Hybrid RIA Realta scoops up Cetera leader Abbey Eastham

Hybrid RIA Realta scoops up Cetera leader Abbey Eastham
The independent wealth firm is looking to give more advisors a voice through a newly created leadership role.
OCT 21, 2024

Realta Wealth is bolstering its commitment to support independent advisors with the latest addition to its leadership team.

On Monday, the firm announced the appointment of Abbey Eastham as its new head of advisor relations, marking the latest addition to the firm’s growing leadership team.

Eastham, who will report directly to Realta CEO Kevin Keefe, is tasked with strengthening the firm’s connections with its network of independent financial advisors.

Her role is a newly created one, designed to emphasize advisor feedback and enhance service delivery.

"We continue to build a strong leadership team at Realta by adding highly accomplished executives from across the wealth management space," Keefe said in a statement.

Emphasizing the firm's focus on fostering trust with their affiliated advisors, he added: "Abbey is a seasoned pro who will be a fierce advocate for our advisors, ensuring their voices are at the forefront when we make decisions about enhancing our offerings."

With over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Eastham joins Realta after holding senior roles at other firms. Most recently, she served as senior investment solutions manager at Cetera Financial Group, prior to which she was senior vice president of advisor relations at First Allied Securities, the broker-dealer community which Cetera absorbed in 2022.

In her new position at Realta, she will lead the firm's strategic advisory council and work with internal teams to address advisor needs, resolve escalated issues, and develop initiatives aimed at improving the overall advisor experience.

"I am thrilled to begin the next chapter of my career with Realta at such an exciting time for the firm," Eastham said, pledging to "ensure advisors receive the high-touch, bespoke service experience they deserve." 

Eastham's appointment comes on the heels of another announcement earlier this month, in which it named Paul Tyler, a former leader at Ameriprise, as its new senior vice president and director of business development. Earlier this year in May, the broker-dealer and RIA platform welcomed industry veteran John Barragan, who brings experience from Kestra, Goldman Sachs and Cetera, as its new COO.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.