Former JPMorgan Executives Launch Latigo Peak Partners
Founders Jim Atwood and Phil Scott have established a new Palm Beach Gardens investment advisory firm.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Financial Planning
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Investment veterans Jim Atwood and Phil Scott have launched Latigo Peak Partners, a new advisory firm headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The firm currently manages US$18.6 billion in client assets.
Why it matters
The founders established the firm to gain greater flexibility in managing client assets than was possible within the JPMorgan Chase & Co. platform. They chose to fund the business entirely with their own capital to maintain independence.
Latigo Peak Partners manages US$18.6 billion in client assets and currently employs 48 people. The founders previously generated more than US$130 million in combined annual revenue while at JPMorgan.
The players
Jim Atwood
He is a 65-year-old co-founder of Latigo Peak Partners who previously managed wealth units at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Phil Scott
He is a 71-year-old co-founder of Latigo Peak Partners who previously worked in wealth management at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
This is a global financial services firm where both Atwood and Scott previously held executive leadership roles in wealth management.
Latigo Peak Partners
This is a newly formed investment advisory firm headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens that focuses on equity, tax, and estate planning.
The details
The firm focuses on public equity investing, tax planning, estate planning, and philanthropic advice for its clients. Its business model relies heavily on word-of-mouth referrals, which account for 95% of its new business growth.
Timeline
1991: Founders Jim Atwood and Phil Scott first met at Beaver Creek resort.
October 19, 2026: The founders officially announced the creation of Latigo Peak Partners.
Within one year: The firm plans to open new offices in Denver and Jackson Hole.
Market Dynamics
This move marks a departure from the 2025 data showing 88% of RIA industry deals were backed by private equity, as the founders chose to self-fund the venture. The firm's independent structure contrasts with the current trend of widespread institutional consolidation.
The firm's focus on independent wealth planning offers high-net-worth clients an alternative to traditional banking platforms for tax and estate advisory. Clients should evaluate how self-funded, independent firms compare to larger institutional wealth managers regarding fee structures and service offerings.
The takeaway
The launch of this self-funded firm highlights a growing preference among veteran advisors for independence over institutional alignment. Investors looking for personalized advisory services should prioritize firms that emphasize transparency and direct access to senior leadership.
What happens next
Latigo Peak Partners is scheduled to open new regional offices in Denver and Jackson Hole within the next year.
Further reading
Learn more about strategies for wealth management and long-term asset growth on our Financial Planning page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Edge Malaysia.
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