Independent Advisor Alliance enters Illinois with $165M team

Independent Advisor Alliance enters Illinois with $165M team
The newest practice to affiliate with the firm is leaving Securities America after more than 30 years.
MAR 06, 2024

A national wealth management firm is extending its footprint into a new market as it welcomes an Illinois-based advisor team from Securities America. With its headquarters in St. Charles, just outside Chicago, Steward Guide Wealth Partners is transitioning to Independent Advisor Alliance.

The move is a significant milestone for IAA as it marks the firm’s debut in Illinois, effectively extending its footprint to 27 states, according to a spokesperson for the North Carolina-based firm.

Steward Guide Wealth Partners manages more than $165 million in client assets, offering bespoke financial planning services catered to individuals, families, and businesses within the community.

It’s led by co-founders Ron Harczak and Jim Vanderbilt, who together with their team bring more than a century of collective experience in the financial services arena.

Harczak has been nearly four decades of experience, according to his BrokerCheck report, and Vanderbilt has been registered with Finra for roughly the same period. Both had been affiliated with Securities America for about 30 years.

Steward Guide Wealth Partners sees its strategic partnership with IAA as a pivotal step, aligning with its commitment to excellence in client service as well as a focus on succession planning.

“As we continue our commitment to providing our clients with the best possible wealth management solutions and experience, it is clear that IAA has the resources to help us accomplish our mission,” Harczak said in a statement.

Reflecting Steward Guide Wealth Partners’ emphasis on providing comprehensive financial planning coupled with integrity and devotion, Vanderbilt also highlighted “the opportunity for our clients to align their faith with their finances."

“We are thrilled to welcome Steward Guide Wealth Partners to the IAA family,” said Robert Russo, IAA founder and CEO. “Their dedication to providing tailored financial planning services aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to supporting them on their journey towards continued success and growth.”

Small-caps set to benefit from a broadening market, says Royce co-CIO

Latest News

Retiree alleges advisor withheld $600K through real estate LLC web
Retiree alleges advisor withheld $600K through real estate LLC web

$1.7M invested from an inheritance. Then the phone went dead.

SEC accuses Linqto chiefs of 'Wizard of Oz' investor deception
SEC accuses Linqto chiefs of 'Wizard of Oz' investor deception

The pre-IPO platform sold $430M in units while allegedly rigging prices behind the scenes.

GLP-1 users are trading retirement savings for their prescriptions
GLP-1 users are trading retirement savings for their prescriptions

A Nationwide survey finds 47% of GLP-1 users have never discussed the drugs’ financial impact with an advisor, even as many dip into savings.

Inspired Healthcare sale price of properties is 59% of $1.2 billion sold by advisors
Inspired Healthcare sale price of properties is 59% of $1.2 billion sold by advisors

The hundreds of millions of dollars from a sale of Inspired Healthcare properties does not mean an immediate windfall for investors.

Class action alleges Webull misled investors about China operations
Class action alleges Webull misled investors about China operations

Its SEC filings said one thing - a congressional probe said another.

SPONSORED Built on insurance experience to deliver on long-term promises

Knighthead Life entered the market with a competitive MYGA. A strong launch earned advisor confidence and paved the way for FIAs.

SPONSORED In the Age of AI, Trust Becomes the Advisor's Greatest Asset

As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor