Stribling-Whalen Financial Group Launches Independent RIA

The Gainesville-based wealth management firm moves to independence while shifting its custodial services to Fidelity.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Financial Planning

Minimalist modern office interior with large glass walls and sunlit urban foliage, representing a new independent financial advisory model. — Stribling-Whalen Financial Group has transitioned from Raymond James to an independent RIA model, partnering with Fidelity to manage assets from their Gainesville headquarters. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Stribling-Whalen Financial Group has officially left Raymond James Financial Services to register as an independent registered investment advisor. The Gainesville-headquartered firm now manages its client assets through Fidelity.

Why it matters

The firm transitioned to an independent RIA model to gain greater flexibility in how it serves its client base across 20 states. This move allows the wealth management group to operate autonomously from its previous brokerage affiliation.

The firm oversees $1.1 billion in assets for more than 350 households across 20 states. This transition follows a long history of operations in North Georgia, where the group was founded 50 years ago.

The players

Warren Stribling

He is the founder of the financial group who established the team in 1975.

Brian Whalen

He is a financial advisor with 32 years of industry experience who is part of the firm's leadership team.

The details

The team, which includes veteran advisor Brian Whalen, operates out of its primary base in Gainesville. The move to independence marks a departure from Raymond James Financial Services, continuing a history of shifting affiliations that included Wells Fargo between 2008 and 2015.

Warren Stribling founded the financial group in 1975.
The firm maintained an affiliation with Wells Fargo from 2008 to 2015.
The firm transitioned to an independent RIA model in October 2026.

Market Dynamics

This move mirrors a significant industry shift as advisors move toward independent platforms to gain operational autonomy. It positions Stribling-Whalen within a wider trend of wealth managers transitioning to independent RIA models to secure greater service flexibility.

Clients of the firm will now see their assets custodied with Fidelity instead of Raymond James. This structural change is designed to provide the firm with increased flexibility when managing portfolios for households across the country.

The takeaway

The move to an independent model represents a significant evolution for a firm with 50 years of operations in North Georgia. Clients should verify their account portal access as the firm completes its transition to the new custodial arrangement.