Raymond James stretches recruitment streak with ex-JPMorgan advisor

Raymond James stretches recruitment streak with ex-JPMorgan advisor
The independent giant’s latest addition in Texas, a 20-year veteran breakaway advisor, reportedly managed $150M in client assets.
AUG 13, 2024

Raymond James has gained further strength in Texas as it recruits another breakaway advisor to its employee advisor unit.

The firm announced Tuesday that Raymond James & Associates has expanded its presence in Frisco, Texas, by welcoming financial advisor Joanna Knieberg to its team. Knieberg, who joins from JPMorgan, reportedly managed over $150 million in client assets under management at her former firm.

Operating under the name Knieberg Wealth Strategies of Raymond James, she will focus on serving business owners, corporate executives, and individual clients.

Knieberg, who’s joining RJA as first vice president of wealth management, will work as part of the Frisco branch under the leadership of branch manager Jon Blair, which is under the broader purview of Edward Sudzina, Western Gulf regional director for RJA.

A 20-year veteran of the industry, her BrokerCheck profile starts off with a brief stint at Wells Fargo, and includes stops at Valic financial advisors, AXA Advisors – which has since rebranded to Equitable Advisors – and Chase Investment Services.

She highlighted Raymond James’ client-focused approach and “robust support” for financial advisors, as well as its culture that “resonates deeply with [her] professional values.”

“The extensive range of support and the expertise of specialized teams empower me to better serve our clients’ diverse needs,” Knieberg said in a statement.

Knieberg’s defection from JPMorgan comes shortly after Raymond James welcomed a Wells Fargo advisor managing $140 million to RJA’s Dublin branch in Ohio.

Before that, an ex-LPL advisor who oversaw more than $245 million joined RJA in New York.

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.