Your Legacy.
Your Future.
Our Support.
PLOVER HILL CAPITAL
PHC champions independent advisors by providing the resources and support they need to preserve their legacy and secure their future.
About
We offer tailored solutions to help advisors protect their legacy, fuel growth, and manage transitions smoothly. Our offerings include minority capital, transition financing, and expert guidance, empowering you to achieve your goals.
We challenge industry status quos, specifically the notion that internal succession from G1 to G2 is neither economically nor practically feasible. We also reject the belief that independent advisory firms cannot succeed in this period of mass aggregation.
The gradual maturation of the independent financial advisory space over the past 20 years has created a unique opportunity to address a gap in the market for firms seeking to preserve both their independence and authenticity. Trends such as the influx of G2 talent, commoditization of technology solutions, and increased transparency around valuation and deal structures further support this opportunity.
Market Opportunity
>15K
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SEC Registered RIAs in 2023 an increase from 2022
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https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/06/21/what-the-ria-industry-looks-like-now-in-4-charts/
$128.4T
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AUM in discretionary managed AUM
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https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/06/21/what-the-ria-industry-looks-like-now-in-4-charts/
37%
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Financial advisors who plan to retire within 10 years representing $10.4T
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https://advisorlawllc.com/urgent-call-for-advisor-succession-planning/
40%
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Financial advisors who do not have a succession plan
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https://advisorlawllc.com/urgent-call-for-advisor-succession-planning/
Pillars
Our steadfast principles serve as our cornerstone to ensure uniformity and alignment in fulfilling our mission.
Longevity
We think in terms of generational value creation, not quartly earnings
Perseverance
We are stewards of the Founders’ legacy while supporting the next generation in building an enduring future​
Authenticity
We believe one size doesn’t fit all and that true success is achieved through the empowerment of authenticity
Our Offering
We provide transformational capital solutions designed to help independent RIAs to preserve their legacy, fuel their growth, and achieve operational excellence. Our approach integrates capital, expertise, and partnership into a single, tailored solution.
Aligned Partnerships
Our investment model prioritizes long-term alignment with our partner firms. By offering common equity, we create partnerships rather than ownership takeovers. Our minority interest structure prevents triggering change-of-control provisions, allowing firms to remain independent while benefiting from our capital and strategic support.
Growth Capital
We provide capital that empowers RIAs to scale, supporting both organic growth and M&A initiatives. Our disciplined approach ensures capital is deployed effectively for business expansion, brand development, and operational enhancements.
Advice and Guidance
As experienced RIA operators, we offer more than capital—we serve as informational and data resources, networkers, and sounding boards, helping firms streamline operations, enhance leadership transitions, and improve workflow efficiencies.
Domain Expertise
Our direct operational experience helps RIAs navigate industry shifts and execute growth strategies with confidence. We offer hands-on support in areas like M&A execution, business management, and process optimization. Our deep understanding of sector trends and macroeconomic forces positions our partner firms for long-term success.
The PHC
Partnership
Approach
1. Legacy – Secure the Future While Honoring the Past
We help firms build sustainable, multi-generational businesses through:
  • Structured succession pathways that allow G1 founders to transition ownership thoughtfully and deliberately.
  • Opportunities for G2 leadership to step into ownership without prohibitive financial risk.
  • Support for internal continuity so clients experience a seamless transition and clear vision for the future.
    • 2. Growth – Invest in People and Promote Innovation
    We provide capital and guidance to fuel the next stage of an RIA’s growth, whether through organic expansion, strategic hires, or acquisitions. Our partnership enables firms to:
  • Expand service offerings to meet evolving client needs.
  • Upgrade technology and infrastructure to enhance efficiency and client experience.
  • Strengthen branding and marketin to attract and retain top-tier clients.
  • Recruit and retain top talent to build a high-performing team.
    • 3. Independence – Stay True to Your Vision
    We believe independent firms can flourish through maintaining independence. Our investment structure ensures:
  • No loss of control – Partner firms retain majority ownership and decision-making power.
  • Alignment of interests - Our success is tied to the long-term success of the firm and its leadership.
  • A true partnership – We provide guidance and support, but the firm’s vision remains its own.
    • Plover Hill
    Internal
    Succession
    PHC Succession Solution
  • PCH designed mezzanine-like succession solution that creates flexible structure that aligns incentives and provides G1 with fair market value for shares
  • 5 year interest-only period, followed by fixed 10 year term loan allows G2 the time and flexibility to grow the business
  • No personal guarantee after 1 year transition period
  • Fair market value received by G1 with achievable capital terms for G2 allowing for successful internal transition
    • Plover Hill’s internal succession solution is an optimized structure allowing for enduring legacy and value creation.
    Leadership
    “​The answer is in the room.”
    – Quote from one of Rob’s mentors, which has driven much of his perspective on leadership and building enduring companies
    Rob Martin
    Founder, Managing Partner
    In 2008, Rob began his finance career at Symmetry Partners, climbing the ranks from Compliance Associate to Director of Marketing to President. Tasked with leading a new RIA initiative in 2014, he co-founded Apella, which grew from $80 million to $3.5 billion in AUM by June 2023. Under his leadership, Apella completed 13 transactions and launched 10 offices nationwide, solidifying its status as one of the fastest-growing RIAs. Rob holds degrees in Psychology from the University of Richmond and the University of New Haven.
    Outside work, he serves on the board of the CFM Foundation and enjoys summers in Narragansett, RI, and skiing in the winter.