Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network has recruited an 11-person practice from Ameriprise that manages roughly $580 million in client assets, part of a broader wave of advisor moves that also saw LPL Financial and Raymond James add independent advisors from Osaic and Edward Jones.
Orchard Financial Group, a Los Angeles-based practice led by Anthony Perez, has affiliated with FiNet, Wells Fargo's independent contractor channel. Perez, whose BrokerCheck history spans 23 years, brings a team that includes senior financial advisors Audrey Schmedes, Eric Smutko and Michael Kawase, along with financial advisors Devin Marshall, Kristie Liuag and Chase Johnson. Aprile Poag joins as registered wealth planning director, with Brenda Mahar, Claudine Rajah and Sheree Wesley providing support.
John Tyers, president of Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, said in a statement that the firm is "excited to welcome Orchard Financial Group to FiNet," citing their commitment to clients and growth ambitions in the Los Angeles area. The move underscores Wells Fargo's ongoing recruiting push across its employee and independent channels after years of net advisor losses. According to the Diamond Consultants Financial Advisor Transition Report for 2025, the Private Client Group, Wells Fargo's W-2 advisor channel, posted a net gain of 85 experienced advisors last year after losing a net 248 in 2024.
In a separate move, LPL Financial announced that Brad Jerome of Legacy Financial Group has moved his practice to LPL's broker-dealer and registered investment advisor platforms from Osaic. Jerome reported serving approximately $175 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets. Based in Burton, Michigan, outside Flint, the practice serves clients ranging from first-time investors to retirees in their 90s, often working with multiple generations of a family alongside estate attorneys and accountants. The team includes Ben McKinney, Keaton Washburn, Brooke Lince, Autumn Blackford, Lisa Blackburn and Delanie Carpenter.
Jerome cited technology and the investment platform as key reasons for the switch. "We were looking for a firm that was professional, operationally strong and capable of supporting our firm's continued growth," he said. Marc Cohen, chief growth officer at LPL Financial, noted the team's success in fostering multigenerational client relationships. "As they look to the future, we're excited to provide the scale, capabilities, and strategic support to help them continue growing on their terms," Cohen said.
In Arizona, Aaron Martin has joined Raymond James' independent advisor channel after 14 years at Edward Jones, where he managed more than $170 million in client assets. Theresa Schnetz, Western division director for Raymond James Financial Services, announced the hire. Martin is president of Martin Wealth Strategies in Phoenix, advising retirees, pre-retirees, business owners, families and clients dealing with sudden wealth. He is joined at RJFS by administrative associate Evelyn Garcia.
"Raymond James provides me with the independence and support to build Martin Wealth Strategies around the needs of the clients and families we serve," Martin said. The moves come as independent channels continue to compete aggressively for experienced advisors, with firms like LPL and Wells Fargo FiNet making notable additions. Recent reports also highlight similar recruiting activity across the industry, including Merrill, Raymond James, UBS and Prime Capital adding advisors managing $1.2 billion. The trend reflects a competitive environment where firms leverage technology, support and independence to attract top talent.
