further bolstering its executive team.

In his new role, Bernal will be responsible for overseeing the firm's continued growth and expansion, which currently encompasses 41 offices with more than 400 professionals serving high-net-worth clients across 13 states.

“Jorge and I began a conversation several months ago, but it did not take long for us to realize Jorge’s values and approach are a fantastic fit for EP Wealth,” Ryan Parker, CEO of EP Wealth said Thursday. “We share a laser-focus on serving clients and ensuring advisors have best-in-class tools to do so. As we continue to grow and expand our ability to care for families across the country, Jorge’s leadership will help our advisors and business leaders consistently deliver excellent client experiences.”

The firm’s growth, driven by both organic initiatives and acquisitions, played a significant role in attracting Bernal. EP Wealth has partnered with seven firms across various geographies in 2024, including its early November double-deal acquiring Gather Financial Planning and Riley Private Client in Maine and Texas, respectively, and its agreement to scoop up $1.1 billion CornerCap in Atlanta, Georgia.

The fee-only RIA continues to expand its client base and assets under management, which exceeded $28.9 billion as of September 30.

“EP Wealth clearly stood apart as a firm that has outstanding advisors, gifted functional leaders, and a committed team that is equally obsessed with serving clients,” said Bernal. “I'm anxious to experience what the industry has been noticing for some time—EP is a special place.”

Bernal will be based in Seattle and will contribute to EP Wealth’s ongoing efforts to balance the resources of a national firm with the personalized approach of a boutique practice.

“In my experience, EP Wealth’s unique structure, with its founders still serving clients while senior management drives growth, was another strong component in my decision to join,” Bernal added.