Chris Whitaker Named to Forbes Best-In-State Advisor List
The Irvine-based financial professional has been recognized for his contributions to the wealth management field.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Financial Planning
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Forbes has named Chris Whitaker, Chief Wealth Manager and Partner at Apriem Advisors, to its Best-In-State Next-Gen Advisors list. Whitaker has served in the financial services industry for 11 years.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the ongoing growth and client stability within Irvine's financial sector. It reflects the performance of professional wealth management teams currently operating in California.
Assets under management for client relationships led by Whitaker increased by 42.86% over the last year. His current client retention rate stands at 99.4%.
The players
Chris Whitaker
He is the Chief Wealth Manager and Partner at Apriem Advisors who has worked in financial services for 11 years.
Apriem Advisors
This is an Irvine-based financial firm that has been serving clients for over 28 years and manages $1.5 billion in assets.
Forbes
This global media company publishes annual financial rankings and lists identifying top professionals in various industries.
The details
Whitaker, who became Chief Wealth Manager in 2025, leads a team of 10 advisors at the Irvine-based firm. Apriem Advisors has been operating for over 28 years and manages more than $1.5 billion in total assets.
Timeline
2023: Whitaker was named to the Irvine Chamber 40 Under 40 list.
June 30, 2025: Start of the asset growth measurement period.
June 30, 2026: End of the asset growth measurement period.
October 05, 2026: The Forbes list inclusion was officially announced.
Market Dynamics
The inclusion follows a pattern set by the Forbes Best-In-State Next-Gen Advisors rankings, which serve as a benchmark for advisor performance across the region. This recognition reflects broader trends toward consolidation and performance metrics in the wealth management industry.
For clients, this recognition serves as an external validation of the firm's stability and retention metrics. It provides added context for investors evaluating the growth trajectory of wealth management partnerships in Southern California.
The takeaway
Professional rankings can provide retail investors with valuable data points regarding advisor retention and asset growth. Prospective clients should always review the specific criteria and disclosures associated with these financial accolades.
Further reading
For more information on industry standards and wealth management, visit Financial Planning.
More information
View the firm awards and disclosures list for detailed information regarding these professional recognitions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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