Revealed: The Top Financial Professionals in the US for 2024
By Leo Almazora | December 17, 2024
The U.S. wealth management industry has experienced significant growth throughout 2024, marked by strong performances across stocks, bitcoin, gold, and other asset classes. Investor portfolios reached new highs this year despite mounting concerns over market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and uncertainties surrounding future returns. These factors have presented fresh challenges for financial firms striving to serve clients and maintain stability in an ever-changing landscape.
Against this dynamic backdrop, InvestmentNews has once again highlighted the exceptional leaders shaping the trajectory of the wealth management world. In its second annual Hot List of the top financial professionals in the United States, the publication recognized 97 influential executives, veterans, advisors, and service providers whose leadership and innovations have significantly impacted the industry over the past 12 months.
Recognizing Industry Visionaries and Trailblazers
To assemble the Hot List 2024, InvestmentNews solicited nominations from wealth professionals nationwide, ultimately selecting a group of standout individuals known for their forward-thinking approaches and commitment to excellence.
Some honorees distinguished themselves by challenging prevailing industry trends. Craig Gould, CEO of Binah Capital Group, opted against the popular route of private equity partnerships, choosing instead to lead his firm’s public debut on Nasdaq earlier this year. Binah Capital oversees approximately $25 billion in assets under management (AUM), plus an additional $300 billion in affiliated AUM spread across more than 550 Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs). Gould explained, “We had a lot of skeptics asking why we would go public when there’s so much private equity available. That’s one of the reasons why we’ve gone public; we were looking to create long-term shareholder value.”
Another leader highlighted is Thomas Ruggie, founder and CEO of Destiny Wealth Partners, who has been at the forefront of the industry’s transition to fee-based advisory models. “We were very early on the adoption of fee-based advisory practice, because I always felt if you didn’t have commissions driving recommendations, it gave you an unbiased approach,” Ruggie said. His firm manages a collective $1.2 billion in portfolio assets through RIA and multifamily office businesses.
Liz Miller, founder and president of Summit Place Financial Advisors and the incoming chair of the CFP Board in 2025, noted an evolving emphasis in her work from pure investment management to a more holistic approach to wealth planning. “After 15 years in front of a computer as a portfolio investor, I decided I wanted to be working more with individuals and helping people with their planning and taking a more holistic approach to wealth,” Miller shared.
Spotlight on Game-Changing Leaders
The 2024 Hot List features an impressive lineup of professionals who exemplify leadership and innovation in various sectors within wealth management. Some of those spotlighted include:
- Elizabeth Miller – Summit Place Financial Advisors
- Thomas Ruggie – Destiny Wealth Partners
- Amanda Arcilesi Simmons – ARC Wealth Management
- Beth Lawlor – U.S. Bank
- Craig Gould – Binah Capital Group
- Lawrence Calcano – iCapital
- Bob Long – Stepstone Private Wealth
- Jeffrey DeHaan – Clearwater Capital Partners
- Shawn Bostic – Kestra Financial
Their achievements underscore the broad spectrum of expertise and forward-thinking strategies driving the wealth industry today.
Navigating Ongoing Industry Challenges
While growth and innovation define 2024, wealth professionals remain vigilant towards emerging complications. Concerns about geopolitical risks and market fluctuations continue to influence client strategies. Additionally, the shift toward fee-based advisory models and holistic wealth management reflects deeper changes in how clients view financial advice.
As the industry moves forward, leaders on the Hot List stand as beacons of adaptability and vision, helping to guide firms and clients alike through complex financial landscapes.
For a full list of this year’s Hot List winners and a deeper dive into their contributions, read the complete InvestmentNews report here.
About InvestmentNews
InvestmentNews is a leading source of news, analysis, and insights shaping the financial advice community. Dedicated to serving financial professionals, the publication offers original commentary and comprehensive coverage on trends, regulatory changes, advisor moves, and industry best practices.
Smart Money Mindset will continue to follow these developments closely, keeping readers informed about the latest in wealth management leadership and innovation.