Raymond James has announced the addition of a new team of financial advisors, collectively managing over $1 billion in assets, to its employee advisor channel.
The independent giant recently welcomed the team as the newest members of Raymond James Associates in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The team, formerly with Morgan Stanley, comprises financial advisors Nick Takahashi, James Zapotocky, Joshua Yocam, Luka Vasiljevic, Michael Ortega, Stephen Ellingsen, and Sean Tsaconas. They are joined by senior client service associate Yalda Momeni.
Together, they managed approximately $1.3 billion in client assets and will now be part of RJA’s Las Vegas branch, serving a diverse clientele that includes corporate executives, families, individuals, pre-retirees, and retirees.
“When we look to the future of Takahashi Retirement Group, the client and advisor centric ethos combined with vast resources and support at Raymond James offers us the best opportunity for growth and stability for our clients,” Nick Takahashi, managing director, said in a statement.
Takahashi, who brings over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, began his career with Wachovia Securities and spent 11 years at Morgan Stanley.
“The opportunity to grow with an industry leader that gets to know you on a personal level makes Raymond James the perfect long-term partner for our team,” added James Zapotocky, senior vice president of wealth management.
Zapotocky started his career in financial services in 2010 at Wells Fargo and served as an advisor at Morgan Stanley for over a decade.
In April, Raymond James scored another powerhouse team in Arizona with the addition of a $1.1 billion practice from RBC Wealth Management to its employee advisor division.
On Monday, the firm started off its July recruitment schedule by adding financial advisor Billy Focia, who most recently managed $105 million in client assets at Merit Financial, to RJA in Brimingham, Alabama.
Focia’s 24 years of industry experience includes turns at ETrade, the recently acquired Lincoln Financial Advisors, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, and LPL.
He is accompanied by senior client service associate Dedie McCraw at F3 Financial of Raymond James. Together, they work with families and individuals, pre-retirees and retirees, business owners and corporate retirement plans under the leadership of Michael Turnbough, complex manager.
After a two-year period of inversion, the muni yield curve is back in a more natural position – and poised to create opportunities for long-term investors.
Meanwhile, an experienced Connecticut advisor has cut ties with Edelman Financial Engines, and Raymond James' independent division welcomes a Washington-based duo.
Osaic has now paid $17.2 million to settle claims involving former clients of Jim Walesa.
Oregon-based Eagle Wealth Management and Idaho-based West Oak Capital give Mercer 11 acquisitions in 2025, matching last year's total. “We think there's a great opportunity in the Pacific Northwest,” Mercer's Martine Lellis told InvestmentNews.
Osaic-owned CW Advisors has added more than $500 million to reach $14.5 billion in AUM, while Apella's latest deal brings more than $1 billion in new client assets.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.
