Tobin steps up a level as Easterly positions RIA compliance function for growth

Tobin steps up a level as Easterly positions RIA compliance function for growth
Deb Tobin
Leader leverages a quarter of a century of industry experience.
MAR 06, 2025

Easterly Investment Partners, the RIA business of Easterly Asset Management, has made a change to position the firm for further growth of its operations.

The compliance and legal functions have been segmented with Deb Tobin stepping up to chief compliance officer, having been senior compliance officer for two years. She will continue to report to general counsel Ken Juster, who previously led compliance and will remain as GC.  

“This appointment reinforces our organization’s commitment to compliance and demonstrates our dedication to providing our Strategic Partners with experienced leaders who have the know-how to collaborate and drive business growth,” said Darrell Crate, founder and managing principal of Easterly, who recently joined InvestmentNews anchor Gregg Greenberg to discuss how advisors and their clients can profit in a market and economy at a crossroads.

Tobin has a quarter of a century of experience of compliance in the investment industry with roles at some big name firms including Fidelity Investments, Manulife (where she led the Global Distribution Compliance Center of Expertise), John Hancock, and Financial Engines (before its merger with Edelman).

As well as becoming Easterly Investment Partners’ CCO, Tobin also joins the firm’s management team and will work with the firm’s Strategic Partners to ensure robust compliance policies and procedures are implemented and enforced.  

Easterly Asset Management has also been bolstering its team in recent months, including the hire of a 30-year John Hancock veteran as the new senior vice president of sales for the Northeast region and two new senior vice presidents of Private Market Sales. A year ago, it also hired former managing director and head of the US asset manager group at BlackRock iShares, Phil (PJ) Juliano Jr., as its head of sales.

Latest News

JPMorgan tells fintech firms to start paying for customer data
JPMorgan tells fintech firms to start paying for customer data

The move to charge data aggregators fees totaling hundreds of millions of dollars threatens to upend business models across the industry.

FINRA snapshot shows concentration in largest firms, coastal states
FINRA snapshot shows concentration in largest firms, coastal states

The latest snapshot report reveals large firms overwhelmingly account for branches and registrants as trend of net exits from FINRA continues.

Why advisors to divorcing couples shouldn't bet on who'll stay
Why advisors to divorcing couples shouldn't bet on who'll stay

Siding with the primary contact in a marriage might make sense at first, but having both parties' interests at heart could open a better way forward.

SEC spanks closed Osaic RIA for conflicts, over-charging clients on alternatives
SEC spanks closed Osaic RIA for conflicts, over-charging clients on alternatives

With more than $13 billion in assets, American Portfolios Advisors closed last October.

William Blair taps former Raymond James executive to lead investment management business
William Blair taps former Raymond James executive to lead investment management business

Robert D. Kendall brings decades of experience, including roles at DWS Americas and a former investment unit within Morgan Stanley, as he steps into a global leadership position.

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.