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In the increasingly crowded financial advisory space, technical competence and market acumen are no longer enough. Today’s clients expect more – and they’re vocal about what makes a financial advisor not just competent, but truly exceptional.
And within that, being independent brings its own added dimension that more and more clients are seeking.
InvestmentNews has compiled a prestigious list of the 5-Star Independent Advisors 2025 based on real testimonials from clients across the country. What has emerged is a clear portrait of what it takes to stand out: empathy, clarity, commitment, and a holistic human approach.
Empowerment through independence
As the industry evolves, more financial professionals are embracing independence – and for good reason. According to Stephen Caruso, associate director of wealth management at Cerulli Associates, the independent model empowers advisors to deliver a more personalized, agile, and planning-centric experience that traditional channels often cannot match.
Free from the product-pushing mandates often found in wirehouses or bank-affiliated firms, independent advisors can offer broader product selection and portfolio construction tailored to each client.
“The independent channels really are focused on that financial advice,” says Caruso. “In some cases, you have more choice around product selection, which can lend itself to creating more unique portfolios for your clients or helping them kind of access the markets in a diversified or different way.”
Caruso also notes that Registered Investment Advisors were early adopters of the planning-first model, emphasizing long-term goal achievement rather than short-term sales.
The challenge and reward of entrepreneurship
Yet, independence isn’t without its hurdles. Advisors leaving the structure of large firms must learn to wear multiple hats: advisor, CEO, operations manager, and marketer.
“You may have been really good at managing your clients,” says Caruso, “but independent advisors need to spend more time focusing on the nitty-gritty, administrative details – and that’s a challenge.”
The most successful independent advisors navigate this shift by developing strong time management skills and learning to work on the business, not just in it. Scaling an independent practice requires building systems, delegating, and embracing a leadership mindset.
Caruso warns against becoming an “accidental leader” stuck in day-to-day minutiae.
Staying ahead through education and communication
With the constant evolution of investment products, especially the growing interest in alternative assets, leading independent advisors have to stay current with market developments and product innovation to offer relevant, timely solutions.
Equally crucial is the ability to communicate these insights clearly to clients. Whether through internal tools, partnerships with asset managers, or external research sources, staying informed isn’t just about knowledge – it’s about translating that into actionable client guidance.
Listening first
Across multiple client accounts, one trait rises to the top: the ability to listen. For instance, one of the 5-Star winners, based in South Carolina, was praised not only for their technical skill, but for treating financial planning as a partnership – centering clients’ goals and values at every step.
Active listening allows advisors to uncover deeper motivations, family dynamics, fears, and aspirations that may not show up on a balance sheet.
Another standout 5-Star advisor was lauded for her empathy, especially in emotionally complex situations like divorce or the loss of a spouse. Her clients describe her as an advocate – someone who listens deeply, asks the right questions, and walks with them through challenging transitions.
Clarity in complexity: Making the technical understandable
Another distinguishing characteristic is the ability to demystify the complex. Whether it’s outlining estate planning strategies or managing multifaceted wealth divisions during divorce, exceptional advisors simplify without condescending. Clients praise being given succinct and clear explanations that always circle back to their personal goals.
Reports of 5-Star advisors being able to break down intricate financial concepts into digestible, emotionally resonant advice was repeatedly mentioned. In an era of overwhelming information, clarity is a lifeline.
Responsiveness and reliability: Small gestures, big impact
Many clients highlighted the 5-Star advisors’ ability to respond swiftly – sometimes within the hour. In an age where delayed responses from service providers are the norm, prompt communication builds trust and demonstrates commitment. It’s about offering clients peace of mind that they’re not alone in navigating decisions.
Holistic service and going beyond the numbers
Clients increasingly value a 360-degree approach that transcends investment portfolios. Top advisors coordinate with estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and family members to ensure alignment on broader goals. Some help navigate healthcare, support charitable giving, or integrate faith and values into investment strategies.
One 5-Star advisor was described as an “anchor” for his clients. He weaves deep personal relationships into financial planning, even engaging clients over shared hobbies. His dedication builds trust that goes well beyond returns.
Similarly, another 5-Star winner was commended for helping elderly clients with everything from tech issues to DMV renewals – treating clients not just as investors but as extended family. This concierge-level support reflects a service ethos that transcends industry expectations.
Community engagement and philanthropy: Values in action
Several of the 5-Star advisors distinguish themselves through philanthropic efforts and community involvement, supporting organizations like Ronald McDonald House and local food banks. These actions resonate with clients, especially those who prioritize values-based living and investing.
Advisors who mirror their clients’ commitment to giving back not only earn loyalty, but foster alignment that deepens the advisor-client bond. For example, one advisor takes this a step further with a patented methodology to align investment choices with client values, making ESG and impact investing more tangible and effective.
Customization and inclusivity: Treating each client like a priority
In a sector often focused on high-net-worth individuals, some advisors are breaking the mould by providing multi-family-office-level service to clients who wouldn’t traditionally qualify. Others are especially adept at serving niche needs, such as business owners, with succession planning and tax optimization tools.
Meanwhile, another 5-Star advisor was spotlighted for their commitment to home visits, family-focused strategies, and pre-emptive planning, as life events speak to a bespoke level of care that many firms overlook. This shows clients reject the one-size-fits-all approach in favor of human-first financial planning.
The intangible edge: Heart, passion, and purpose
Ultimately, what separates a good advisor from a great one isn’t credentials – it’s character. Advisors who lead with purpose, curiosity, and a genuine desire to help often leave the most lasting impressions. Clients told IN about their advisors’ emotional intelligence, which builds lifelong loyalty.
Advisors who show up with heart – who anticipate needs, nurture relationships, and strive for constant growth – are the ones clients trust and remain with.
Empowerment through true independence
Scott Van Den Berg - Century Management Financial Advisors
With over three decades of experience, Scott Van Den Berg has built his practice around a core principle that independence is a powerful advantage that drives better client outcomes.
For the 5-Star Advisor, operating independently is about more than autonomy. He says, “It gives me the freedom to operate without conflicts – no proprietary products to push, no quotas to hit – just the ability to focus entirely on what’s in each client’s best interest.”
In turn, independence allows Van Den Berg to choose the tools, software, and research that help deliver those results.
“Whether it’s building customized portfolios, modeling retirement scenarios, or stress-testing financial plans, I’m not locked into a one-size-fits-all platform,” says the Austin, TX-based advisor. “I can use what I believe works best – what gives clients the clearest picture and the most thoughtful path forward.”
Van Den Berg has noticed a growing awareness among prospective clients around this point. Increasingly, over the last few years, they are asking questions about whether he is a fiduciary, if he operates independently, and whether his practice is fee-only. This shift, he believes, signals a broader demand for transparency and client-focused guidance. “People want to know who’s really sitting on their side of the table,” he says.
As many of Van Den Berg’s clients approach or enter retirement, their priorities naturally evolve – focusing on tax-efficient income, asset protection, and legacy planning. But in recent years, he has also seen rising anxiety about market volatility, inflation, and potential tax changes. His independent status allows him to pivot and respond to these concerns without delay or interference.
Ultimately, he views his role not just as an advisor. “People are looking for more than just financial advice – they’re looking for a trusted partner,” he says.
Kirk Badii - Badii Group Private Wealth Management
Kirk Badii grounds his approach in trust, proactivity, and personalization rooted in the freedom and flexibility that come with being an independent advisor.
“There’s no conflict of interest. We’re not having to sell any specific firm products. We’re focused on solutions rather than selling products, and that’s the biggest difference,” he says.
Specializing in working with business owners looking to sell, Badii brings seasoned experience and a clear, client-first philosophy.
Badii, based in Southlake, TX, is an advocate of ongoing, responsive communication. Whether it’s a brief check-in, a video call, or an in-person meeting, his clients know he will answer.
“You’d be surprised how many people don’t pick up the phone anymore,” he adds. “Our clients like the fact that we are always reachable.”
In addition, he believes that successful financial advice is not just about numbers – it’s about helping clients maintain their quality of life.
“We do a really good job making sure they’re able to sleep at night and not have to worry about these things, and they can spend their personal time with their families and doing the things they love.”
With all the volatility over the past year, Badii has taken action to assure clients by going over their time horizons, risk tolerance levels, and liquidity needs. This consistency and diligence are illustrated by the firm winning local and national awards over the last four years.
“We take a proactive, hands-on approach,” adds Badii. “We always want to make sure that we and our clients are confident and comfortable with the way the portfolios have been positioned.”
David Mammina - Coastline Wealth Management
Being able to access products and services without any constraints is of high value to David Mammina.
“I'm not beholden to any company to tell me what I should be using for a client, which I don’t think is always going to be in the best interest of what the client needs,” he says. “No one service or investment is going to work for every single client, being independent allows me to use everything that's out there.”
Over the last 12 to 18 months, the Port Jefferson, NY-based advisor has noticed clients looking for alternative investments, such as private credit and equity, along with other ways to diversify their portfolios. He has responded by using his independence to their benefit.
“Anybody can sell a stock on Google, but do you have the availability to go to a certain alternative manager, private credit firm or private equity firm, and have access to their investments?,” Mammina adds. “That’s what helps me fill this void that these clients have had over the past year or two.”
Coastline Wealth Management operates somewhat of a “brain trust” where its collection of advisors appreciate their own individual knowledge gaps but come together to find solutions. This is compounded by clients generally becoming more knowledgeable about investments.
Mammina says, “I'm not always going to be-all and know everything. So, the fact that we have this team of advisors that I can count on for some really good ideas is what helps me shine compared to competitors.”
Building trust is paramount for the 5-Star Advisor and he focuses on creating relationships that last. This enables clients to have peace of mind that his advice always has their best interests in mind.
“I say to them, ‘This is what I feel you should do from an investment standpoint’ – it’s never a sales pitch.”
InvestmentNews’ 5-Star Independent Advisors celebrate the nation’s leading financial advisors, as chosen by their clients. This award seeks to answer a single, crucial question: Who are the best advisors in the US when it comes to prioritizing their clients’ interests?
Drawing from a diverse pool of financial professionals, this recognition highlights outstanding examples of passion, dedication, and commitment. Readers were invited to nominate advisors who had delivered exceptional support, evaluated against these five key criteria: communication, portfolio performance, investment knowledge, client trust, and customer service.
Unlike awards based on AUM, the 5-Star Independent Advisors are honored for the exceptional quality of service they provide to their clients.
