The 2025 recruitment season has officially begun at LPL and Raymond James as the two firms announce the newest advisor additions to their respective platforms.
On Monday, LPL announced John Somerville, a veteran with over 40 years of experience, has joined its employee advisor channel in a newly opened Linsco office in California.
Along with client service associate Debora McKenzie-Jakushak, Somerville has launched Somerville Wealth Management in Santa Barbara after transitioning from D.A. Davidson & Co., where he managed approximately $280 million in advisory, brokerage, and retirement plan assets.
“Building relationships has always been my passion, and I make a point to truly listen to clients as they discuss their financial dreams, concerns and goals,” Somerville said in a statement. He added that the move to LPL provides him with an opportunity to “grow my practice and provide clients with the highest level of service.”
Somerville Wealth Management will focus on offering comprehensive financial planning to a range of clients, including high-net-worth families, business owners, and professionals.
Meanwhile, Raymond James also bolstered its advisor ranks by welcoming Chris Helton to Raymond James Financial Services, its independent advisor channel.
Operating as Helton Wealth Management in Huntsville, Alabama, Helton also specializes in serving high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and those who are approaching or in retirement. He managed approximately $400 million in client assets at his previous firm, Synovus Securities, where he was affiliated since 2010.
“Raymond James offers the type of independent environment that I want to operate in, where I can focus solely on helping my clients with all aspects of their financial lives,” Helton said in a statement Thursday, noting that the firm’s advanced technology and resources provide him with the flexibility to deliver high-quality service to his clients.
Merrill's latest hires span Colorado to Louisiana, even as industry-wide recruiting data suggests the firm is losing almost as many advisors as it gains.
The $36 million buy allegedly hid inflated books and a $50 million diversion.
“An award citing emotional distress is very unusual,” an industry executive said.
New EBRI research found workers who participated in employer financial education reported higher confidence, literacy and financial satisfaction.
Beyond operational excellence, the winning advisors of the future are the ones who can reach across multiple disciplines without discarding specialist skills.
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
