The Top Financial Advisors in the USA: Exceptional Performance Amid Challenges

As financial markets continue to face turbulent conditions marked by geopolitical uncertainty, low interest rates, and election-related volatility, the role of financial advisors has become increasingly critical. InvestmentNews recently recognized a group of elite financial advisors who have successfully navigated these choppy waters while enhancing their assets under management (AUM) and growing their client bases.

Economic Landscape and Its Impact on Advisors

The current economic climate presents unique challenges for financial advisors. Dave Goodsell, executive director at the Natixis Center for Investor Insight, elaborates on the difficulties faced by these professionals. "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," he explains. In this complicated landscape, effective portfolio construction has become pivotal, often involving the integration of private investments.

Recognizing the skills and dedication of the best advisors, InvestmentNews has compiled its "Top Advisors of 2025." This selection was based on nominations from industry insiders, as well as significant performance metrics in asset growth and client development achieved between August 2023 and August 2024. The Top Advisors collectively achieved an impressive 19% growth in AUM, 10% growth in client numbers, and currently oversee more than $77 billion in AUM.

Characteristics of Success

The advisors on InvestmentNews’ list credit their success to a combination of teamwork, a commitment to technology, and most importantly, their ability to maintain client relationships and communicate effectively. Here are some of the standout advisors recognized for their exceptional performance:

Jeff DeHaan – Clearwater Capital Partners

• AUM Growth: 28%
• Client Growth: 8%
• Location: Hoffman Estates, IL

DeHaan emphasizes the importance of diving deep into clients’ holistic financial situations. "We want the right answer, not the quick and easy one," he states. Most of his new client acquisitions come from referrals, highlighting the trust they place in Clearwater Capital Partners.

Ted Lauzen – Grey Fox Wealth Advisors

• AUM Growth: 67%
• Client Growth: 90%
• Location: Rockland, DE

Formerly a helicopter pilot for the US Marines, Lauzen now applies the stability and reliability he developed in combat situations to his client interactions. He believes that supporting his clients through challenging times is paramount to building lasting relationships.

Wayne McCormick – McCormick Wealth Management of Steward Partners

• AUM Growth: 26%
• Client Growth: 18%
• Location: Manchester, NH

McCormick continuously strives to refine internal processes to enhance efficiency. He is selective when onboarding new clients, ensuring they align well with his firm’s services, thereby fostering long-term relationships.

Tim DiSette – Infinitas LLC

• AUM Growth: 48%
• Client Growth: 16%
• Location: Overland Park, KS

With roots in a farming family business, DiSette prioritizes a compassionate understanding of his clients’ financial journeys. His firm places an emphasis on cash-flow-based financial planning, examining all facets of a client’s situation.

Gregory Guenther – GRANTvest Financial Group

• AUM Growth: 34%
• Client Growth: 133%
• Location: Matawan, NJ

Guenther prioritizes education and strategic financial advice aimed at achieving client comfort and financial freedom. His guiding principle is to always put the client first and act with integrity.

Strategies Driving Growth

Advisors across the board have implemented innovative strategies and approaches that have led to significant growth:

• Strategic Hiring: McCormick acknowledged that the need for additional staff has been driven by increasing client demand, prompting a thorough nine-month search for a new partner to maintain high service levels.

• Holistic Financial Planning: DiSette’s firm focuses on a cash-flow-based approach while engaging external consultants to improve operational workflows and client onboarding processes.

• Responsive Services: Lauzen emphasizes that exceeding client expectations consistently is vital for long-term retention and growth.

Each of these distinguished advisors underscores the importance of personal commitment to client relationships while adapting to the demands of a rapidly changing financial environment.

Conclusion

The exemplary performance of these top financial advisors in the USA illustrates not only their individual successes but also the adaptive strategies they employ to thrive amid uncertainty. With resilience, dedication, and a client-first philosophy, they represent the forefront of effective financial advisory services in challenging times.

For more information on how these advisors achieved their status among the best in the industry, visit InvestmentNews.

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