Our Story


BlueChip Financial was founded in 2008, in the midst of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. While many investors watched their portfolios collapse and their advisors scramble, our founding partners saw a glaring need: transparent, client-first advisory services free from the conflicts of interest that had eroded public trust in the financial industry.

David Thornton and Sarah Chen left established positions at major financial institutions to build a firm grounded in a simple principle — act as a fiduciary, charge transparent fees, and never accept commissions. What began as a two-person practice has grown into a full-service wealth management firm with over $850 million in assets under management, serving more than 400 client families across the United States.

As a fee-only registered investment advisor, BlueChip Financial does not sell proprietary products or earn commissions from third parties. Our revenue comes exclusively from transparent advisory fees — ensuring that every recommendation we make is driven solely by what is best for you.

Firm at a Glance

  • Founded: 2008
  • Structure: Independent RIA
  • Registration: SEC Registered
  • AUM: $850 Million+
  • Clients: 400+ Families
  • Standard: 100% Fiduciary
  • Fee Model: Fee-Only (No Commissions)

Our Fiduciary Commitment


As a registered investment advisor, BlueChip Financial is held to a fiduciary standard of care — the highest legal duty in the financial industry. This means we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times, not simply recommend "suitable" investments.

We believe this distinction matters. It shapes every aspect of how we operate: our fee-only compensation model eliminates commissions and conflicts, our open-architecture investment platform gives us access to the best solutions available regardless of provider, and our transparent reporting keeps you fully informed about your portfolio and our performance at every step.

Our Advisory Team


Credentialed professionals with decades of combined experience in investment management, financial planning, tax strategy, and estate law.

DT

David Thornton

CFA

Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer. 25 years of experience in portfolio management and institutional investing. Previously VP of Equity Research at Northern Trust. Leads the firm's investment committee and overall strategy.

SC

Sarah Chen

CFP®

Director of Financial Planning & Partner. Specializes in comprehensive financial planning for high-net-worth families, retirement income strategies, and life transition planning. 20 years of advisory experience.

MR

Michael Rivera

CPA

Director of Tax Strategy. Expert in tax-efficient investing, tax-loss harvesting, Roth conversion analysis, charitable giving strategies, and business owner tax planning. Previously with Deloitte Tax LLP.

JW

Jennifer Walsh

JD

Director of Estate Planning. Focuses on wealth transfer strategies, trust administration, legacy planning, and family governance. Coordinates with clients' estate attorneys and trust companies to implement comprehensive plans.

Our Growth


From our founding during the 2008 financial crisis, we have grown steadily by earning the trust of our clients through disciplined advice and transparent service.

  • 2008 — Founded — David Thornton and Sarah Chen establish BlueChip Financial as an independent, fee-only RIA with a commitment to fiduciary excellence
  • 2012 — Crossed $100M AUM — Surpassed $100 million in assets under management, marking our first major growth milestone
  • 2018 — Expanded to Institutional — Launched institutional advisory services for endowments, foundations, and corporate retirement plans
  • 2023 — Chicago Office — Opened our current office at 200 S. Wacker Drive to better serve our growing client base in the Chicago metropolitan area

Industry Memberships

National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)

CFA Institute

Financial Planning Association (FPA)

American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)

Illinois State Bar Association

Memberships are maintained for professional development and do not imply endorsement or guarantee of performance.