The Top Financial Advisors in the USA: Navigating Challenges and Delivering Growth
As the financial landscape in the United States continues to be shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, low interest rates, and a tumultuous electoral environment, the role of financial advisors has become increasingly critical. The latest report from InvestmentNews highlights the exceptional performance of the Top Financial Advisors of 2025, who have not only weathered these stormy conditions but also achieved notable growth in assets under management (AUM) and client relationships.
Rising to the Challenge
Financial advisors across the nation have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years. Dave Goodsell, executive director at the Natixis Center for Investor Insight, emphasizes the critical need for advisors to adapt to changing economic conditions. “Investment assumptions are being tested by lower inflation, lower rates, and slowing growth,” he notes, adding that clients are increasingly demanding specialized services while expecting strong investment performance.
Against this backdrop, InvestmentNews recognized a select group of advisors for their outstanding achievements from August 2023 to August 2024. Collectively, these advisors delivered a remarkable 19% growth in AUM and 10% growth in clients, overseeing a staggering total of $77 billion in AUM.
A Collaborative Approach
One common theme among the Top Advisors is the importance of team collaboration and leveraging technology to navigate complex portfolios. Advisors highlighted their success as a collective effort rather than an individual achievement. Their ability to effectively communicate with clients and understand their emotional and financial needs has set them apart in a crowded market.
Meet the Top Advisors of 2025
1. Jeff DeHaan – Clearwater Capital Partners
- AUM Growth: 28%
- Client Growth: 8%
- Location: Hoffman Estates, IL
DeHaan emphasizes a thorough approach in understanding clients’ entire financial landscape. “We focus on getting to know the ins and outs of our client families,” he states, attributing much of their new client relationships to referrals.
2. Ted Lauzen – Grey Fox Wealth Advisors
- AUM Growth: 67%
- Client Growth: 90%
- Location: Rockland, DE
A former combat helicopter pilot, Lauzen draws from his experiences in the military to provide stability and confidence to his clients. “We’re always in the boat with our clients," he echoes the importance of trust during turbulent times.
3. Wayne McCormick – McCormick Wealth Management of Steward Partners
- AUM Growth: 26%
- Client Growth: 18%
- Location: Manchester, NH
McCormick highlights a meticulous approach to both client onboarding and operational efficiency, ensuring that new client relationships align with his firm’s values and long-term vision.
4. Tim DiSette – Infinitas LLC
- AUM Growth: 48%
- Client Growth: 16%
- Location: Overland Park, KS
DiSette, who values the lessons learned from his upbringing in a farming family, stresses the importance of holistic financial planning and the integration of younger professionals skilled in technology to enhance service offerings.
5. Gregory Guenther – GRANTvest Financial Group
- AUM Growth: 34%
- Client Growth: 133%
- Location: Matawan, NJ
Guenther’s commitment to client education and common-sense financial advice underpins his philosophy. His focus remains on prioritizing client needs above all else.
Strategies for Growth
Each of these advisors implements unique strategies to foster growth while maintaining high service standards. McCormick, for instance, has consistently sought partnerships to avoid overextending his team. He is highly selective about new clients, emphasizing a long-term relationship over short-term profit.
DiSette conducts regular evaluations of his firm’s processes, seeking advice from external consultants to refine workflows and enhance client onboarding. He recognizes the necessity for adaptability in facing the complexities of financial planning.
Lauzen’s growth rests on delivering exceptional service daily. He acknowledges the difficulty in finding capable staff but emphasizes the importance of having dedicated and conscientious advisors to manage clients’ legacies.
DeHaan warns that managing growth can become a double-edged sword. “Making sure that we maintain the standards we expect of ourselves is one of the hardest things any business has to do," he says, highlighting the ever-present challenge of sustaining quality amidst rapid growth.
Conclusion
The Top Financial Advisors of 2025 demonstrate that in a landscape fraught with challenges, agility, expertise, and client-centric approaches reign supreme. As they navigate through complex circumstances, their guiding principle remains clear: the best outcomes for clients come from dedication, transparency, and a commitment to excellence in financial management.
With their proven track records, these advisors not only inspire trust among their clients but also set a powerful example for the future of financial advising.
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