LPL, Raymond James, and Merrill have notched fresh wins in their recruitment efforts over the past week, with LPL welcoming two advisor groups over from Cetera, while Raymond James added an ex-Stifel team and Merrill announcing two additions from Morgan Stanley.
In California, LPL announced that Steve Williams has now moved his integrated tax-and-planning practice from Cetera. Along with colleagues Jobel Rentino and Kirk Hunter, he has brought roughly $340 million in client assets from Cetera.
Williams, whose BrokerCheck record shows most of his 30 years of industry experience with Avantax, built his practice on a family legacystarted decades ago when his father launched a tax preparation business in Los Alamitos. Williams grew that foundation into Williams Tax & Financial Services, a full-service financial planning operation that blends tax expertise with investment management for clients working through retirement income questions.
Also joining LPL from Cetera Wealth Services is Dawn Parks, whose Dallas-Fort Worth practice Sunny Day Financial caters heavily to women navigating retirement, including a significant number of widows and single women. Parks built her business around a listening-first approach to advice, working alongside Investment Operations Manager Karen Umpierre to manage some $150 million in client assets.
“I strive to be available and approachable when my clients need me,” Parks said. “Everyone has different concerns and values, so we tailor our plans to fit their individual needs.
Over on the East Coast, a three-generation family operation has also made a move. Jim and Kelley Tate, along with their sons Jake and Alex, departed Stifel for Raymond James' independent advisor channel, Raymond James Financial Services (RJFS). The team reported managing $262 million in assets under management at their previous firm.
Based in Venice, Florida, Green Fairways Wealth Management serves business owners, healthcare professionals and retirees. Jim brings over 40 years of industry experience, while Jake specializes in multigenerational wealth transfer planning – an increasingly important niche as baby boomers pass assets to their children.
The GFWM team is joined by clent service associate Imelda Locke.
Meanwhile, the churn continued over in the wirehouse world as two advisors have left Morgan Stanley for Merrill.
Brie Edmunds relocated her practice, which oversees roughly $400 million in assets, to Merrill's Deer Park office in the Chicago North market, which is led by Market Executive Marcus Jean-Simon. Reoirtubg $1 million in production, Edmunds was recognized among the top women advisors in Forbes' best-in-state rankings for 2026.
Elsewhere in Tennessee, Fred Dasso brought his $220 million book of business to Merrill's Nashville office, which is led by Market Executive Tyson Moore. A seasoned veteran with 27 years of industry experience – who began his career as a registered broker with Merrill in New York, according to hs BrokerCheck record – Dasso also reported $1 million in production.
House-passed measure would let fraud victims deduct losses and waive early-withdrawal penalties on stolen retirement funds.
Anthropic's Enterprise plan offers advisors stronger data controls — but smaller RIAs may struggle with the cost.
Partnership with DPL adds Jackson and Protective to insurance marketplace as fee-based annuities gain traction with fiduciary advisors.
Morgan Stanley is one of the leading wealth management companies in the country.
South Carolina and Bay Area advisory teams join the WPCG-backed national platform as RIA dealmaking hits new highs.
Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains
Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income
