LPL signs $200M duo from Wells Fargo

LPL signs $200M duo from Wells Fargo
Based in Texas, the two are starting their own practice, with one advisor’s father joining the team.
APR 18, 2024

LPL is once again expanding its presence in the Lone Star State as it adds two seasoned advisors from Wells Fargo, Alejandro "Alex" De Leon and Robert "Bob" Gorman, to its network.

The duo were previously part of Wells Fargo Advisors, where they managed about $200 million worth of advisory, brokerage, and retirement plan assets.

They've established their own firm, Spotlight Financial, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

De Leon and Gorman, who boast more than 50 years of combined experience in wealth management, decided to collaborate after years of working together. Their new firm aims to enhance the client experience through a commitment to financial education and greater transparency.

"When it comes to financial planning, Bob and I know there can be a lot of noise and confusion around who to trust, where to start and what questions to ask,” De Leon said in a statement. “[O]ur role as financial advisors is to help quiet that noise and uncertainty by simplifying the investing process and educating our clients so they can take an active role in their wealth planning."

In their search for a partner that would give them more control over their operations and better client services, De Leon and Gorman chose LPL for its robust support and advanced technology solutions.

Joining them in this new endeavor are Armando “Manny” De Leon, De Leon's father, who has three decades in the industry, and Diana Paris, a long-time associate of Manny.

"By partnering with LPL, we are able to run our business our way – but with the back-end support, integrated technology and streamlined solutions that will help us provide a white glove service experience," said Gorman, who also has three decades of experience under his belt.

"One thing I’ve learned over the years is that it’s the relationships you build with your clients that make them stay, and we are confident that moving to LPL will allow us to strengthen those relationships for years to come," he added.

LPL’s Thursday announcement comes on the heels of its welcoming another veteran advisor in Texas, who returned to the firm from Raymond James.

Small-caps benefitting from AI boom too, says Federated Hermes fund manager

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.