Balentine adds 8 shareholders to expand employee ownership

Balentine said Oct. 30 it added eight new shareholders across Atlanta and Raleigh, widening employee ownership for the first time beyond its Partner group in the firm’s 40-year history. The move is meant to preserve independence, support succession and strengthen continuity for clients as the wealth manager oversees more than $9.5 billion in assets.

Why it matters: - Balentine is broadening ownership to keep the firm independent across generations. - The move is designed to help attract and retain talent, develop future leaders and preserve continuity for high net worth clients and families. - More than 25% of Balentine employees are now invested in the firm and its future.

What happened: - Balentine announced it is welcoming 8 new shareholders as part of its long-term ownership strategy. - The firm made the change public on Oct. 30, 2026. - The new shareholders are based in Atlanta and Raleigh. - Balentine said this is the first time in its 40-year history that equity ownership invitations have extended beyond its elected Partner group.

The details: - The eight new shareholders are Reid Brannock, Clifton Dortch, Jr., Josh Friedland, Liz Meeks, Jen Pcholinsky, William B. Thacker, Susie Wang and Robert Vann. - Brannock and Pcholinsky are in Raleigh. The other six are in Atlanta. - Balentine said the shares were financed in a way meant to make ownership more accessible to the next generation of leadership. - Support from minority shareholder FJ Management helped make the financing possible. - Existing Partners also had access to favorable financing to grow their stakes. - Balentine advises on more than $9.5 billion in assets. - The firm says it has maintained a 98% client retention rate. - Balentine has continued to expand capabilities and develop its leadership team while growing.

Between the lines: - The ownership expansion signals that Balentine is treating succession as a strategic issue, not just a personnel matter. - Broadening equity participation can deepen employee alignment with long-term firm performance and client relationships. - For a wealth manager serving families over generations, the ownership shift reinforces the firm's independence narrative.

What's next: - Balentine plans to continue broadening ownership opportunities as the firm grows. - The firm expects to create additional paths for employees to share in long-term success. - Cronje said the company will keep investing in people and client continuity over time.

The bottom line: - Balentine is using equity ownership to lock in culture, leadership depth and independence as it scales.