Arkadios Capital, a hybrid registered investment advisor and independent broker-dealer, has named John Harrison president.

Harrison comes to Arkadios from Cole Capital Partners, where he served as Senior Vice President for more than 12 years. He brings nearly three decades of experience in alternative investments and investment banking to Arkadios, which was launched last year by a breakaway group of advisors dissatisfied with their former broker-dealer.

Since joining Arkadios, he has landed three teams, with more than $850 million in assets under management.

“Arkadios Capital is an advisor-friendly platform founded as a counter to rampant industry consolidation, which has led to some of the most sought after independent advisors to question whether larger firms have their clients’ best interests at heart,” said Harrison. “I chose to move to Arkadios because it fills a major need in our industry by allowing advisors the flexibility of an RIA while maintaining their book of commission business and offering access to a broader array of investments than fee-only practices.”

Many large BDs have limited access to high-quality, low correlated alternative investment  programs, that have traditionally delivered superior returns while also reducing overall portfolio volatility. Harrison’s experience and knowledge of the broad array of alternatives, allows Arkadios to offer solutions that complement more traditional investments.

“The true value of Arkadios Capital is our singular focus on our advisors, and their investors,” said Harrison. “Our boutique size allows us to offer investments that many large firms no longer have the resources to properly vet. Our diligent compliance officers thoroughly research more opportunities, and evaluate the appropriateness of each investment recommendation, based solely on the unique investor profile.”

At Cole Capital Partners, Harrison raised nearly $2 billion, while forging trusted relationships with nearly 2,000 of the most successful advisors in the IBD channel. Prior to joining Cole in 2005, John served as the National Sales Manager at Wells Real Estate Funds, following a successful investment banking career with firms such as Goldman Sachs, Nomura Securities, Dillion Read & Co., and Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette.