Teams break away from Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch to form $2 billion firm

Teams break away from Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch to form $2 billion firm

In a significant move within the wealth management industry, two elite advisory teams from Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch have joined forces to form Longleaf Capital Group, an independent wealth management firm with over $2 billion in assets under advisement. The new entity is based on the Arkadios Capital platform and is led by a team of experienced professionals with over 175 years of combined expertise across wealth management, institutional investing, accounting, banking, and insurance.

The founding directors, including Todd P. Thornell, Sr., Cory A. Singletary, C. Thomas Lee, George M. Liddon, Jonathan D. Lee, and Lee E. Forehand, have guided clients through multiple market cycles and have built long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions. Their decision to unite reflects a growing trend of top advisors leaving large banks in favor of the independence and flexibility of the hybrid RIA model.

Longleaf Capital Group offers full-service capabilities including financial and retirement planning, institutional retirement plan consulting, estate and tax strategies, alternative investments, insurance solutions, liquidity event planning, and philanthropic advisory. The team comprises two former CPAs, four Certified Financial Planner™ professionals, and specialists with advanced designations in institutional retirement plans, estate planning, and tax optimization.

The new firm's formation is part of a broader trend in the wealth management sector, where advisors are seeking more independence and flexibility. Arkadios Capital, which provides the infrastructure and resources for Longleaf Capital Group, has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in Georgia and is consistently ranked as one of the top independent broker-dealers in the country.

References:
[1] https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20250826cl59261/former-morgan-stanley-merrill-lynch-teams-combine-to-launch-2-billion-longleaf-capital-group-on-arkadios-capital-platform
[2] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-morgan-stanley--merrill-lynch-teams-combine-to-launch-2-billion-longleaf-capital-group-on-arkadios-capital-platform-302539002.html