Leo Almazora

InvestmentNews

Leo Francis Almazora

Senior Journalist

10 years experience1,025,285 Total views on InvestmentNews in 2025

Leo's specialty topics

RIAs Alternative investments Fintech Mutual funds Practice management

Leo Almazora is the resident US news writer at InvestmentNews, a role he has held since February 2024. He covers a broad range of topics central to the financial advisory industry, including broker-dealer news, registered investment advisor (RIA) activity, advisor recruitment and moves, retirement planning, elder fraud, and wealth technology across the United States. Leo brings nearly a decade of financial journalism experience to his reporting, having developed deep expertise in equities, fixed income, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), alternative investments, and wealthtech through extensive conversations with portfolio managers, financial advisors, and industry executives.

How I think about writing for this industry…

“After a decade of covering wealth management from the Canadian and US perspectives, I've chosen to see this space as a rich industry filled with motivated individuals working against forces that go against their clients' best interest. It's been encouraging to watch the industry from purely focusing on investment products to a more holistic approach that includes financial planning, risk management, retirement planning, charitable giving, and legacy conversations.”

Also published by

Wealth Professional Canada

Featured content from Leo

Pontera cries 'anticompetitive,' Fidelity cites cyber safety in credential sharing standoff 'This came out of the blue': Why firms are pushing back against New Jersey's proposed independent contractor rule From breakaways to breakouts: How Altruist's Jason Wenk sees next-gen RIAs moving forward

Previous experience

  • Key Media — US News Writer
  • Key Meda — Canada editor
  • Key Media — News editor
  • Key Meda — Business journalist

Education

  • Masters in Applied Business Economics, University of Asia and the Pacific
  • Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines

Read the latest stories by Leo

Leo Almazora
Displaying 3543 results
Ex-RIA, CEO behind failed opportunity fund to pay $600k in penalties
REGULATION, LEGAL & COMPLIANCE MAY 29, 2024
Ex-RIA, CEO behind failed opportunity fund to pay $600k in penalties

The New York-based firm and its CEO made false statements and doctored portfolio data for a fund with positions in China, according to the SEC.

Merrill Lynch agrees to nearly $20M settlement for racial class action
WIREHOUSES MAY 29, 2024
Merrill Lynch agrees to nearly $20M settlement for racial class action

Discriminatory actions at the wirehouse have restricted business opportunities and compensation for African American advisors, alleged four former employees.

LPL adds $215M advisor pair in California
INDEPENDENT BROKER DEALERS MAY 29, 2024
LPL adds $215M advisor pair in California

With more than six decades of collective industry experience, the advisor duo are coming over from Securities America, a unit of Osaic.

Wealth Enhancement Group scores $1.22B Texas RIA
RIA NEWS MAY 29, 2024
Wealth Enhancement Group scores $1.22B Texas RIA

The national independent’s latest acquisition, led by a three-decade industry veteran, marks its fifth deal for 2024.

Stratos Wealth Advisors expands in Ohio
RIA NEWS MAY 29, 2024
Stratos Wealth Advisors expands in Ohio

The national RIA adds a two-advisor wealth planning practice, led by a five-decade industry veteran, that oversees more than $100M in AUM.

Could fiduciary advice cut 401(k) plan costs for small businesses?
RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 28, 2024
Could fiduciary advice cut 401(k) plan costs for small businesses?

A new study suggests small businesses that use fiduciary-grade advisors pay lower-than-average fees overall, with more reductions for larger plans.

Senators push legislation to help micro-businesses offer retirement benefits
RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 28, 2024
Senators push legislation to help micro-businesses offer retirement benefits

A new bipartisan bill proposes to expand tax credits for small businesses to start offering workplace pension plans.

$328M Wells Fargo advisor jumps to Janney
INDEPENDENT BROKER DEALERS MAY 28, 2024
$328M Wells Fargo advisor jumps to Janney

The regional broker-dealer’s latest addition in northeast Florida extends its 2024 recruiting streak, which has so far brought in over $2B in assets.

Steward Partners adds foothold in Florida with $320M ex-Merrill team
RIA NEWS MAY 28, 2024
Steward Partners adds foothold in Florida with $320M ex-Merrill team

The national RIA is getting its first Naples, Florida location with a women-led planning practice headed by a 40-year industry veteran.

“Fearless” singer Taylor Swift joins billionaires’ club on prestigious women’s rich list
RIA NEWS MAY 28, 2024
“Fearless” singer Taylor Swift joins billionaires’ club on prestigious women’s rich list

America’s wealthiest self-made women saw their collective net worths soar past $20B, with 11 new members on the list.