The Top Financial Advisors in the USA: Recognizing Excellence in Wealth Management
February 10, 2025
In an era marked by geopolitical challenges, fluctuating interest rates, and an unpredictable electoral landscape, financial advisors in the United States are facing unprecedented challenges. A recent report by InvestmentNews highlights the most distinguished wealth management professionals who have not only navigated these turbulent seas but have thrived despite the odds.
Rising to the Challenge
The financial advisory industry has had to adapt rapidly as clients demand more specialized services while facing the realities of low inflation and slower growth. As noted by Dave Goodsell, Executive Director at the Natixis Center for Investor Insight, the market’s complexities have pushed advisors to rethink investment strategies and strengthen client communication.
“Investment assumptions are being tested by lower inflation, lower rates, and slowing growth…Portfolio construction is becoming more complex as advisors adopt a wide range of new products and look to incorporate private investments in their strategies,” Goodsell highlights.
The 2025 cohort of top financial advisors has shown resilience, reporting impressive growth metrics from August 2023 to August 2024:
- 19% growth in Assets Under Management (AUM)
- 10% increase in client growth
- Oversight of $77.15 billion in AUM
Celebrating the Best: The Top Advisors of 2025
InvestmentNews has recognized several advisors for their remarkable achievements. These professionals demonstrate the importance of team efforts, innovative use of technology, and exceptional client communication skills.
Jeff DeHaan – Clearwater Capital Partners
- AUM Growth: 28%
- Client Growth: 8%
- Location: Hoffman Estates, IL
DeHaan emphasizes a holistic approach in wealth management, focusing on truly understanding his clients’ financial landscapes. “It’s not taking the easy or quick answer but really digging in with our client families,” he states. His commitment to personalized service has resulted in a client referral strategy that fuels new business.
Ted Lauzen – Grey Fox Wealth Advisors
- AUM Growth: 67%
- Client Growth: 90%
- Location: Rockland, DE
Drawing from his military background as a US Marine, Lauzen brings a unique perspective to wealth management. He prioritizes building trust with clients, stating, “We’re always in the boat with our clients,” emphasizing the importance of a reliable partnership in financial advisory.
Wayne McCormick – McCormick Wealth Management of Steward Partners
- AUM Growth: 26%
- Client Growth: 18%
- Location: Manchester, NH
McCormick stands out for his strategic approach to team operations and client relationship management. “We constantly ask, what’s the extra that we can provide?” he describes, highlighting the importance of efficient processes in enhancing client experiences.
Tim DiSette – Infinitas LLC
- AUM Growth: 48%
- Client Growth: 16%
- Location: Overland Park, KS
Growing up in a farming family, DiSette emphasizes compassion in his wealth management approach. His firm embraces technology and often seeks external consultants to refine processes and improve client engagement strategies.
Gregory Guenther – GRANTvest Financial Group
- AUM Growth: 34%
- Client Growth: 133%
- Location: Matawan, NJ
Guenther’s commitment to education and accessible financial advice has led to substantial growth, particularly his impressive client increase of over 133%. His belief in putting the client first remains central to his firm’s mission.
Strategies for Growth
The advisors recognized in this report attribute their success to their team dynamics, operational efficiency, and a commitment to client service. For McCormick, hiring the right talent is crucial. “I measure potential clients not necessarily by their assets. They might not be a good fit if they’re looking for a service that we don’t offer,” he notes, emphasizing a careful approach to client relations.
For DiSette, the focus remains on holistic financial planning, while Lauzen underscores the need for outstanding service that exceeds client expectations. Each advisor has carved a niche in their respective markets, demonstrating that success in financial advisory requires not only technical knowledge but also emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills.
Conclusion
As the financial landscape continues to evolve, these top advisors exemplify the dedication and expertise necessary to navigate through uncertainty. Their stories highlight the complexities of wealth management today and underscore the importance of strong advisory relationships founded on trust, efficiency, and integrity.
With their proven track records, these leading financial advisors are setting the standard for excellence and innovation in an increasingly challenging environment.