Advisor moves: LPL nabs G2 Raymond James advisor, Raymond James makes East Coast additions

Advisor moves: LPL nabs G2 Raymond James advisor, Raymond James makes East Coast additions
Also, Merill Lynch scores a billion-dollar recruitment win in New York with a sports-focused advisor defecting from UBS.
MAY 02, 2025

It's been a week of notable moves at LPL, Raymond James, and Merrill Lynch, with the three successfully luring experienced advisors over from rival firms in Texas and key East Coast markets.

LPL adds Texas-based Barlow Capital Advisors

As its first addition for May, LPL Financial has welcomed advisor R. Brennan Barlow to its broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms. Previously affiliated with Raymond James, Barlow reported managing approximately $250 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets.

He leads Barlow Capital Advisors, an independent firm he founded in 2009 in Flower Mound, Texas, just outside of Dallas. The practice includes senior client service associate Keri Alanis and client service associate Amanda Barlow, who is also Barlow’s wife.

The firm, which emphasizes holistic wealth planning, was designed as a family-run business serving a community-centered clientele.

“I believe in the ‘Three P’s’: Protect your wealth, preserve your lifestyle and prevent surprises in retirement,” Barlow said in a statement Thursday. “To that end, I take the time to educate my clients on the wealth management process and then work alongside them to ensure our strategies are consistently angled toward their ideal financial outcome.”

Raymond James expands in the East Coast

Meanwhile, Raymond James has also expanded its independent advisor network with new additions in North Carolina and New York.

In Clinton, North Carolina, advisor Bryan Griffin joined the firm’s independent channel, Raymond James Financial Services. He reportedly oversaw more than $155 million in assets from Edward Jones and now works as managing partner of PineTrust Wealth Partners. The office is led by branch manager Trent Williamson.

While Edward Jones has seen its fair share of advisors bolt to Raymond James over the past year – it also recently lost two experienced professionals in Washington and Alaska – the firm could be approaching a turning point with a bid to offer alts for high-net-worth clients and a leadership shakeup set for June 1..

With more than two decades of industry experience, Griffin focuses on holistic planning and collaboration with clients’ external professional teams, including attorneys and accountants.

Shortly before welcoming Griffin, Raymond James revealed the addition of advisors Kevin Vasilik and Kristi Rossy of Wayfinder Wealth Management to Raymond James Financial Services. Based in Bohemia, New York, the two joined from Ameriprise Financial and previously managed about $130 million in assets.

Vasilik serves as president and CEO of the practice, bringing nearly 30 years of experience to the role. He previously worked in the chemical sector for more than 10 years before transitioning to wealth management. His background includes insurance, investment planning and retirement strategy.

Rossy, managing director, has been a partner in the practice since 2008. Over her 17-year career, she has held various leadership and compliance roles in the financial services industry.

Merrill recruits billion-dollar advisor in New York

Finally, Merrill Lynch announced earlier this week that it has added Peter Borowsky to its advisor ranks in the Big Apple. He previously managed more than $1 billion in client assets at UBS and has been named a Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor for six consecutive years, including his most recent #18 ranking in the 2025 New York City list.

During its latest earnings call on Wednesday, UBS admitted it had experienced "some attrition" as changes it made to its compensation plan last year left a sour taste in the mouths of its US-based advisors.

Borowsky, who joins Merrill’s Rockefeller Center market under market executive Courtney McCarthy, has worked in the industry for more than three decades. He is known for serving high-net-worth clients, professional athletes and entertainers. He is also registered with the NFL Players Association and has a specialized focus on advising professional football players, including active and retired NFL athletes and top draft prospects.

Borowsky began his career as a Merrill trainee before moving on to UBS. His return marks a notable addition to Merrill’s presence in New York.

Latest News

Senate wants changes to Trump’s tax bill; here’s what’s expected
Senate wants changes to Trump’s tax bill; here’s what’s expected

‘Revenge tax’ on foreign investors could be scrapped in new version.

CFTC’s regulatory pioneer Bagley dies aged 96
CFTC’s regulatory pioneer Bagley dies aged 96

Veteran legislator helped set the standard for derivatives regulation.

Getting your head round AI when compliance is a big concern
Getting your head round AI when compliance is a big concern

As industry edges closer to the technology, an expert explains the options.

Advisor headcount down at Bank of America, Osaic and UBS so far in 2025, Wolfe Research analyst says
Advisor headcount down at Bank of America, Osaic and UBS so far in 2025, Wolfe Research analyst says

Counting advisor moves in and out of firms requires some art as well as science.

Carson Group's M&A head sees '10-to-15 year bull market' for RIAs
Carson Group's M&A head sees '10-to-15 year bull market' for RIAs

“I'm just a big believer that based on demographics alone, we are looking at a 10-to-15 year bull market in M&A in the RIA and independent wealth space,” said Michael Belluomini, SVP of M&A at Carson Group.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.

SPONSORED Beyond the dashboard: Making wealth tech human

How intelliflo aims to solve advisors' top tech headaches—without sacrificing the personal touch clients crave