Amid market volatility, persistent inflation, and an aging population that increasingly must shoulder retirement security, the work of the best financial planners in the US has never been more consequential.
Against that backdrop, InvestmentNews' 2026 5-Star Financial Planners report recognizes 80 financial professionals who, over the past 12 months, have demonstrated not only strong performance but also integrity, client-centric innovation, and a clear commitment to helping individuals and families reach their financial goals. Collectively, this year's honorees manage a total AUM of $37.2 billion, serving 26,844 clients with an average AUM of $470.9 million per advisor.
The best financial planners of 2026 go well beyond portfolio management – united by deep personal relationships with clients, behavioral finance coaching, and proactive communication that keeps clients grounded when markets run wild.
For Matthew Cuplin, CEO and president of Midwest Financial Group, the value his firm delivers is fundamentally not just about performance.
"We believe that the product that we deliver is service," he says, asserting that high-touch, responsive client experience is the exception rather than the rule in a market where technology increasingly commoditizes advice.
RJ Cunningham, financial advisor and senior partner at Summit Global Private Wealth, takes a planning-first tack – no product talk, no annuities, no option strategies, and no alternatives until a comprehensive financial plan is firmly in place. And when market turbulence enters the scene, he sees it not as a headwind but as an opportunity.
"Anytime volatility enters, I tell other advisors on our team, this is 'go time,'" he says.
Tax integration and a disciplined, client-centered strategy also distinguish this year's honorees. Faiza Kedir, managing director and partner at Steward Partners, frames her work simply: "Successful financial planning is not about predicting markets – it's about building a thoughtful strategy that helps people live the life they want with confidence and clarity."
Trevor Scotto, partner at Fiduciary Financial Group, echoes that focus on simplicity and alignment, building practices designed to strip complexity out of the planning process so clients can focus on living their lives.
Among this year's honorees, InvestmentNews is proud to spotlight several distinguished luminaries, including:
To read InvestmentNews' full report on the 5-Star Financial Planners in the US for 2026, click here.
Goldman Sachs retirement survey finds 83% want guaranteed income, while the annuities providing that income increasingly hold private credit.
The AI meeting assistant's Advisor Intelligence plugin turns client conversation data into annual reviews, tax scans and attrition alerts.
Chuck Roberts and Stifel have been facing scrutiny due to sales of structured products and structured notes.
Among other updates, the proposals would let advisors to regulated funds earn performance fees and allow interval funds to offer monthly repurchases.
What will financial advice look like 20 years from now? Evan Vladem explores how AI may transform wealth management while reinforcing the enduring value of human guidance, trust, and empathy.
As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor
Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains
