The Top Financial Advisors in the USA: 2025 Edition
February 10, 2025 — In an increasingly complex financial landscape shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, fluctuating interest rates, and the psychological toll of election cycles, financial advisors in the United States have faced significant challenges over the past year. In this environment, the cream of the crop have not only weathered the storm but have excelled, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
According to the latest recognition from InvestmentNews for their "Top Advisors 2025," the best financial advisors have collectively demonstrated impressive growth in Assets Under Management (AUM) and client bases between August 2023 and August 2024. The Top Advisors cohort reported an overall 19% increase in AUM and 10% in client growth, overseeing a combined $77 billion in AUM. This achievement reflects their profound understanding of the pressing needs of their clients and their ability to innovate in times of uncertainty.
Navigating Challenges with Expertise
Dave Goodsell, executive director at the Natixis Center for Investor Insight, emphasizes the unique pressures faced by advisors today. “Investment assumptions are being tested by lower inflation, lower rates, and slowing growth," he states, illustrating the complex environment advisors are navigating. He adds that clients are increasingly demanding specialized services while maintaining high expectations for investment performance, turning portfolio construction into a multi-faceted challenge involving a broader array of products and private investments.
Highlights from the Top Advisors of 2025
Several of those recognized for their outstanding performances shared insights into the strategies that set them apart in a competitive field.
Jeff DeHaan – Clearwater Capital Partners
AUM Growth: 28%
Client Growth: 8%
Location: Hoffman Estates, IL
Jeff DeHaan, managing partner of Clearwater Capital Partners, attributes his success to a thorough understanding of his clients’ financial landscapes. "We want the right answer, not the quick and easy one," he explains, underscoring the depth of service provided to clients. DeHaan notes that referrals are key to their growth, with the majority of new client relationships arising from existing client recommendations.
Ted Lauzen – Grey Fox Wealth Advisors
AUM Growth: 67%
Client Growth: 90%
Location: Rockland, DE
Ted Lauzen, a former US Marine helicopter pilot, draws parallels between his military experience and his financial advisory work. “We’re always in the boat with our clients," he emphasizes, reflecting on the importance of building trust and providing genuine support. His commitment to high service levels has been central to his dramatic client and AUM increase.
Wayne McCormick – McCormick Wealth Management of Steward Partners
AUM Growth: 26%
Client Growth: 18%
Location: Manchester, NH
Wayne McCormick focuses on operational efficiency within his team and prioritizes building long-lasting client relationships. His approach to onboarding new clients is deliberate, ensuring a strong alignment of values and expectations. “I measure potential clients not necessarily by their assets…but by whether it’s a good fit,” he elaborates.
Tim DiSette – Infinitas LLC
AUM Growth: 48%
Client Growth: 16%
Location: Overland Park, KS
Tim DiSette credits his success to empathy and compassion developed from his upbringing in a farming family. This perspective shapes his approach to financial planning, focusing holistically on each client’s circumstances and employing external consultants to refine workflows.
Gregory Guenther – GRANTvest Financial Group
AUM Growth: 34%
Client Growth: 133%
Location: Matawan, NJ
Gregory Guenther, known for his educational approach to finance, aims to bring common sense advice into his client interactions. His unwavering principle of putting clients first has enabled him to sustain and grow his client base significantly.
Strategies for Sustained Growth
The collective success of these top advisors is not merely a reflection of favorable market conditions but is rooted in strategic planning and execution. Many advisors emphasize the importance of team dynamics and the integration of technology to enhance client service. For example, McCormick and DiSette have both highlighted the significance of continual improvement in their operational processes to better serve their clients’ needs.
Lauzen’s focus on high-quality service has also driven client retention and acquisition. He points out the challenging nature of finding high-caliber advisors to join his team, underscoring the need for qualified professionals who resonate with the firm’s values.
As these financial advisors illustrate, the road to success is paved with dedication to client understanding, effective team collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to responsiveness and service excellence. Their experiences and journeys not only provide insights but also set standards for upcoming professionals in the industry.
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, the lessons learned from these Top Advisors will be crucial, not just for their own practices but for the broader financial advisory landscape navigating through complexities and uncertainties.