Forbes Ranking Highlights Consistent Performance

Signature Wealth Group announced that its chief executive, Chip Munn, has been placed sixth on Forbes’ Best‑In‑State Wealth Advisors list for South Carolina. The accolade, now the sixth straight year the firm has appeared on the list, signals a sustained level of performance that few independent advisory networks can claim. While the ranking itself is presented in Munn’s name, the underlying achievement reflects the collective output of a 60‑person team that serves more than 3,560 families across 15 distinct communities.

Methodology Behind the SHOOK Research Rating

The Forbes list is compiled annually by SHOOK Research, a firm that blends qualitative interviews with quantitative data to generate a composite score for each advisor. According to the methodology disclosed with the 2026 release, the algorithm weighs assets under management, revenue trends, compliance history, industry tenure, and best‑practice client service. Advisors must have a minimum of seven years of experience, and the ranking period for this cycle spanned June 30, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Out of roughly 52,000 nominations, just over 11,300 advisors earned a place on the list, making a top‑ten ranking in a state as competitive as South Carolina a notable distinction.

Signature Wealth’s Team and Client Base

Signature Wealth Group’s business model centers on a team‑advising approach that emphasizes comprehensive, long‑term planning. The firm structures its services around three pillars—Lifestyle, Retirement, and Legacy—designed to help clients not only secure a comfortable retirement but also preserve wealth across generations. With more than $5 billion in client assets (as of January 26, 2026) and a network of wealth‑planning professionals, the firm has built a regional footprint that rivals many boutique firms operating in larger metropolitan markets.

Strategic Shift Toward Private Wealth Services

In the past twelve months, Signature Wealth has expanded its service offering to include a dedicated Private Wealth practice targeting clients with a minimum of $5 million in assets. This new unit focuses on whole‑life financial planning, integrating family governance, business succession, estate structuring, and legacy preservation with traditional investment management. The move reflects a broader industry trend where independent advisory firms are carving out niche, high‑net‑worth segments to differentiate themselves from larger, multi‑brand platforms.

Leadership Changes and Growth Milestones

June 2025 saw Bary Dedge promoted to President of Signature Wealth, a transition that aligns with the firm’s deliberate scaling strategy. Later that fall, the company earned a spot on South Carolina’s 50 Fastest‑Growing Companies list, a recognition that underscores both its expanding client base and its investment in operational infrastructure. According to Munn, “What we’ve built here is the result of a shared commitment to doing right by our clients in every community we serve.” He added that the firm’s philosophy—placing client well‑being ahead of pure product sales—has been a core driver of the repeated Forbes recognition.

Implications for the Independent Wealth Advisory Landscape

The repeated inclusion of Signature Wealth in Forbes’ rankings offers a data point for analysts tracking the health of the independent advisory sector. While many wealth managers have been absorbed into larger custodial platforms, firms that maintain a regional, relationship‑centric focus appear to be gaining traction among high‑net‑worth individuals seeking personalized service. The firm’s emphasis on compliance and best‑practice client service, both key components of the SHOOK algorithm, hints at a growing regulatory awareness among boutique firms—particularly as the SEC and FINRA increase scrutiny on fiduciary standards and disclosure practices.

Industry Context: Rankings and Client Trust

In an era where client trust is increasingly measured by transparency and performance, third‑party rankings such as Forbes’ Best‑In‑State list serve a dual purpose. They provide prospective clients with an external validation of an advisor’s track record, and they give firms a marketing lever that can be quantified without breaching compliance rules. However, the methodology’s exclusion of portfolio performance—citing the variability of client objectives and lack of audited data—means the ranking is more a proxy for operational excellence than pure investment returns.

What the Recognition Means for Advisors and Clients

For advisors within Signature Wealth, the accolade reinforces a culture of accountability and client‑first thinking. Munn’s public statement emphasizes that “great wealth planning isn’t just about retirement but also helping people live well today and build something that outlasts them.” This sentiment aligns with the broader industry shift toward holistic financial wellness, where advisors are expected to integrate tax, estate, and legacy considerations into a single, cohesive strategy.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Independent Advisory Firms

As digital platforms lower barriers to entry, firms that combine sophisticated planning tools with a human‑centric approach may capture a larger share of the high‑net‑worth market. Moreover, the firm’s recent private‑wealth launch indicates a willingness to invest in niche services that command higher fees and deeper client relationships—an approach that could become a template for other regional players seeking to differentiate themselves from the “one‑size‑fits‑all” models of larger custodians. As digital platforms continue to evolve, the integration of advanced client service solutions will further shape the competitive landscape.

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