Top Financial Professionals in the USA Named by InvestmentNews for 2026
February 25, 2026 – In a year marked not only by impressive stock market gains but also significant volatility, InvestmentNews has recognized the leading financial professionals across the United States who demonstrated exceptional skill and foresight through 2025. Their list of Top Financial Professionals highlights those advisors who combined asset growth with sophisticated portfolio management and client-centric planning.
Navigating a Volatile Yet Prosperous Market
The year 2025 saw robust returns with the S&P 500 rising 16 percent—the best three-year stretch since the dotcom era—and the Nasdaq Composite outperforming with a 20 percent annual return. Other major indexes followed similar upward trends. However, the real challenge for financial advisors was managing the increased market volatility that accompanied these gains.
InvestmentNews emphasizes that the top advisors excelled by adopting proactive strategies that focused not only on asset growth but also on protecting their clients’ capital through disciplined risk management and thoughtful portfolio construction.
Evaluation Criteria for the Top 100
The selection of the 100 top financial professionals was based on weighted metrics:
- 50% total Assets Under Management (AUM) in 2025
- 25% AUM growth during the evaluation period
- 25% client growth during the evaluation period
The evaluation took into account industry trends such as the consolidation of Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), the increasing use of scalable technology platforms, and the growing integration of alternative investments and active Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). These trends have allowed top professionals greater operational efficiency, deeper client relationships, and superior portfolio management capabilities.
Trends in Active ETF and Alternative Investments
According to a 2025 McKinsey report, about half of the active ETF flows included substitution from traditional mutual funds, while the other half was driven by new demand for active management strategies. Andrew Blake, associate director of wealth management at Cerulli Associates, noted that top advisors have enhanced their expertise in alternative investment products, particularly those offering steady performance during volatile market periods.
Insights from Leading Professionals
Jerry Davidse, CEO of Presilium Private Wealth:
Davidse stressed the importance of disciplined, rules-based portfolio management grounded in detailed investment policy statements. His firm grew AUM by 29% and client numbers by 21%, thanks in part to their ability to manage volatility strategically, such as making calculated stock purchases during April 2025’s tariff-driven selloff. Beyond investments, Presilium integrates tax and estate planning to deliver a holistic, multigenerational wealth strategy.
Scott Van Den Berg, President of Century Management Financial Advisors:
Van Den Berg reported an 8% increase in AUM and 6% client growth, attributing success to a broad, diversified portfolio approach that included equities, fixed income, and gold—his firm’s top-performing single asset in 2025. Century Management does not use model portfolios; instead, they tailor strategies to individual client needs, balancing aggressive and conservative allocations in different “buckets” to safeguard against volatility affecting near-term liquidity.
Trevor Scotto, Co-Founder of Fiduciary Financial Group:
Scotto achieved notable 34% AUM growth alongside a 13% increase in client base through his ensemble model, which integrates tax and financial planning seamlessly. Emphasizing proactive and actionable tax advice rather than generic guidance, Scotto’s approach includes tax projections, tax-loss harvesting, and Roth conversion planning, furnishing clients with clear, immediate benefits during market downturns.
Thomas Ruggie, CEO of Destiny Wealth Partners:
Ruggie focused on managing the psychological effects of volatility, ensuring clients avoid emotional decision-making that could undermine long-term success. His firm posted 24% AUM growth and 5% client growth. Destiny Wealth Partners offers public securities and alternative investments, including a proprietary alternative fund granting access to qualified purchaser-level direct investments such as hedge funds, private equity, and late-stage pre-IPO shares in companies like SpaceX, Anthropic, and Stripe—an opportunity typically reserved for ultra-high-net-worth investors.
Conclusion
In 2025, the best financial advisors demonstrated more than just the ability to generate returns; they exhibited discipline, vision, and a comprehensive approach that addressed risk, tax efficiency, and multigenerational wealth planning. In a market environment many viewed as late-cycle with elevated valuations, their success underscores the critical importance of combining growth with capital preservation and tailored client strategies.
InvestmentNews’ 2026 Top Financial Professionals embody this strategic excellence, blending expertise in technology, alternative investments, and sophisticated risk management to deliver superior results and build enduring client trust.
For more detailed methodology and the full list of winners, visit the InvestmentNews website or view the accompanying PDF report.