Several independent broker-dealers and wealth managers expanded their advisor rosters this week, with teams managing a combined $634 million in client assets switching affiliations. The moves span LPL Financial, Cetera Financial Group, Raymond James Financial Services, and NewEdge Wealth, reflecting continued recruitment activity across the wealth management industry.
LPL Financial welcomed Chris Stockton, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) who joins from Edward Jones. Stockton, based in Stillwater, Oklahoma, operates as Guidepost Wealth Management and brings approximately $160 million in advisory, brokerage, and retirement plan assets. With seven years of industry experience, he focuses on individuals, families, business owners, and retirees navigating major life transitions such as business sales and inheritance planning. He is joined by administrative assistant Ashley Mayfield.
Cetera Financial Group added Kim Hellerman-Hersman, a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) who previously affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network and spent 24 years at Concourse Financial Group Securities. Her team, including co-advisor Bryan T. Fox and dedicated support staff, oversees roughly $175 million in assets under administration and serves clients across more than 20 states. The practice, positioned as a family-run operation, specializes in investment management, retirement and college planning, tax exposure management, and asset protection.
Raymond James Financial Services recruited Roberto De Jesus, an Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS), who joins from Edward Jones after 18 years there. De Jesus brings approximately $199 million in client assets and is the founder of De Jesus & Co. Wealth Management in Acworth, Georgia. He serves business owners, corporate executives, families, pre-retirees, retirees, and clients experiencing sudden wealth events. He is joined by financial representative Kimberly Dahnke and senior client service manager Deb Robyck. De Jesus holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado and has nearly two decades of industry experience.
NewEdge Wealth expanded into Houston with a six-person team led by managing directors Jeffrey Thompson and Shannon Willems, along with vice president Sara DeJay Willis and three client service associates. The group brings more than 30 years of combined experience serving ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth families, family offices, and institutional clients. Their specialties include business owner exit strategies, multi-generational estate planning, and 401(k) and pension plan optimization.
These moves come amid a broader trend of advisor mobility, as firms compete for experienced talent. Recent weeks have seen similar high-profile transitions, such as two Wells Fargo teams with $580M jumping to Ameriprise and Janney and LPL, Raymond James, and UBS recruiting advisors managing $1.2B combined. The pace of recruitment underscores the importance of scale and support in retaining top advisors.
For independent broker-dealers like LPL and Cetera, adding veteran advisors with substantial books of business helps expand their footprint in key regions. Raymond James continues to strengthen its presence in the Southeast, while NewEdge Wealth's Houston office marks a strategic entry into the Texas market, a hub for high-net-worth families and business owners.
Industry observers note that such moves are often driven by factors like payout structures, technology platforms, and succession planning support. As competition intensifies, firms are likely to continue courting experienced advisors with attractive transition packages and long-term growth opportunities.
