InvestmentNews has unveiled its 5-Star Wealth Management Teams for 2026, a designation awarded through a rigorous nomination and selection process involving hundreds of candidates. The recognition comes as the wealth management industry navigates a shifting landscape where clients increasingly prioritize trust and long-term alignment over novelty, according to the publication.
Global wealth research from EY indicates that North American clients report 87% satisfaction with investment performance and 90% satisfaction with access to products and services, placing the region ahead of global peers. Brian Dunham, partner and wealth and asset management strategy lead at KPMG, noted that top-performing teams distinguish themselves through more than just investment prowess. "Beyond that, the best teams are good listeners, very transparent with clients, and constantly learning so they can connect people to what matters," he said.
The 5-Star Wealth Management Teams for 2026 tend to be diversified and specialist-led, functioning as coordinated units that integrate tax, planning, investment, and credit expertise under one roof. This approach reflects a broader trend in the industry toward holistic service models, as highlighted in recent discussions on balancing experience and automation to build scalable advisory teams.
Valley National Financial Advisors, based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, manages $1.325 billion in assets under management (AUM) with a team boasting 202 combined years of experience. The firm has operated independently for 40 years, offering financial planning, wealth management, and tax preparation in-house. CEO Matthew Petrozelli attributed the firm's longevity to its independence from outside corporate influence. "We've stayed true to our clients and employees with our independence and making sure we don't have conflicts with other corporations or a white ivory tower somewhere telling us what to do or what to sell – and that really has been a differentiator for us," he said.
Altamonte Springs, Florida-based Certified Financial Group, founded in 1976, holds the CEFEX certification, a rigorous annual fiduciary audit held by an estimated 1% of U.S. firms. Its founder, Joseph Bert, is one of the earliest Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professionals in the country. "I've been in this business now for 50 years and have seen a lot going back to Black Monday, but I've always prided myself in trying to look beyond the horizon and to see what's coming," Bert said.
Los Angeles-based Team Holmes at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors manages $1.7 billion in AUM with 108 combined years of experience. Jared Chase, an advisor on the team, said the past year of market turbulence has tested the firm's long-term planning discipline. "Over the last 12 months, the level of uncertainty across markets, interest rates, and geopolitics has reinforced the importance of having a disciplined, long-term approach," he said.
The recognition underscores the value of independence and integrated services in an era where clients demand transparency and alignment. As firms like Valley National and Certified Financial Group demonstrate, maintaining autonomy from corporate mandates can be a key differentiator. Meanwhile, the industry continues to explore technological advancements, such as Franklin Templeton's deployment of AI hackathons and multi-agent tools across investment teams, to enhance efficiency and client outcomes.
For advisors seeking to build similar success, the 5-Star teams offer a blueprint: prioritize listening, transparency, and continuous learning while integrating diverse expertise. The data from EY and insights from KPMG suggest that client satisfaction is high, but maintaining it requires a disciplined approach to both service and independence.
