Carson Group Broadens Equity Sharing to W-2 Advisors and Support Staff
Carson Group, an Omaha-based RIA with over $60 billion in assets under management, has launched a new equity program that extends ownership opportunities to W-2 advisors and operational support staff. Previously, equity was limited to founding advisors who joined through acquisitions. The program targets high-growth advisors in the final year of acquisition incentives, next-generation advisors, and team members who previously had no path to ownership. CEO Burt White stated the program reflects the firm's belief that those creating long-term value should share in success. The move addresses a pressure point in the RIA industry, where only one in three RIAs offers a documented path to equity, according to a Schwab survey. Carson, founded by Ron Carson in 1983, remains majority-owned by him with minority stakes held by employees and Bain Capital. The firm has over 165 partner offices and recently reorganized into dedicated teams for its W-2 employee channel and 1099 partner channel.