Advisor moves: RBC, Wells Fargo welcome UBS alums

Advisor moves: RBC, Wells Fargo welcome UBS alums
From left: Financial advisors Thomas Austin and Ryan Smith, with senior registered client associate Elizabeth Moynihan, at the Austin and Smith Wealth Management Group.
Meanwhile, Raymond James bolsters its employee advisor channel with a former Janney pair in Pennsylvania.
MAY 16, 2025

RBC and Wells Fargo have each bolstered their ranks this week with new hires from UBS, while Raymond James expands its own employee advisor channel with an experienced duo switching from a rival broker-dealer.

RBC Wealth management announced it has added a $500 million team in New York, with the Austin and Smith Wealth Management Group joining the firm’s Syracuse branch from UBS.

The team includes financial advisors Thomas Austin and Ryan Smith, as well as senior registered client associate Elizabeth Moynihan. Combined, the group brings more than 50 years of industry experience and focuses on planning and wealth strategies for individuals, institutions, and business owners.

“The Austin and Smith group is a well-respected and experienced team with a high-quality book of business,” said Frank Albanese, Great Lakes Complex director at RBC. “We are excited to welcome them to RBC.”

The addition supports RBC’s ongoing expansion in the Great Lakes Complex, where the firm has opened three new offices and brought on 35 advisors over the past four years.

RBC's most recent advisor additions include a $5-billion ensemble from JPMorgan Wealth Management and a billion-dollar advisor formerly with US Bank, with both moves happening last month.

At Wells Fargo Advisors, Thomas Robinson joined the Private Client Group after departing UBS. With more than two decades in the industry, Robinson brings over $184 million in client assets and generates more than $2.1 million in annual production as he operates in Boston, Massachussetts.

Earlier this week, Wells Fargo also welcomed Roswell Steadman to its bank-based channel in the Carolina East market. Steadman arrives from Raymond James with nearly $100 million in AUM and more than $1 million in production.

He has eight years of experience in financial services under his belt following a six-year career in the Marine Corps infantry where he completed his service as a sergeant.

Meanwhile, Raymond James has recruited veteran advisors Lisa Fouraker and Steven Victor to its employee channel, Raymond James & Associates. The Pennsylvania-based pair previously managed over $165 million at Janney Montgomery Scott. Their team also includes sales associate Joshua Fouraker and senior registered client service associate Mary Kane.

Fouraker began her advisory career at Smith Barney in 1997 after working in the tech sector, while Victor entered the business in 1983 and brings over 40 years of experience.

Prior to Janney, both Fouraker and Victor had stops at RBC, Citi, and Merrill Lynch at various points in their careers, according to their BrokerCheck records.

Both advisors will operate under the supervision of Kelly Anderson, Northeast divisional director at Raymond James, as they serve a range of clients, including business owners, nonprofits, and retirees.

Earlier this week, Raymond James made another addition to RJA with the arrival of Seth Diamond, also a veteran from Janney, in Connecticut.

Latest News

Why the off-channel comms problem is far from solved
Why the off-channel comms problem is far from solved

Despite a lighter regulatory outlook and staffing disruptions at the SEC, one compliance expert says RIA firms shouldn't expect a "free pass."

RIA moves: Carson Group marks deal milestone as Simon Quick continues slow-growth strategy
RIA moves: Carson Group marks deal milestone as Simon Quick continues slow-growth strategy

Carson has fully acquired another firm in Florida, while Simon Quick Advisors finds its third perfect-fit partner in a Las Vegas-based boutique.

FINRA penalizes another broker dealer for social media miscues
FINRA penalizes another broker dealer for social media miscues

FINRA has been focused on firms and their use of social media for several years.

How much do affluent clients love fee-based planning?
How much do affluent clients love fee-based planning?

The model has surged in popularity thanks to its fiduciary appeal, but the show is far from over for no-fee and commission-based arrangements.

Wall Street rush into Vanguard-style funds draws concerns
Wall Street rush into Vanguard-style funds draws concerns

Asset managers filing to launch dual share-class mutual funds, creating an ETF sleeve for existing strategies, could end up eroding key benefits of the wrapper.

SPONSORED Beyond the dashboard: Making wealth tech human

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

SPONSORED The evolution of private credit

From direct lending to asset-based finance to commercial real estate debt.