Mariner CEO Marty Bicknell on Driving a Record Year of Organic Growth

Mariner’s chief executive Marty Bicknell attributes the registered investment advisor’s standout year of organic growth to a focused mix of talent recruitment, client retention, and strategic investment in service capabilities. Speaking about the firm’s performance, Bicknell emphasized that growth came from expanding client relationships and adding advisory talent rather than relying on acquisitions.

According to Bicknell, the firm doubled down on recruiting experienced advisors and teams whose service models aligned with Mariner’s client-centric approach. That recruitment push, combined with efforts to deepen existing client relationships, expanded recurring revenue streams and increased assets under management organically. Bicknell also highlighted the role of disciplined financial planning and wealth management services in generating sustained inflows.

Technology and operational enhancements played a complementary role. Mariner invested in platforms designed to improve advisor productivity and deliver a smoother client experience — from onboarding to ongoing reporting. Those upgrades helped advisors spend more time on high-value client work and less on administrative tasks, a dynamic Bicknell identified as central to retaining clients and attracting new ones.

Client retention initiatives were another pillar. The firm intensified outreach, personalized service strategies, and tailored planning for different client segments, which Bicknell said reinforced trust and encouraged referrals. Training and professional development for advisors fostered consistency in advice and client interaction, supporting both retention and new-business generation.

While market performance contributed to asset growth, Mariner’s leadership framed the year as one defined by durable, internally generated momentum. Bicknell noted that the firm’s culture — emphasizing long-term planning, fiduciary duty, and collaborative advisory teams — helped convert market opportunities into sustainable client relationships.

Looking ahead, Mariner plans to continue investing in advisor recruitment, digital tools, and client-focused services to sustain organic expansion. Bicknell described the record year as validation of the firm’s strategic priorities and said management will prioritize scalable initiatives that strengthen advisor capabilities and client outcomes without diluting the firm’s established service model.