North American wealth has surged over the past few years, and the US remains a dominant engine for new money and complex planning needs.
Against that backdrop, InvestmentNews’ 2026 Top Financial Professionals in the US report highlights 100 advisors whose numbers – and guiding philosophies – stand out in a crowded field.
Beyond posting strong metrics on asset and client growth, the leading practitioners on this year's list embody exemplify the type of success that matters when markets are volatile and client expectations keep rising.
From double-digit growth in AUM and clients to books that weigh in well into the hundreds of millions in assets, the average honoree among InvestmentNews’ 2026 Top Financial Professionals in the US has a lot to hang their hat on. But beyond the numbers, the names and firms in the report are tied together by disciplined planning, tax-aware portfolio construction, and a willingness to invest more time in conversations that go well past returns.
For Jerry Davidse of Presilium Private Wealth, that work shows up in the everyday milestones clients hit along the way. Davidse says a board covered in client thank-you notes is what “drives [him] every day,” a reminder that planning wins are ultimately personal, not just numerical.
Scott Van Den Berg, president of Century Management Financial Advisors, frames his role as helping households stay anchored amid uncertainty. “My role is to help clients adapt thoughtfully as life evolves, stay grounded through uncertainty, and make decisions they won’t regret later,” he says.
Tax integration and collaboration also show up as key differentiators. Trevor Scotto, partner at Fiduciary Financial Group, says clients value a structure where advisors and tax professionals are aligned. “Clients know we act as true fiduciaries, remain independent, and integrate tax and investment decisions rather than treating them in silos,” he says.
Among this year's honorees, InvestmentNews is proud to cast the spotlight on several distinguished luminaries including:
To read InvestmentNews' report on the Top Financial Professionals in the USA for 2026 in full, click here.
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