Creative Planning Buys Syracuse Firm Rockbridge
The Overland Park, Kansas advisor adds a $2.2 billion fee-only firm with 23 employees to its roster.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Financial Planning
Creative Planning, a registered investment advisor based in Overland Park, Kansas, has acquired Rockbridge Investment Management, a fee-only RIA based in Syracuse, New York, that manages about $2.2 billion in client assets. The deal brings 23 employees to Creative Planning, which has about $710 billion in assets under management and advisement.
Why it matters
The acquisition expands Creative Planning's footprint in Central New York and adds financial planning, estate, insurance and business succession capabilities to its platform. Rockbridge clients will continue working with their current advisors.
Rockbridge's roughly $2.2 billion in client assets equals about 0.3% of Creative Planning's approximately $710 billion in assets under management and advisement. The purchase price and deal terms were not disclosed.
The players
Creative Planning
Creative Planning is an employee-owned registered investment advisor headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, that custodies client assets with Charles Schwab.
Rockbridge Investment Management
Rockbridge Investment Management is a fee-only registered investment advisor based in Syracuse, New York, founded in 1991 by Craig Buckhout and Bob Ryan.
The details
Rockbridge was launched in 1991 by Craig Buckhout and Bob Ryan and has capabilities spanning financial planning, investment management, estate planning, insurance and business succession planning. Rockbridge advisors can now sync with Creative Planning's tax preparation, estate planning, legal, trust and retirement plan services, and Alaris Acquisitions advised Rockbridge on the move.
Timeline
Rockbridge was launched in 1991 by Craig Buckhout and Bob Ryan.
David Carroll joined Rockbridge as managing partner in 2014.
Rohe was named CEO of Rockbridge in 2020.
Creative Planning announced the Rockbridge acquisition on November 4, 2026.
Market Dynamics
The acquisition follows a broader pattern of large registered investment advisors absorbing independent fee-only firms to add service lines and geographic reach. Creative Planning's move into Syracuse continues that consolidation trend across the wealth management sector.
Rockbridge clients keep their current advisors, so day-to-day relationships are not expected to change. Households using Rockbridge can now access Creative Planning's tax, estate, legal, trust and retirement plan services under the same roof.
The takeaway
For clients of an advisory firm being acquired, confirming that your advisor and fee structure remain the same is a practical first step. Reviewing how your advisor coordinates taxes, estate planning and insurance can help you judge whether a larger platform meets your needs.
What happens next
The institutional consulting and investment research firm acquisition is slated to close in January 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Financial Planning to see how advisory firms like Rockbridge serve their clients.
