Raymond James has quietly strengthened its independent advisor channel over the past week with new additions across three states – all coming from Edward Jones.
Collectively, the newest affiliates at Raymond James Financial Services managed $385 million.
The most recent addtion to RJFS announced on Election Day, Paul Elliott, previously managed approximately $105 million in client assets. Based in Tampa, Florida, he founded Iron Rock Wealth Management, where he will continue to serve a diverse clientele including families, business owners, and corporate retirement plans.
“Starting an independent practice comes with a lot of important decisions to make ... The philosophy and culture at the firm align with how I want to run my practice and serve my clients.,” Elliott, a US Army veteran with over a decade of experience in financial planning at Edward Jones, said in a statement.
In Cary, North Carolina, RJFS also welcomed Kenneth Buckner and Ryan Tankelewicz, who managed $150 million in client assets at Edward Jones. Their practice, Buckner Wealth Management, is focused on serving pre-retirees, business owners, and healthcare professionals.
The pair joined Raymond James to leverage its technology offerings and operational flexibility. For Buckner, the move also creates an opportunity for advisor succession as passes the torch of his practice on to Tankelewicz.
“By pairing with Ryan as a next-generation advisor, I’m confident that he can help carry out our long-term business plan and provide our clients with the steadfast service they deserve for decades to come,” he said.
Finally, RJFS welcomed former Edward Jones advisor Craig Carroll in Newnan, Georgia, where he joined the already-established team at CoWealth Advisors. The group's services include personalized retirement strategies. generational wealth planning, and estate planning.
Previously managing $130 million in client assets, Carroll noted the firm’s technological and back-office support as crucial to his decision.
RIA industry veterans Jay Hummel and John Phoenix have launched a firm which offers 60% equity to advisors with plans to grow to over $5 billion in AUM, before selling to an institutional investor within five years.
A high-net-worth advisory group leaves Wintrust to embrace independence.
Independent firm joins expanding national advisory network.
New research reveals shifting strategies in financial guidance.
Westlake Village office strengthened by acquisition.
RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.
As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.
