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
SEC tightens rules around data breach disclosures
REGULATION, LEGAL & COMPLIANCE MAY 16, 2024
SEC tightens rules around data breach disclosures

Updates to a 24-year-old rule will require firms, including broker-dealers and RIAs, to prevent cyber risks and notify clients of incidents.

DOL expands program to ease retirement plan payouts at bankrupt firms
RIA NEWS MAY 16, 2024
DOL expands program to ease retirement plan payouts at bankrupt firms

The agency's new interim rules and a key amendment will help Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees discharge their obligations more easily.

Raymond James welcomes $900M team from Wells Fargo
INDEPENDENT BROKER DEALERS MAY 16, 2024
Raymond James welcomes $900M team from Wells Fargo

With over a century of collective experience, the veteran-led team is joining the broker-dealer’s employee advisor arm in Florida.

Cetera ratchets up advisor focus with key leadership hires
INDEPENDENT BROKER DEALERS MAY 16, 2024
Cetera ratchets up advisor focus with key leadership hires

The RIA giant is tapping alums of LPL, Osaic, Commonwealth and TD Ameritrade in a ramped-up bid to support advisors’ evolving needs.

Gratus Capital brings hedge funds to clients with iCapital alliance
ALTERNATIVES MAY 16, 2024
Gratus Capital brings hedge funds to clients with iCapital alliance

The investment advisory firm’s new fintech partnership marks the first phase of its broader comprehensive strategy.

Bluespring snaps up $750M Arizona wealth firm
RIA NEWS MAY 16, 2024
Bluespring snaps up $750M Arizona wealth firm

Offering a host of planning services, the 14-person team from Commonwealth includes a husband-and-wife advisor tandem.

Shakeup at Schwab as veteran leader Bernie Clark retires
RIA NEWS MAY 16, 2024
Shakeup at Schwab as veteran leader Bernie Clark retires

The investing behemoth unveiled a slate of executive departures, including its longtime head of advisor services, as part of its succession planning strategy.

Avantax snaps up $400M Pennsylvania team
RIA NEWS MAY 16, 2024
Avantax snaps up $400M Pennsylvania team

Previously with Stratos Wealth Advisors, the new hires in the Northeast include three veterans with over 80 years of combined industry experience.

Do DC managed account programs have a PR problem?
RETIREMENT PLANNING MAY 16, 2024
Do DC managed account programs have a PR problem?

Despite their benefits for 401(k) participants, especially financial advice, Cerulli research finds a lack of awareness is holding back broader adoption.

Most advisors still in the dark on direct indexing
RIA NEWS MAY 15, 2024
Most advisors still in the dark on direct indexing

FTSE Russell survey research covering RIAs and broker dealers shows four-fifths aren’t using it, and most aren’t clear on the tax benefits.