Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. reported that it brought 189 advisors onto its independent platform during the first six months of 2026, adding roughly $6.8 billion in assets under advisement and $55.9 million in annualized revenue. The figures represent a modest increase in headcount from the 185 advisors recruited in the same period last year, but a significant jump in asset and revenue production.
The year-over-year comparison shows that the additional four advisors in 2026 contributed nearly $1.7 billion more in AUA and more than $10 million in added revenue compared to the prior-year period. That suggests the firm is attracting larger, more established teams rather than simply increasing its advisor count.
Many of the new recruits come from firms that have been swept up in the ongoing consolidation wave reshaping the independent broker-dealer space. As private-equity-backed aggregators continue to acquire advisory practices, Cambridge has positioned itself as an alternative for advisors seeking to maintain their independence rather than be folded into larger, centrally managed organizations.
“The Cambridge story resonates with advisors who find themselves suddenly affiliated with mega consolidators and serial M&A shops and want a firm that prioritizes relationships, community, and a people-first culture,” said Tammy Robbins, executive vice president and chief business development officer at Cambridge. “These firms are unable to meet their needs. What Cambridge offers is different: a business model that is truly independent and delivers the resources to help advisors grow.”
The recruiting momentum accelerated as the year progressed. In the first quarter, Cambridge brought in $2.6 billion in new assets and $24.3 million in revenue. The second quarter saw $4.2 billion in new assets and $31.6 million in revenue, representing a roughly 30% jump in both categories quarter over quarter.
The strong first half follows a record-setting 2025, when Cambridge surpassed $2 billion in total revenue for the first time and posted back-to-back years of record recruiting. The firm, which operates Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. as a corporate RIA alongside its independent broker-dealer, is among the largest internally controlled independent broker-dealers in the country and is a member of FINRA and SIPC.
Robbins credited the firm’s internal control structure—which keeps decision-making away from outside investors—as central to its ability to invest in advisor support. Recent initiatives include agentic AI tools for independent advisors, expanded leadership staffing, and enhancements to core operational services.
“Our internal control allows our leadership team to prioritize the empowerment of our advisors to thrive in an evolving marketplace,” Robbins said. “Cambridge remains a destination for independent-minded financial advisors who want both the freedom to run their practice and the infrastructure to scale it.”
The recruiting environment remains competitive, with other firms also making moves. For example, Raymond James recently added a $1.1 billion team from Baird, and LPL's Private Advisor Group recruited a $300 million Cetera team. Cambridge’s ability to attract larger teams suggests that its value proposition is resonating with advisors who want to avoid the disruption of consolidation.
