RIA Leaders: Fresh Faces on the Annual List

Our annual list of the list of the largest independent RIAs in the country is constantly evolving.

Each year introduces new faces. Some firms appear for the first time because they meet our criteria by becoming fully independent, like EP Wealth Advisors which dropped its broker-dealer affiliation and debuted at No. 54. In fact, EP Wealth Advisors may move higher next year if it makes more acquisitions, such as its January acquisition of Ballou Plum Wealth Advisors.

Others grow to size, either organically or via mergers and acquisitions, to qualify for our ranking via assets under management.

Here are the 20 largest newcomers to this year's list.

New to our 5th annual list of the largest independent planners, these RIAs are blazing ahead with new ideas and poised for growth.

New to our 5th annual list of the largest independent planners, these RIAs are blazing ahead with new ideas and poised for growth.