Latest news with #Cetera
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cetera introduces new AI platform for financial advisors
Cetera Financial Group has introduced IntelligenceEngine, a suite of AI-driven tools designed to assist financial professionals in enhancing growth by converting client data into actionable insights. This new platform aims to unlock potential value within existing client portfolios. IntelligenceEngine integrates advanced analytics, planning technology, and client engagement tools into a cohesive growth platform tailored for modern financial advisors and institutions. The primary objective is to provide advisors with insights that reinforce client relationships and promote growth in their share of client assets. It is the branded version of Cetera's Share of Wallet Suite, which offers a connected ecosystem of both proprietary and third-party tools aimed at identifying and activating revenue opportunities. The components of this suite are designed to streamline processes, reveal hidden value, and facilitate prompt action by advisors. Cetera chief solutions officer Christian Mitchell said: 'With IntelligenceEngine, we're enabling advisors to scale meaningful conversations and drive measurable outcomes from their existing client base.' 'This solution was designed to strategically connect the dots between data, planning, and action. Each element powers the next, creating a multiplier effect on efficiency and growth Key features of IntelligenceEngine include the GrowthLine Commercial Activation Engine, which identifies market opportunities and prioritises client segments for targeted outreach. This system ensures that advisors can effectively engage with dormant clients and optimise wallet share. Additionally, the Jump AI Software utilises natural language processing to extract insights from advisor-client meetings, capturing essential action items and behavioural signals that inform GrowthLine's outreach strategies. The platform also includes AdviceWorks Account Aggregation, which allows clients to link external accounts, providing advisors with a comprehensive view of client assets. Furthermore, MoneyGuide and eMoney Financial Planning Software enable advisors to assess total household assets and identify overlooked opportunities. Cetera's Financial Plan Design Group creates customised financial plans that reveal new asset potentials and enhance advisor efficiency, while the Advanced Time Segmentation strategy offers a structured approach to retirement income aligned with client goals. In May this year, Jump partnered with Cetera to integrate its AI meeting assistant, enhancing scalability and compliance within Cetera's operations. "Cetera introduces new AI platform for financial advisors" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cetera CEO Durbin Cites 4 RIA Options as Differentiator for New Indie Channel
You can find original article here Wealthmanagement. Subscribe to our free daily Wealthmanagement newsletter. Cetera Financial Group CEO Mike Durbin believes the firm's recently created RIA channel will attract both internal and external advisors, partly due to its multi-model approach. In a market shifting toward independent registered investment advisor models, Durbin sees Cetera as uniquely positioned to offer options ranging from fee-only, fiduciary-focused advice to hybrid models with commission-based business, to independent 1099s operating on Cetera's platform. 'We've clustered all those into this new channel because that is this confluence of RIAs [models], and/or going to market and doing the direct provision of advice and guidance to the end household as a Cetera advisor,' he said. The San Diego-based broker/dealer's channel combines four existing advisor groups created through years of acquisition. It includes The Retirement Planning Group, a fee-only W-2 model; Avantax Planning Partners, a hybrid W-2 model; Cetera Investors, a supported independence model through over 40 branch offices; and Cetera Blueprint, a platform offering for affiliate RIAs. 'We have the resources of a 12,000-advisor organization, but [you] still have [your] posse,' Durbin said. '[They] still do trips together, the sales leadership is the same, the service escalation leaders are the same—we think it's the right way to go about it.' Durbin said he expects the 'rate of growth' to be the largest across the firm's five advisor channels, but this is due in part to the 'law of small numbers.' The RIA channel, which is a conglomeration of four existing models, has just under $35 billion in AUM among over 600 advisors. He said that growth will come from two areas. One is Cetera's ability to see advisors in its network through the full cycle of evolution, from a startup 1099 to a larger firm that needs supported services and offerings, to finally selling the firm. 'We can accommodate all of that inside the four walls of Cetera,' he said. 'There's nothing more hurtful—and thankfully there is less and less of it now—than when we hear we've lost a team because they left us to take a different form somewhere else. [They] really can stay here.' The second area is recruiting external firms, which range from independent, hybrid broker/dealer breakaways to existing small RIAs. 'We're getting growth internally and externally in this RIA channel,' he said. 'The real thesis is that this secular trend toward more RIA-centric offerings is sort of undeniable, so we have to be there.' Some Cetera competitors have been in the market with independent RIA channels, including LPL Financial, Raymond James and Wells Fargo. In the meantime, broker/dealer Osaic recently announced it is acquiring a $13.5 billion RIA, CW Advisors. 'These big, legacy broker/dealers are playing defense because a lot of breakaway broker movement goes from the independent broker/dealers to the RIAs,' said Tim Welsh, president and CEO of consultancy Nexus Strategy. 'That's not always easy to do, particularly if you have some commission-based business. ... [Cetera] is saying, 'don't leave us, stay here with Cetera because you can tap into these four channels.'' Welsh said that may work for those in the independent broker/dealer space. But he doesn't see RIAs making the move as they have already made the transition and have several low-cost custodians to choose from. 'They've already cracked the code,' he said. 'So [independent broker/dealers] are not going to get inflows from existing RIAs—they'll come from defecting broker/dealer reps.' Durbin did note the industry's move toward fee-only, fiduciary-based advice. However, he also said the most vibrant growth will be in hybrid RIA models that want to retain some commission business and need a friendly broker/dealer for their license. He also sees Cetera competing with mega-RIAs moving toward more centralized service offerings. 'If you join some of these mega-RIAs, part of how they're driving value is narrowing the field of play, [having] centralized financial planning, centralized investment management, you've got to use [their] models, you have to use [their] vendors,' he said. 'Our architecture is wildly open because we need to be credible with 12,000 independent contractors.' Cetera offers a self-clearing custodial option and third-party choice with Fidelity's National Financial Services, BNY Pershing and Charles Schwab. Over the past few months, it has been hiring leaders to drive the new channel. Cetera recently announced that Jen Hanau, formerly Mariner's national managing director for independent channels, would lead the RIA channel. Durbin also noted Cetera hired John Lefferts, who came from Equitable Advisors and knows the hybrid, supported-independence model, and Andina Anderson, who had experience at Envestnet's Tamarac, to run Cetera's Blueprint platform. 'We're putting serious investment behind this fifth channel, and we've gone to market to bring in specific subject matter, expertise and experience in those activities,' he said. Cetera's other four existing channels are its advisor channel, institutions channel, a large enterprise channel and a tax and accounting channel. Durbin said the array of options has helped the firm recruit Commonwealth advisors since LPL announced it was acquiring the broker/dealer. He said Cetera has prospects in four recruiting channels and two 'signed wins' in two. 'If we're doing our job right in the consultative selling process, we're talking to a Commonwealth team, getting to know their business better, and saying, 'Oh, you have a really high tax orientation, you'd be great for our tax channel,'' he said. 'Same for large enterprise, same for bank, same for independent practice.' Cetera has been aggressively targeting Commonwealth advisors. In April, President Todd Mackay wrote an open letter inviting them to join them. Then, in June, after speaking with those advisors, he followed up, highlighting what Cetera can provide. Durbin said LPL's direction in filings about the deal shows that the approach 'will be upended,' partly by changing the clearing firm and the technology for its advisors. LPL leadership, for its part, has said it will keep the Commonwealth brand and ethos, forecasting a 90% retention rate of advisors. Durbin said Cetera feels the Commonwealth group is a good target because they 'go to the market through channels and communities.' 'We're not a 12,000 advisor company, but one of communities,' he said. 'Why is that important? Because what made Commonwealth great was their embrace of community.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cetera Launches Dedicated RIA and Branches Channel to be Led by Wealth Management Industry Veteran Jen Hanau
Cetera's fifth and newest dedicated channel will support Independent RIAs, its owned W-2 RIA businesses and the supported independence branches model SAN DIEGO, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cetera today announced the launch of its Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) and Branches Channel, further expanding Cetera's commitment to delivering tailored solutions for advisors choosing to operate as an independent RIA, within Cetera's W-2 RIA models or in Cetera's supported independence model, which has more than 40 branches nationwide. Seasoned wealth management executive Jen Hanau has been hired as the RIA and Branches Channel Leader, bringing more than two decades of experience in advisor recruitment, platform development, and strategic growth to Cetera. The new RIA and Branches Channel will manage Cetera's independent RIA services, W-2 employee-based RIA models, and supported independent businesses, providing advisors with flexible affiliation models and robust support to grow their practices. This initiative reflects Cetera's ongoing investment in the RIA and supported independence spaces and its dedication to empowering advisors with the tools and resources needed to grow and thrive in today's dynamic financial services industry. Cetera's RIA and Branches Channel has more than 600 advisors overseeing approximately $33.5 billion in total client assets as of March 2025. The new RIA and Branches Channel encompasses Cetera's multiple offerings within communities, including: Avantax Planning Partners – a tax-focused, hybrid W-2 RIA model that partners with CPA firms to provide their clients with holistic wealth management services built on comprehensive tax and financial planning. Cetera Investors – a network of more than 40 branch offices enabling financial advisors to operate independently, backed by the infrastructure, compliance, and operational support of a Cetera-managed branches model. Cetera Blueprint – a unique community that supports Cetera advisors in realizing the benefits of owning their own RIA with the assistance of an experienced partner, as well as advisors who are on the path to building an RIA. The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG) – a fee-only, W-2 RIA model providing clients with wealth management services through comprehensive planning. "The launch of our RIA and Branches Channel marks a significant milestone in Cetera's evolution, underscoring our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of advisors and clients," said Cetera Wealth Management President Todd Mackay. "Jen Hanau's extensive experience and visionary leadership make her the ideal choice to spearhead this channel, and we are confident that under her guidance, our RIA and Branches Channel will set new standards for excellence and innovation." Hanau joins Cetera from Mariner, where she served as National Managing Director of the firm's independent channels. In that role, she was instrumental in expanding the platform and enhancing its full-service support model, focused on helping advisors deliver exceptional client experiences. Prior to Mariner, Hanau held leadership positions at Fidelity Investments and Charles Schwab, with a focus on advisor recruitment and consulting on the benefits of the RIA model. "I'm honored to lead Cetera's RIA and Branches Channel and am excited to build a platform prioritizing clients' best interests," said Hanau. "Cetera's commitment to innovation and advisor support aligns perfectly with my passion for empowering advisors to achieve their professional goals while delivering exceptional service to their clients." Hanau will be responsible for developing and executing sales strategies, leading client-facing teams, and driving business growth through innovative and collaborative efforts. Hanau's hiring reflects Cetera's dedication to attracting and retaining top talent. The new RIA and Branches Channel joins Cetera's existing channels – the Advisor Channel, Institutions Channel, Large Enterprise Channel, and Tax & Accounting Channel, each of which are comprised of unique communities designed to foster collaboration among like-minded advisors. About CeteraCetera Financial Group is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms. Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice – blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth. As of March 31, 2025, Cetera manages more than $554 billion in assets under administration and $246 billion in assets under management. Its award-winning Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 40,000 advisor reviews, with over 35,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction score. Learn more at and follow Cetera on LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and Facebook. "Cetera Financial Group" refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser, and the following FINRA/SIPC members: Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. Located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cetera Financial Group Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Avantax Named Finalist in Practice Management Category at the 2025 WealthManagement.com "Wealthies" Industry Awards
Home-grown "Rise to Elite" program helping Financial Professionals to grow their practice has quickly evolved into a defining element of the Avantax Community DALLAS, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Avantax, a community of tax-focused financial professionals within Cetera, has been recognized as a finalist in the 2025 Wealth Management Industry Awards ("Wealthies")* for Practice Management among broker-dealers with 1,000 or more advisors. Now in its 11th year, the annual Industry Awards honors the individuals, organizations and companies that help financial advisors build better businesses and pursue better outcomes for their clients. Avantax is a 2025 "Wealthies" finalist for "Avantax Rise to Elite," its home-grown, complimentary peer-to-peer coaching program for firms aspiring to achieve significant growth in their wealth management business. Crafted by the Avantax Home Office team and Avantax Financial Professionals specifically for their growth-oriented peers, the curriculum offers scalable, repeatable business strategies complemented by coaching and accountability partners. Rise to Elite offers peer mentorship for financial professionals. It provides collaborative growth through coaching, strategic planning, and ongoing support. Central to its ethos is the provision of access to small group coaching sessions, where advisors can engage in discussions, share insights, and glean wisdom and best practices from experienced mentors. The program ensures participants are equipped with tools and knowledge needed to grow their firms to the next level and serve clients effectively. Beyond instruction, the program helps foster meaningful relationships with successful Financial Professionals who share similar aspirations and objectives. Results achieved by Rise to Elite graduates underscore the program's efficacy. For example, there's a notable uptick in both AUA and client acquisition among program participants, and on average, Rise to Elite graduates report a 15% to 20% year-over-year increase in their AUM in comparison to similarly situated peers. "The momentum behind Rise to Elite over the past year has been truly remarkable," said Nona Rosa, Advisor Growth Coaching Officer at Cetera. "What started as a new program has quickly evolved into a defining element of the Avantax Community. It embodies our belief that success is amplified through our community's unique approach to collaboration – where advisors not only strive for their own growth but passionately celebrate the achievements of their peers. That spirit of unity and shared purpose is what makes Rise to Elite so powerful." Rosa said long-time elite independent Avantax financial advisor Kyle Johnson, a coach in the Rise to Elite program and owner of Link Wealth Strategies in Topeka, Kansas, personifies advisors' spirit of collaboration. "Watching advisors grow through Rise to Elite this past year has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career," Johnson said. "This isn't just about hitting milestones, it's about unlocking potential, building confidence, and creating a growth culture where success is shared. The camaraderie, the breakthroughs, the personal wins – every single moment we're together – reinforces why this program matters. It's a privilege to help guide such driven professionals along their unique growth journeys." Avantax will be recognized alongside other finalists at the Wealth Management Industry Awards Gala, which will take place Sept. 4, 2025, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Tax and financial professionals can learn more about Avantax by clicking here. About Avantax®Avantax, a unique community within Cetera Holdings ("Cetera"), delivers tax-intelligent wealth management solutions for financial professionals, tax professionals and CPA firms, supporting its goal of minimizing clients' tax burdens through comprehensive tax-intelligent financial planning. Avantax has two distinct, but related, models within its business: the independent Financial Professional model and the employee-based model. Avantax refers to its independent Financial Professional model as Avantax Wealth Management®. Avantax Wealth Management (AWM) works with a nationwide network of Financial Professionals operating as independent contractors and offers its services through its registered broker-dealer, Avantax Investment Services, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, registered investment advisor (RIA), Avantax Advisory Services, Inc., and insurance agency subsidiaries. We refer to our employee-based model as Avantax Planning Partners℠. Avantax Planning Partners offers services through its RIA, insurance agency, and affiliated broker-dealer, Avantax Investment Services, Inc., and partners with CPA firms to provide their consumer and small-business clients with holistic financial planning and advisory services. Avantax is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cetera Holdings, which refers to Aretec Group, Inc. For additional information, please visit *The Industry Awards program recognizes outstanding organizations and individuals that support financial advisor success. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Avantax Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cetera Recognized as Finalist for Three "Wealthies" Awards
SAN DIEGO, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cetera and its affiliated companies ("Cetera") have been recognized as a finalist for three 2025 Wealth Management Industry Awards ("Wealthies")* in the categories of Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year, Transition Support, and Practice Management. Cetera will be recognized alongside other finalists at the Wealth Management Industry Awards Gala, Sept. 4, 2025, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Cetera is a 2025 "Wealthies" finalist for the following initiatives: Omni Channel Campaign– Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year – Cetera earned a nomination for Digital Campaign of the Year in recognition of our GrowthLine's program's** measurable success and market impact – a strategic commercial acceleration program within its Growth360 platform. GrowthLine provides affiliated advisors with a data-driven blueprint for accelerating growth – integrating strategic planning, marketing enablement, and client acquisition support. Central to the campaign was the debut of Cetera's industry-first Growth Guarantee, which pledges 50% faster growth in assets under administration, or a full refund of affiliation fees. Through this dynamic, omni-channel launch strategy, the campaign delivered exceptional engagement and further solidified Cetera's reputation as the industry's most invested partner in advisor growth. Onboarding Navigator – Transition Support – Onboarding Navigator, Cetera's latest evolution of its award-winning Accesslink onboarding program, introduces enhanced real-time, interactive reporting capabilities that empower stakeholders with comprehensive progress tracking from both a project management and asset realization standpoint. Designed to streamline and support every aspect of the transition and onboarding process, this updated iteration offers greater transparency and personalized assistance. With features such as weekly progress reports, advisor training programs, and timely book-of-business reviews, Onboarding Navigator ensures a seamless, well-supported experience for all involved. Avantax "Rise to Elite" Peer Mentorship Program – Practice Management – Rise to Elite from Avantax, a community of tax-focused financial professionals within Cetera Holdings***, is a home-grown, complimentary peer-to-peer coaching program for firms aspiring to achieve significant growth in their wealth management business. Crafted by the Avantax Home Office team and Avantax financial professionals specifically for their growth-oriented peers, the curriculum offers scalable, repeatable business strategies complemented by coaching and accountability partners. Now in its 11th year, the annual industry awards program – known as the "Wealthies" – honors individuals, organizations and companies that help financial advisors build better businesses and pursue better outcomes for their clients. More than 1,200 nominations were submitted for Wealthies 2025 consideration. About CeteraCetera Financial Group is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms. Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice – blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's four-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth. As of March 31, 2025, Cetera manages more than $554 billion in assets under administration and $246 billion in assets under management. Its award-winning Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 40,000 advisor reviews, with over 35,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction score. Learn more at and follow Cetera on LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and Facebook. "Cetera Financial Group" refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser, and the following FINRA/SIPC members: Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. Located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. Avantax, a unique community within Cetera Holdings, delivers tax-intelligent wealth management solutions for financial professionals, tax professionals and CPA firms, supporting its goal of minimizing clients' tax burdens through comprehensive tax-intelligent financial planning. Avantax Wealth Management (AWM) works with a nationwide network of Financial Professionals operating as independent contractors and offers its services through its registered broker-dealer, Avantax Investment Services, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, registered investment advisor (RIA), Avantax Advisory Services, Inc., and insurance agency subsidiaries. For additional information, please visit *The Industry Awards program recognizes outstanding organizations and individuals that support financial advisor success. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award. ** If an advisor joins a broker-dealer and/or registered investment adviser affiliated with Cetera Financial Group, Inc. (a "Cetera Company") and participates in our GrowthLine program, but does not grow assets under administration at least 50% faster than their peer group during the year following the latter of the date the program is completed or that advisor's four-month affiliation anniversary (the "Measurement Period"), then the Cetera Company will refund the advisor's affiliation fees for that year, up to $2,400, upon request (the "Growth Guarantee"). "Peer Group" includes all individuals who registered with a Cetera Company before 2020 and remained registered throughout the Measurement Period and who had verified assets under administration exceeding $20,000,000 at the beginning of the Measurement Period. The GrowthLine Program is a marketing program and does not improve clients' account performance or provide investment advice. For purposes of the Growth Guarantee, market performance is excluded from the comparison of the advisor's growth rate and the Peer Group's growth rate during the Measurement Period. The Growth Guarantee is only available to the primary principal of new affiliates of a Cetera Company that have reviewed the Growth Guarantee terms and conditions and have completed all aspects of the GrowthLine program within six months of affiliation. The Growth Guarantee is limited to one primary principal from each newly affiliating group of advisors joining as a team. Refund requests must be received within 90 days of the expiration of the Measurement Period. Affiliation Fees will be refunded within four weeks of a valid refund request along with supporting documentation. No other charges, expenses or market losses will be refunded. The Growth Guarantee does not modify or alter the terms and conditions of any agreements between the advisor and a Cetera Company and/or affiliate. An advisor is not eligible for the Growth Guarantee if: currently affiliated with a Cetera Company, no affiliation fee was paid by the advisor, the advisor's affiliation is a result of a merger or acquisition, and/or the advisor has an outside registered investment adviser firm. Other restrictions may apply. Cetera reserves the right to change or terminate the Growth Guarantee at any time. *** Cetera Holdings, which refers to Aretec Group, Inc., is the parent company of Avantax and Cetera Financial Group, Inc. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cetera Financial Group
