Abstract pattern of green and white triangles arranged in a geometric design.

Rooted in Rocky Mount, Serving North Carolina
& Beyond with Care

A Legacy of Trust and Proven Investment Strategies

Our Story Begins with Clarity—and a Commitment to Do What’s Right

Founded in 2013, Emerald Asset Management was built on a simple goal: to deliver research-driven investment management and personalized financial guidance—with integrity at the core. As a boutique firm based in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, we serve successful individuals, families, and business owners from the Triangle to the coast and beyond.

Our name reflects who we are. The emerald—North Carolina’s state gemstone—stands for clarity and enduring value. Those same qualities are the foundation of our disciplined approach to wealth management.

Fiduciary First:
Your Interests Always Come First

As a Registered Investment Advisor, we’re held to the highest legal and ethical standards in the industry. As fiduciaries,
we’re legally bound to act in your best interest—always.

We believe that transparency, objectivity, and independence aren’t just ideals—they’re essentials. That’s why we follow the CFA Institute’s Statement of Investor Rights, a global framework that outlines what every investor has the right to expect.

As our client, you have the right to:

Honest, independent advice

Clear, accurate, and timely reporting

A close-up of a black bicycle with teal accents, focusing on the frame and handlebars.

Confidential handling of your personal information

A black silhouette of a cat sitting with a teal stick or pole attached to its tail.

Full transparency around fees and potential conflicts

A person juggling five colorful balls in front of a dark background.

Guidance tailored to your goals

A person punching a boxing bag in a gym.

Our Team

Meet the Team Behind the Strategy

James Tharin, CFA – President & Chief Investment Officer

James brings more than 30 years of investment management experience and broad knowledge across both fundamental and technical analysis. His specialty is building customized portfolios of individual stocks and bonds, thoughtfully tailored to each client’s goals and risk tolerance.

Before founding Emerald, James spent 22 years serving clients at A.G. Edwards and Wells Fargo Advisors. A proud Rocky Mount native, he’s deeply involved in the community and has held leadership roles with the CFA Society North Carolina, as well as several local nonprofits and civic boards.

Read James’s Full Bio

Tyler Gupton – Vice President, Head of Financial Planning & Institutional Asset Management

With over 15 years in the investment industry, Tyler specializes in portfolio construction, asset management, and financial planning for successful individuals and institutions. His background includes leadership roles at First Citizens Bank, Guggenheim Investments, CAPTRUST, and Goldman Sachs.

Drawn to Emerald Asset Management for its community focus and independent structure, Tyler is passionate about educating clients and helping them make empowered financial decisions. He lives in Rocky Mount with his family and actively supports early childhood development initiatives through local nonprofits.