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Navigating Uncertainty: Meet the Elite Top Advisors of 2025 Driving AUM and Client Growth

March 15, 2025
Smart Money

Celebrating the MVPs of AUM and Client Growth: InvestmentNews’ Top Advisors of 2025

As financial advisors navigate a landscape of geopolitical uncertainty, low interest rates, and a contentious election season, the role of expertise and client communication becomes increasingly vital. Recognizing the exceptional performance of industry veterans, InvestmentNews has unveiled its list of Top Advisors for 2025. This accolade celebrates advisors who not only excel in assets under management (AUM) growth but also those who have successfully expanded their client bases during challenging times.

Navigating Complex Waters

Dave Goodsell, executive director at the Natixis Center for Investor Insight, sheds light on the complexities facing advisors today. "Investment assumptions are being tested by lower inflation, lower rates, and slowing growth," Goodsell emphasizes, detailing how clients are now demanding more specialized services while their expectations for investment performance remain high. Advisors are increasingly tasked with creating nuanced portfolio constructions, incorporating a myriad of new products and private investments into their strategies.

Against this backdrop, the Top Advisors of 2025 have made notable strides. Between August 2023 and August 2024, this select group collectively achieved a 19% increase in AUM and a 10% rise in client growth, managing a total of $77.15 billion in AUM.

Highlighting Top Performers

Several advisors recognized by InvestmentNews have shared insights into their successful strategies and approaches to client management.

Jeff DeHaan – Clearwater Capital Partners

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

As managing partner of Clearwater Capital Partners’ private wealth management division, DeHaan emphasizes a personalized approach. "We want the right answer, not the quick and easy one," he explains, focusing on deeply understanding clients’ financial lives to provide tailored advice. With a client base that largely grows through referrals, DeHaan notes, "The vast majority of our new client relationships come from referrals."

Ted Lauzen – Grey Fox Wealth Advisors

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

Lauzen, a former U.S. Marine helicopter pilot, draws from his experience to instill confidence and stability among his clients. "We’re always in the boat with our clients," he says. Emphasizing a caring and proactive service model, Lauzen highlights the importance of having trustworthy advisors during tough times, stating, "My job is to handle the hassle and the client’s job is to enjoy the fruits of their efforts."

Wayne McCormick – McCormick Wealth Management of Steward Partners

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

McCormick’s focus on operational efficiency sets his team apart. "We constantly ask, what’s the extra that we can provide?" he shares, emphasizing a collaborative approach to client success. He carefully evaluates potential clients, ensuring alignment not just in financial goals but in shared values.

Tim DiSette – Infinitas LLC

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

DiSette’s roots in a farming family foster a deep understanding of hard work and integrity, which he applies to financial planning. His team emphasizes comprehensive planning that encompasses various aspects of clients’ lives. "We wouldn’t be able to be the financial planners we are if we didn’t have younger people with great technical skills around us," DiSette notes, highlighting the power of generational collaboration.

Gregory Guenther – GRANTvest Financial Group

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

Guenther’s passion for educating clients sets his advisory practice apart. "My goal is to help clients achieve financial comfort and freedom through strategy and planning," he emphasizes. By adhering to a client-first principle, Guenther and his team have successfully built long-lasting relationships within their community.

Strategies for Sustained Growth

Advisors such as McCormick, DiSette, Lauzen, DeHaan, and Guenther attribute their growth to different operational strategies and philosophies, underscoring the significance of client relationships and streamlined processes.

McCormick highlights his careful approach to client selection, where compatibility is just as crucial as assets. DiSette advocates for engaging external consultants to refine processes, while Lauzen finds success in consistently exceeding client expectations. DeHaan reflects on the importance of character in hiring new advisors, stating, "If I wouldn’t trust them with my family, then they’re not the right fit for our clients."

As these top advisors demonstrate, effective communication, a proactive service model, and a commitment to continuous improvement remain cornerstones of their success amidst economic uncertainty.

In an era where the financial landscape is evolving rapidly, these Top Advisors of 2025 illuminate the path forward, showcasing resilience and innovation in client management and wealth strategy.