InvestmentNews has opened the final call for nominations for its Rising Stars 2026 program, which recognizes outstanding wealth-management professionals aged 40 and under. The nomination window closes on Friday, June 12, and the publication encourages both peer and self-nominations.
The program aims to spotlight individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to the industry through leadership, innovation, and measurable business impact. Nominees should be able to point to specific initiatives they have driven, such as business growth strategies, client-service enhancements, or operational improvements that have advanced their firms or the broader advisory community.
Winners will be selected with guidance from an independent advisory panel and will be featured on InvestmentNews’ website in October. The program is supported by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), which provides industry expertise and resources to the selection process.
This year’s Rising Stars program comes at a time when the wealth-management industry is undergoing rapid transformation. Advisors are increasingly adopting generative AI tools to boost productivity, while also navigating shifts in custodian platform fee structures. The Rising Stars recognition serves as a benchmark for emerging talent who are helping shape these trends.
To be eligible, nominees must be employed in the wealth-management sector—including RIAs, broker-dealers, wirehouses, or retirement-plan specialists—and must be 40 years of age or younger as of the nomination deadline. The nomination form requires details on the nominee’s career milestones, leadership roles, and any awards or recognitions they have received.
InvestmentNews has run the Rising Stars program annually for over a decade, and past winners have gone on to hold senior positions at major firms. The 2026 cohort will join a network of alumni who are recognized for their contributions to the industry’s evolution.
Interested parties can submit nominations via the InvestmentNews website. The deadline is June 12, and all submissions will be reviewed by the advisory panel. Winners will be announced in October and will receive a profile on the publication’s platform.
