Team of 16 advisors with $1.5B AUM switch firms to build on 14-year growth

Team of 16 advisors with $1.5B AUM switch firms to build on 14-year growth
The firm, founded in 2009 during the financial crisis, is ready for its next phase.
AUG 22, 2023

A team of 16 advisors and 12 support staff are changing their affiliation to build on the substantial growth they have enjoyed over the past 14 years.

Watermark Wealth Management has offices in Scottsdale, Chandler and Payson, Arizona, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was founded in 2009 during the financial crisis by partner and director of estate planning, Carmen Cercone, and partner Kyle Richardson.

The firm is switching from Kestra to LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms having seen AUM grow from $230 million to $1.5 billion.

“Our goal has always been to encourage organic growth by recruiting advisors who have demonstrated high ethical moral practices and are committed to putting clients first,” said Cerrone. “We are a one-stop shop and work with other professionals and centers of influence to help ensure our clients’ financial needs are addressed.”

As well as the two founding partners, Watermark Wealth Management’s leadership team also includes Aaron Gordon, Rich Liberante and Jake Cercone.

LPL attracted 268 advisors to its various channels in the three months ended in June, according to the InvestmentNews Advisors on the Move database.

Latest News

LPL, Raymond James score fresh recruits in advisor recruiting battle
LPL, Raymond James score fresh recruits in advisor recruiting battle

Two firms land teams managing more than $1.1 billion in combined assets from Kestra and Edward Jones.

Edward Jones facing more race bias claims in new lawsuit
Edward Jones facing more race bias claims in new lawsuit

A private partnership, Edward Jones is a giant in the retail brokerage industry with more than 20,000 financial advisors.

Advisor moves: LPL recruitment momentum continues with $815M Northwestern Mutual team
Advisor moves: LPL recruitment momentum continues with $815M Northwestern Mutual team

Meanwhile, Raymond James and Tritonpoint Partners separately welcomed father-son teams, including a breakaway from UBS in Missouri.

SEC chief Atkins signals caution on prediction market ETFs amid broader rethink of novel fund structures
SEC chief Atkins signals caution on prediction market ETFs amid broader rethink of novel fund structures

Paul Atkins has asked staff to solicit public comment on novel ETFs, pausing the clock on as many as 24 filings linked to the booming event contracts market.

Private capital's $1 trillion bet on the American retirement account
Private capital's $1 trillion bet on the American retirement account

From 401(k)s to retail funds, Deloitte sees private equity and credit crossing into mainstream investing on two fronts at once.

SPONSORED Are hedge funds the missing ingredient?

Wellington explores how multi strategy hedge funds may enhance diversification

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management