Christopher Cervantes, who managed $564 million at Merrill Lynch, has formed Valorous Advisors in Plano, Texas, and affiliated with Sanctuary Wealth. He will use Bank of New York Mellon Pershing as the firm’s custodian.
Cervantes had been affiliated with Merrill Lynch for 22 years, according to his BrokerCheck report.
Cervantes and his team, which includes wealth planner Tracey A. Gledhill and relationship manager Larry Jackson, specialize in retirement plan consulting.
"Corporate interference has become more and more disruptive over recent years," Cervantes said in a statement. "It became clear to me that we could offer our clients a better experience as an independent firm free from those distractions."
Chasing productivity is one thing, but when you're cutting corners, missing details, and making mistakes, it's time to take a step back.
It is not clear how many employees will be affected, but none of the private partnership’s 20,000 financial advisors will see their jobs at risk.
The historic summer sitting saw a roughly two-thirds pass rate, with most CFP hopefuls falling in the under-40 age group.
"The greed and deception of this Ponzi scheme has resulted in the same way they have throughout history," said Daniel Brubaker, U.S. Postal Inspection Service inspector in charge.
Elsewhere, an advisor formerly with a Commonwealth affiliate firm is launching her own independent practice with an Osaic OSJ.
Stan Gregor, Chairman & CEO of Summit Financial Holdings, explores how RIAs can meet growing demand for family office-style services among mass affluent clients through tax-first planning, technology, and collaboration—positioning firms for long-term success
Chris Vizzi, Co-Founder & Partner of South Coast Investment Advisors, LLC, shares how 2025 estate tax changes—$13.99M per person—offer more than tax savings. Learn how to pass on purpose, values, and vision to unite generations and give wealth lasting meaning
