Raymond James scores a recruitment double with two Edward Jones advisors

Raymond James has expanded its independent advisor network with the addition of two financial professionals who were previously affiliated with Edward Jones, strengthening its presence in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

In Anchorage, Alaska, Al Biss has affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services. He has launched Biss Wealth Partners with registered representative Vanessa Carpenter, providing services including retirement planning, charitable giving, tax efficiency, and legacy strategies.

Raymond James Financial Services is the independent broker-dealer division of Raymond James, which supports more than 8,700 financial advisors across the US.

Biss brings more than 25 years of experience to the firm. He was named to the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list in Alaska in 2022, 2023 and 2024. A third-generation Alaskan, Biss is also active in various local community efforts.

“Al and his team are a welcome addition to our growing footprint in Alaska,” Sanjiv Shukla, western assistant division director for Raymond James Financial Services, said in a statement.

Raymond James's has been expanding slowly but surely in the Last Frontier since opening its first Alaska office in June last year. Before Biss Wealth Partners, the firm welcomed a $740 million team from Merrill Lynch to the Juneau, Alaska office of Raymond James & Associates, its employee advisor channel. 

More recently, the firm also welcomed Joel Mitchell in Spokane, Washington, where he has established Leading Light Wealth Management under RJFS. Mitchell is joined by registered office manager Jenifer Champlin. His practice focuses on business owners, clients managing sudden wealth, individuals preparing for retirement, and corporate retirement plans.

Mitchell has 18 years of industry experience and holds several professional designations. Prior to joining Raymond James, he and Champlin worked together at Edward Jones.

Raymond James's latest additions extend its history of recruiting experienced advisors from Edward Jones. That included a fourth-quarter burst of conversions across various states, spanning Washington, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.