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
Cetera firms face $1.1M FINRA fine over AML and supervision lapses
INDEPENDENT BROKER DEALERS JAN 16, 2026
Cetera firms face $1.1M FINRA fine over AML and supervision lapses

The industry regulator has sanctioned three broker-dealers in the Cetera network for weak controls around low-priced securities and customer reporting.

SEC drops new marketing rule guidance for testimonials, net-performance modeling
REGULATION, LEGAL & COMPLIANCE JAN 16, 2026
SEC drops new marketing rule guidance for testimonials, net-performance modeling

The federal regulator's latest notes give compliance teams breathing room on endorsements, while emphasizing its view on the use of actual vs. model fees when presenting portfolio performance.

Mariner nabs 12-person team from Northwestern Mutual
RIA NEWS JAN 16, 2026
Mariner nabs 12-person team from Northwestern Mutual

The privately held mega-RIA's latest addition in Louisiana officially joins the more than 1,000 financial advisors across its $45 billion independent advisory channel.

Carson doubles down on next-gen career support with framework, advisory council
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT JAN 16, 2026
Carson doubles down on next-gen career support with framework, advisory council

The Omaha-based RIA's new structures around mentorship, feedback, and promotion aim to keep younger G2 and G3 advisors engaged.

Advisor moves: $670M Baird team bolts to RBC in Texas
INDEPENDENT BROKER DEALERS JAN 15, 2026
Advisor moves: $670M Baird team bolts to RBC in Texas

Also, Wells Fargo's recruitment rolls on with a billion-dollar-plus group from Commonwealth while LPL adds an Ameriprise team in Houston.

Sports tycoon Stan Kroenke surges to top spot among US private landowners
ALTERNATIVES JAN 15, 2026
Sports tycoon Stan Kroenke surges to top spot among US private landowners

The Rams owner’s latest mega-deal spotlights how an elite circle of billionaires is amassing control over ranches and farmland as an asset class.

BlackRock hits $14T asset record as it stands firm on private credit
ALTERNATIVES JAN 15, 2026
BlackRock hits $14T asset record as it stands firm on private credit

The Larry Fink-led asset manager posted strong inflows and fee growth to end 2025, while insisting credit conditions are stable in its core portfolios.

LPL tops 6,000 CFP professionals as CFP Board hails new growth milestones
INDEPENDENT BROKER DEALERS JAN 15, 2026
LPL tops 6,000 CFP professionals as CFP Board hails new growth milestones

New data show LPL, Edward Jones, and other national players leading amid a surge in credential holders, with more women and diverse advisors entering the field.

FMG names co-founder Christensen as new CEO, reshapes C-suite
FINTECH JAN 15, 2026
FMG names co-founder Christensen as new CEO, reshapes C-suite

Leadership shakeup adds former Salesforce and LPL executives to guide product, data and technology strategy for the advisor-focused platform.

RIA moves: Integrated expands in Kansas with $300M Pisces Wealth
RIA NEWS JAN 14, 2026
RIA moves: Integrated expands in Kansas with $300M Pisces Wealth

Also, Bluespring's latest addition forms a $1.7 billion practice, while Credent unveils a deal double to start its 2026 acquisition season.