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 3544 results
Schwab to snap up private-shares platform Forge Global in $660M deal
ALTERNATIVES NOV 06, 2025
Schwab to snap up private-shares platform Forge Global in $660M deal

The RIA custody and brokerage giant's announcement highlights a growing push among major brokerages to bring private market investments to retail and RIA clients.

'Death by 5,000 cuts': How Alaris is taking aim at RIA deal frustration
FINTECH NOV 05, 2025
'Death by 5,000 cuts': How Alaris is taking aim at RIA deal frustration

The AI-powered deal consultancy's new Buyer Portal promises to put transparency and compatibility ahead of costly bidding wars.

Which US states have gotten more – and less – tax-friendly?
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT NOV 05, 2025
Which US states have gotten more – and less – tax-friendly?

The Tax Foundation gives shoutouts to Tennessee, Iowa, and three other index improvers, while calling out five states that have fallen furthest in tax competitiveness.

Finra suspends former Morgan Stanley rep over transfers from ex-spouse's IRA
WIREHOUSES NOV 05, 2025
Finra suspends former Morgan Stanley rep over transfers from ex-spouse's IRA

Over a dozen transfers the veteran Milwaukee advisor made to a joint brokerage account violated Finra's rules, according to the regulator.

Elevation Point builds wealth leadership with new president, wealth solutions head roles
RIA NEWS NOV 05, 2025
Elevation Point builds wealth leadership with new president, wealth solutions head roles

The self-described growth accelerator announced its newest hires, with experience from UBS and United Capital, as it continues to expand support for RIA partners.

RIA moves: Wealth Enhancement acquires $464M Wise Wealth
INDEPENDENT BROKER DEALERS NOV 05, 2025
RIA moves: Wealth Enhancement acquires $464M Wise Wealth

Bluespring also secured its eighth acquisition for 2025, a $1.4 billion Kestra affiliate firm, while $609B behemoth Mariner extended its footprint.

LPL OSJ Perennial taps Edward Jones for chief growth officer role
INDEPENDENT BROKER DEALERS NOV 05, 2025
LPL OSJ Perennial taps Edward Jones for chief growth officer role

The ex-head of experienced advisor recruitment at Edward Jones arrives as her former firm extends its retirement and banking offerings.

Advisors’ optimism rises, but caution tempers outlook as year-end 2025 approaches
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT NOV 04, 2025
Advisors’ optimism rises, but caution tempers outlook as year-end 2025 approaches

Independent RIA survey finds market bullishness has climbed 65%, though concerns around a correction, shifting US policies, and recession risk are still lingering.

IPO, crypto ETF approvals go through SEC triage as shutdown drags on
EQUITIES NOV 04, 2025
IPO, crypto ETF approvals go through SEC triage as shutdown drags on

The Securities and Exchange Commission's work around easing alternatives in 401(k)s has also slowed down as staff furloughs bite at the agency.

Schwab opens ProDirect program to more RIAs, citing strong industry growth
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT NOV 04, 2025
Schwab opens ProDirect program to more RIAs, citing strong industry growth

With industry growth accelerating, Schwab is extending its fee-based support program to a broader range of independent advisory firms.