Strategic leadership investments strengthen institutional capabilities while preserving an advisor-first operating model.

CORNELIUS, NC / ACCESS Newswire / February 17, 2026 / Since assuming leadership in mid-2025, the Co-Presidents have been reshaping the organization by an ambitious vision: build on what works, redesign what holds advisors back, and make decisive investments that elevate the entire organization. What Alphastar is building now is not incremental; it will define how the firm will operate, evolve, and empower advisor entrepreneurs to lead over the next decade. Today, Alphastar is announcing another meaningful step forward-one that further strengthens its investment architecture and enhances the capability to serve clients at the highest level.

Alphastar's internal investment office, led by Chief Investment Officer Tony Parish, has long delivered disciplined, differentiated investment solutions rooted in institutional experience and advisor-centric execution. Amplifying that foundation, the firm is focused on equipping its investment team with institutional-scale resources that expand depth, rigor, and perspective, without sacrificing flexibility or discretion.

To support that goal, Alphastar is integrating world-class institutional research, portfolio design, and capital markets insight from its engagement for investment consulting services through Mercer, a business of Marsh. This engagement serves as a force multiplier: enhancing the quality and confidence of investment decisions while keeping philosophy, implementation, and accountability fully in-house.

This initiative is part of a broader series of strategic enhancements designed to systematically strengthen Alphastar's investment framework, expand advisor capabilities, and clearly differentiate the firm in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

It reflects the combined vision of our leadership:

"Our vision has been consistent since day one," said Casey McIntyre, CFA^®, CAIA, CIPM, Co-President of Alphastar. "With nearly two decades in institutional investment consulting and asset management, I've seen how disciplined governance and top-tier resources materially improve outcomes. Our goal is to bring more institutional-grade thinking to an advisor-focused operating model, delivering tangible benefits for advisors and their clients."

"Having spent more than a decade in the independent advisory space, I've seen firsthand how few firms provide their investment teams institutional-caliber resources," added Derek Gubala, Co-President of Alphastar. "What we're building is different. It gives our investment office the flexibility, speed, and analytical firepower most RIAs simply can't or won't offer. This will pay long-term dividends to our investment process and the advisors we serve."

"For more than 20 years, I've seen how rigorous research and stress-testing elevate investment decision-making. Obtaining services from Mercer allows us to bring that same institutional rigor into a nimble, advisor-focused environment. It meaningfully enhances how we build portfolios while preserving the conviction and independence that define our approach. I'm thrilled to have access to Mercer's services as I continue to build the investment architecture here at Alphastar." -Tony Parish, CFA^®, CQF

What this means for advisors:

• Even greater conviction and confidence in portfolio construction

• Continued expansion of proprietary models, including active management and alternatives

• Increased strength and credibility in client conversations

• An investment office operating with institutional-caliber depth and perspective

While many providers focus on incremental change, Alphastar continues to invest decisively, adding enhancements that strengthen performance, expand capabilities, and preserve advisor-centric execution.

This step represents Alphastar's ongoing evolution. The firm is proud of the model it has built and energized by what these enhancements unlock for advisors and the clients they serve.

About Alphastar

Alphastar Capital Management, LLC is a $2.5B registered investment adviser designed to help advisor-entrepreneurs scale with intention, without sacrificing control or flexibility. The firm serves as both architect and concierge, providing disciplined, institutional investment management alongside comprehensive operational, strategic, and practice support. By combining structure with access to deeper resources and meaningful connections, Alphastar enables advisors to stay focused on their clients while our team manages complexity behind the scenes. This advisor-first operating model is delivered through a high-touch service approach grounded in responsiveness, partnership, and consistency. For more information, please visit www.alphastarcm.com.

Media Contacts
Katelyn Nicholson
E: katelyn.nicholson@alphastarcm.com

SOURCE: Alphastar Capital Management