The Top Financial Advisors in the USA: Navigating Challenges and Driving Growth in 2025
InvestmentNews has highlighted the outstanding performance of the top financial advisors across the United States for 2025. In a year marked by geopolitical uncertainty, persistently low interest rates, and a contentious election cycle, these leading advisors have demonstrated remarkable skill in guiding their clients through complex financial landscapes.
Navigating a Challenging Environment
Dave Goodsell, Executive Director at the Natixis Center for Investor Insight, emphasized the multifaceted challenges advisors face today. Investment assumptions are under pressure due to lower inflation, reduced interest rates, and slowing economic growth. At the same time, clients demand increasingly personalized services and have elevated expectations for investment returns. Advisors must also manage increasingly complex portfolios, integrating a diverse range of products including private investments.
In this difficult environment, InvestmentNews’ Top Advisors 2025 distinguished themselves through notable growth metrics. Between August 2023 and August 2024, this cohort achieved:
- 19% average growth in Assets Under Management (AUM)
- 10% client growth
- Oversight of a combined $77.15 billion in AUM
The Role of Teamwork and Technology
Behind these impressive numbers is a consistent reliance on strong team dynamics and technological adeptness. Top advisors credit their teams’ expertise for enabling them to deliver superior client service. The ability to engage clients effectively and address the emotional aspects of wealth management often sets these advisors apart in a competitive field.
Profiles of Leading Advisors in 2025
Jeff DeHaan – Clearwater Capital Partners, Hoffman Estates, IL
- AUM Growth: 28%
- Client Growth: 8%
DeHaan attributes his success to a comprehensive approach focused on truly understanding clients’ entire financial picture. “It’s not taking the easy or quick answer, but really digging in with our client families,” he explains. He highlights that the majority of new client relationships are referral-based, underscoring the value of trust and thorough service.
Ted Lauzen – Grey Fox Wealth Advisors, Rockland, DE
- AUM Growth: 67%
- Client Growth: 90%
A former US Marine Corps light attack helicopter pilot, Lauzen brings a battlefield-tested mindset of stability and confidence to his client relationships. “We’re always in the boat with our clients…It’s incredibly important to have trusted, hardworking, and smart advisors in tough times,” he says. Lauzen’s passion for managing client wealth shines through: “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, Manchester, NH
- AUM Growth: 26%
- Client Growth: 18%
McCormick focuses on operational efficiency and innovative thinking. He believes that credentials and investment strategies are baseline expectations; what distinguishes his team is the extra value they provide, thinking “outside the box and around the corners” for clients. He also stresses the importance of clients caring about their financial future alongside their advisor’s commitment.
Tim DiSette – Infinitas LLC, Overland Park, KS
- AUM Growth: 48%
- Client Growth: 16%
DiSette’s upbringing in a farming family has instilled in him a deep compassion for hardworking individuals, which shapes his client-first approach. He emphasizes the critical role of technology, aided by younger team members with strong technical skills, in delivering modern financial planning services.
Gregory Guenther – GRANTvest Financial Group, Matawan, NJ
- AUM Growth: 34%
- Client Growth: 133%
Guenther’s commitment to education and practical advice defines his practice. His passion: helping clients achieve financial comfort and freedom through sound strategy and planning. His team’s core philosophy remains “put the client first and always do the right thing,” a principle that has consistently guided their growth.
Strategies Behind Success and Growth Management
Growth has necessitated thoughtful management and the careful expansion of teams. Wayne McCormick brought in a new partner after months of searching to maintain service levels for an aging client base predominantly nearing retirement, while also serving younger professionals. He is discerning in accepting new clients, prioritizing fit and long-term relationships.
Tim DiSette leverages external consultants to review and refine firm workflows and onboarding processes. “An external consultant can give you a great perspective, see your blind spots, and teach you how to overcome those,” he notes, highlighting the value of outside input in achieving sustainable growth.
Ted Lauzen attributes his remarkable growth to exceptional client service and responsiveness—“taking care of people spectacularly well and far exceeding expectations.” While expanding his team has brought benefits, finding the right candidates who embrace the firm’s values remains a challenge.
Jeff DeHaan acknowledges that managing growth is one of the most difficult tasks any business faces. He is meticulous about maintaining high standards, particularly when hiring new advisors. “There are two non-negotiables when we’re hiring; one is character. I have to be able to trust them…”
Looking Ahead
The Top Financial Advisors in the USA in 2025 exemplify resilience, adaptability, and client-focused service in an uncertain economic and political climate. Their shared emphasis on team collaboration, technological integration, and deep client engagement continues to drive exceptional growth in assets and clientele, positioning them as leaders in the evolving financial advisory landscape.
For more detailed profiles and methodologies behind the InvestmentNews Top Advisors 2025, visit the InvestmentNews website.