$3.5 billion adviser team leaves UBS for Raymond James

The team of six advisers joins the firm's employee unit in Honolulu.
JUN 27, 2017

A team of six representatives and four assistants managing $3.5 billion in assets at the UBS office in Honolulu, Hawaii, has joined the employee unit of Raymond James. Operating as the Kikawa Group, the veteran-led team is headed by Ronald Kikawa and includes Karen K.Y. Yasukawa, Gregg Matsuura, Wesley K. Yamamoto, Susanne M. Millard and Paul Yamashita. Moving with them are planner Kelly Kimura, analyst Reid Kobashigawa and associates Ashley Caneso and Lindsay Kikawa Yoshiki. (More: See all the latest moves in the Advisers on the Move database) Mr. Kikawa started his financial services career in 1976 at E.F. Hutton and moved to Kemper Securities in 1988. When it closed, he joined Smith Barney in 1996, and moved to UBS in 2007. Ms. Yasukawa began her career at Aetna Financial Services in 1986, and then joined Kemper Securities, where she began partnering with Mr. Kikawa in 1994. She moved with him to Smith Barney and UBS. Mr. Matsuura began his financial services career in 2000 at Smith Barney, where he joined Mr. Kikawa and Ms. Yasukawa. Mr. Yamamoto began his financial services career with Prudential Securities in 1996, spent 15 years with Wells Fargo and then joined the team at UBS in 2010. Ms. Millard began her career at Merrill Lynch in 1978, joined Smith Barney in 2005 and moved with the team to UBS in 2007. (More: Large independent broker-dealers continue to make headway with recruits) Mr. Yamashita began his career as an auditor at Union Bank of California in Los Angeles, worked for Ernst & Young in Frankfurt, Germany, and Honolulu, and then joined the Bank of Hawaii and later American Savings Bank. He joined the team at UBS in 2008.

Latest News

The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training
The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training

From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.

Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry
Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry

"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.

SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says
SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says

Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.

Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest
Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest

Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.

Trump executive order set to ease path for private assets in 401(k)s, but hurdles remain
Trump executive order set to ease path for private assets in 401(k)s, but hurdles remain

A new PitchBook analysis unpacks sticking points relating to liquidity, costs, and litigation risk for would-be investors and plan sponsors.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.