Newborn son inspires $160M advisor to go independent  

Deciding to go independent can be daunting, but compelling reasons to take the plunge are hard to ignore, as one Chicagoland advisor found.

Andrew Kutanovski comes from a family of financial services professionals, but it’s the newest member of his family who motivated his decision to switch from AIG’s Corebridge Financial (formerly Valic), where he managed around $160 million in client assets, to LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms, for the launch of his new independent practice.

“I started thinking about the legacy that I want to leave behind for my newborn son and the type of advisor I want to be,” he said. “I decided to go independent so I have choice and control in how I build my practice and can always keep my clients’ best interests at top of mind, without restrictions.”

He has launched Kutanovski Wealth Management after eight years as a financial advisor and four years after gaining his CFP certification, with personalization at the heart of the services he offers to his clients.

“We cater to a wide range of clients, from individuals and affluent families to businesses and non-profit organizations, helping them pursue financial prosperity through strategic planning, sound investment management and personalized counsel,” he added.

Scott Posner, LPL Financial executive vice president of business development, said autonomous control remains key for advisors choosing its independent model.

“The transition to independence empowers advisors to define their practice philosophy, support and service levels. We look forward to supporting Andrew’s entire team for years to come,” he said.