The Top Financial Advisors in the USA: InvestmentNews Reveals 2025 Standouts
February 10, 2025 — In a period marked by geopolitical turbulence, low interest rates, and a divisive election cycle, the financial advisory landscape in the United States has faced unprecedented challenges. Against this backdrop, InvestmentNews has recognized the Top Financial Advisors of 2025, honoring those who have not only persevered but excelled in managing assets and growing their client bases through expert guidance and unwavering client commitment.
Navigating Complexity Amid Uncertainty
The financial environment in recent times has tested conventional investment assumptions. Dave Goodsell, Executive Director at the Natixis Center for Investor Insight, highlights several converging factors demanding elevated advisory expertise: “Investment assumptions are being tested by lower inflation, lower rates, and slowing growth; clients are demanding more specialized services while holding high expectations for investment performance; and portfolio construction is becoming more complex as advisors adopt a wide range of new products and look to incorporate private investments in their strategies.”
Despite these headwinds, the cohort of 2025’s Top Advisors have collectively demonstrated impressive achievements from August 2023 to August 2024:
- 19% increase in assets under management (AUM)
- 10% growth in client numbers
- Supervising a combined $77.15 billion in AUM
Such performance underscores the exceptional skill sets of these advisors in client communication, emotional intelligence, and adept integration of technology, all supported by robust team dynamics.
Profiles of Excellence: Meet the Top Advisors
Several individuals stand out for their distinctive approaches and notable growth figures:
Jeff DeHaan — Clearwater Capital Partners (Hoffman Estates, IL)
- AUM Growth: 28%
- Client Growth: 8%
DeHaan attributes his success to a comprehensive, family-focused approach: “We don’t take the easy or quick answer. We dig deep into the entirety of our clients’ financial worlds to make the right recommendations, ensuring long-term success. Most of our new relationships come from referrals.”
Ted Lauzen — Grey Fox Wealth Advisors (Rockland, DE)
- AUM Growth: 67%
- Client Growth: 90%
A former US Marine combat pilot in Afghanistan, Lauzen channels his mission-driven mindset into client service. “I love bringing stability and confidence, much like in the battlefield. I handle the hassle so my clients can enjoy the fruits of their efforts. Our value is in being trustworthy, hardworking, and consistently available during tough times.”
Wayne McCormick — McCormick Wealth Management of Steward Partners (Manchester, NH)
- AUM Growth: 26%
- Client Growth: 18%
McCormick stresses efficiency and innovative thinking, supported by his talented associates. “Competence and investments are table stakes. We push ourselves to think outside the box, anticipating client needs they haven’t yet considered. I believe clients must care about their money as much as we do.”
Tim DiSette — Infinitas LLC (Overland Park, KS)
- AUM Growth: 48%
- Client Growth: 16%
Growing up in a farming family instilled in DiSette a strong work ethic and compassion. “Working alongside hardworking people shaped my values. Today, technology and a talented younger team enable us to deliver comprehensive financial planning holistically, covering everything from estate to charitable planning.”
Gregory Guenther — GRANTvest Financial Group (Matawan, NJ)
- AUM Growth: 34%
- Client Growth: 133%
Guenther, known for his extensive financial and retirement planning, embraces education as key: “My goal is to help clients achieve financial comfort through common-sense strategies. Our success formula remains simple — put the client first and always do the right thing.”
Strategies Behind Sustained Growth
Behind their impressive numbers, these advisors share common themes that fuel their accomplishments:
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Selective Client Acquisition
Wayne McCormick carefully vets new clients for alignment, focusing on lifetime relationships. “We want partnerships built on mutual fit and understanding, not just asset size.” -
Leveraging External Expertise
Tim DiSette credits external consultants for refining workflows and client onboarding, helping his firm break through complexity ceilings and enhancing operational efficiency. -
Team Expansion with Purpose
McCormick and Lauzen both emphasize bringing in skilled partners and advisors to sustain service quality while managing growth. Hiring emphasizes character and a commitment to investor-centered standards. -
Client-Centered Service Excellence
Ted Lauzen stresses exceeding everyday expectations with responsive service. “Exceptional care builds long-term trust and growth.” -
Managing Growth Without Compromise
Jeff DeHaan acknowledges the challenge of maintaining standards amid expansion. “Managing growth is tough, but we remain meticulous in upholding our service quality and client trust.”
The Road Ahead
As the investment climate continues to evolve, the 2025 Top Financial Advisors exemplify how adaptability, deep client relationships, and technology integration can drive success. Their stories provide a roadmap for industry peers aiming to balance growth with personalized, principled service in a complex financial world.
For more details and to explore the full methodology behind InvestmentNews’ Top Advisors list, visit InvestmentNews Best in Wealth.