Apriem Advisors' Chris Whitaker lands Forbes next-gen advisor nod

Apriem Advisors said Chris Whitaker, its 35-year-old chief wealth manager and partner in Irvine, has been named to Forbes' 2026 Best-In-State Next-Gen Advisors list for California. The recognition follows a year of 42.86% asset growth in the client relationships he leads and a 99.4% retention rate.

Why it matters: - The Forbes recognition gives Apriem Advisors a third-party credibility boost in California's competitive wealth management market. - Whitaker's client-growth and retention figures point to demand for his advice at a time when firms compete on both performance and relationship stability. - The award also reinforces Apriem's leadership bench as the firm manages more than $1.5 billion for high-net-worth families.

What happened: - Apriem Advisors said Chris Whitaker was named to Forbes' Best-In-State Next-Gen Advisors list for California in 2026. - Whitaker is 35, serves as chief wealth manager and partner, and is based in Irvine, California. - Apriem said Whitaker has worked in financial services for 11 years and spent nine years at the firm. - Whitaker became chief wealth manager in 2025.

The details: - Assets under management for client relationships where Whitaker serves as primary wealth advisor rose 42.86% from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026. - Those client relationships posted a 99.4% retention rate as of Aug. 12, 2026. - Whitaker leads a team of 10 advisors at Apriem. - Whitaker said he was honored by the Forbes recognition and credited the families the firm serves. - Whitaker was named to the Irvine Chamber of Commerce's 40 Under 40 list in 2023. - Whitaker is a finalist for the Orange County Business Journal's Excellence in Leadership Award, with winners to be announced in September 2026. - Whitaker recently began the Yale School of Management Wealth Management Theory & Practice program, an approved education program for the Certified Private Wealth Advisor certification.

Between the lines: - The award adds to a run of external recognition for Apriem, including the 2026 USA Today Best Financial Advisory Firms list in the $1 billion to $5 billion category and the 2025 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 list. - Forbes' next-gen list tends to spotlight younger advisors building practices and teams, which can signal future leadership depth inside a firm. - Apriem's emphasis on retention, multi-generational planning and leadership honors suggests the firm wants to be known for relationship continuity, not just asset gathering.

What's next: - Orange County Business Journal winners for the Excellence in Leadership Award will be announced in September 2026. - Whitaker's Yale program adds another credential track that could support further advancement toward CPWA certification. - Apriem is likely to continue using awards and growth metrics to reinforce its positioning with affluent families.

The bottom line: - For Apriem Advisors, the Forbes nod is both a personal milestone for Whitaker and a broader signal that the firm's leadership and client base are still growing fast.