Independent broker-dealer platforms continued their aggressive recruiting push this week, with Ameriprise Financial, Prospera Financial Services, and Raymond James Financial Services each announcing the addition of veteran advisory teams. The three moves bring roughly $920 million in client assets onto the firms' platforms, underscoring the ongoing competition for experienced advisors and their books of business.
Ameriprise lands Florida team from Janney
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Steinmetz Jackson Wealth Management Group has joined Ameriprise Financial's branch channel from Janney Montgomery Scott. The team, led by private wealth advisor Kenneth Steinmetz and financial advisor James Jackson, manages more than $370 million in client assets. The advisors cited Ameriprise's financial planning infrastructure and integrated technology platform as key factors in their decision to switch.
The group also includes registered client service associate Daniel Tila-Cohen and client service coordinator Stephanie Elie. The transition was supported by Ameriprise branch manager Dan Landrau, complex director Michael Rearden, and regional vice president Jamie Frisone.
Jackson said in a statement that the team's client work is rooted in financial planning. "Everything we do on behalf of our clients starts and ends with financial planning," he said. "The combination of financial planning capabilities, leading technology and dedicated support gives us confidence." Steinmetz added that access to sophisticated planning resources and AI-integrated tools were central to the decision.
Prospera adds dual-state practice
Prospera Financial Services, the Dallas-based independent broker-dealer, has added Abound Advisors, a wealth management practice with offices in Boerne, Texas, and Redlands, California. The team, led by founder Chris Palmer, brings $300 million in client assets to Prospera's network.
Palmer brings 27 years of industry experience, including more than a decade as a senior vice president at Merrill Lynch. He is joined by Joan Hsu, chief administrative officer; Dana Palmer, chief operations officer; and Amy Ochs, director of client experience. The firm focuses on financial planning to help clients build "purposeful, financially secure lives."
Palmer said the institutional scale of his previous employers limited his ability to deliver personalized service. "After spending most of my career in large institutions, I knew I needed a more personal touch that wouldn't compromise the level of service I deliver to my clients or my access to rising technologies that enable my growth," he said. "It became clear that Prospera understands both the critical importance of personal relationships grounded in trust and values and the need for continuous improvement and innovation."
Prospera, founded in 1982, oversees $29 billion in assets under management and maintains a 2.5-to-1 advisor-to-home-office staff ratio. The firm says it will protect that ratio even as it integrates artificial intelligence tools into its platform. Prospera is a member of FINRA and SIPC and operates as a registered investment advisor.
Tarah Williams, Prospera's president and COO, said the Abound team's philosophy aligns with the firm's culture. "Chris' advisory practice has earned the trust of clients for more than 25 years by remaining focused on thoughtful planning, personal relationships, and helping families navigate important financial decisions," Williams said. "We look forward to supporting Chris and the entire Abound team for years to come."
Raymond James welcomes New Jersey trio
Raymond James Financial Services has added Seven Arrows Wealth, a Parsippany, New Jersey-based team managing $250 million in client assets, to its independent advisor channel. The team arrived from Ameriprise Financial Services, where they had collectively spent decades.
Seven Arrows Wealth is led by managing partners Ben Burklow, Morgan Burklow, and Rick Vanderpool, supported by client concierge Judith Nixon, practice business coordinator Frieda Stamoutsos-Stamidou, and client service manager Ryan Del Grande. The practice serves business owners, corporate executives, family offices, and healthcare professionals.
Ben Burklow began his financial services career in 2006 and spent 20 years at Ameriprise. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, Chartered Kingdom Advisor, and Accredited Investment Fiduciary designations. His brother Morgan Burklow brings 15 years of industry experience and holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and Chartered Kingdom Advisor designations. Vanderpool, who began his career in 1999, is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and Certified Annuity Specialist.
Ben Burklow said Raymond James offers the independence and support the team needs. "Raymond James gives our team the independence, technology and home office support to keep serving clients the way we believe is best," he said. Morgan Burklow added that the move marks "an exciting new chapter" and that the firm's technology and succession planning resources will help the team grow.
The moves come as independent broker-dealers compete for experienced advisors by emphasizing technology, support, and succession planning. For more on recent advisor moves, see two UBS teams moving to RBC and Raymond James and LPL and others luring advisors from rivals. Ameriprise has also been investing heavily in technology, committing $1 billion annually to AI.
