Carson Group expands equity sharing to W-2 advisors and support staff

Alex Ortolani Tue, July 21, 2026 at 3:12 AM PDT | 2 min read

Carson Group, an Omaha, Neb.-based registered investment advisor with over $60 billion in assets under management, has launched an equity program that provides ownership opportunities for W-2 advisors and team members in operational and support roles, according to an announcement from the firm.

The acquisitive Carson has, for years, given equity opportunities to founding advisors who join the firm's W-2 employee channel through a sale. However, the new program broadens ownership, allowing high-growth advisors in the final year of their acquisition-related incentives to participate in equity ownership, the RIA stated. It also offers new equity potential for next-generation advisors and operational team members who previously had no path to owning shares, according to Carson Group CEO Burt White.

"Our business is built by exceptional people, and this new equity program reflects our belief that the advisors and team members creating long-term value for Carson should have the opportunity to share in that success," White said in a statement.

Industry Context

Equity sharing remains an ongoing pressure point in the aging RIA founder space. According to a recent survey of RIAs that custody with Schwab, only one in three RIAs has a documented path to an equity stake for employees. Among RIAs offering equity:

• 49% cited retaining key talent as the primary reason
• 30% said it supports a succession strategy
• 11% reported that sharing company ownership aids management continuity

Firm Background

Carson was founded by Ron Carson in 1983, offering wealth management to clients, along with advisor coaching and, eventually, a 1099 partner option for other RIAs. He remains the majority shareholder, according to filings, with the remainder held by employees and minority investor Bain Capital.

White, who assumed the CEO role in April 2024, told Wealth Management last week that the firm had recently tilted more toward its W-2 employee channel while continuing to support its 1099 partner channel, including the creation of dedicated teams for both channels. White said the firm will likely remain about two-thirds integrated and one-third independent advisors.

Program Objectives

The new equity program is designed to attract and retain next-generation advisor talent as firm valuations rise and ownership transitions become more complex.

"Over the past several years, we've spent a great deal of time listening to advisors about what they want from a long-term partner," White said. "One theme came through consistently: They want the opportunity to be part of what we're building."

Carson has a network of 165-plus partner offices, including more than 50 Carson Wealth locations.

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