Raymond James, Kestra Financial, Cetera and other news of the week

September 3, 2021 12:36 PM

It was a busy week with advisors and brokers on the move. Raymond James, Cetera and Kestra Financial all announced additions. And UBS shuffled several positions. Scroll through for a look at what happened this week in the world of financial advice.

Crawford Financial Services, a Dover, Delaware-based firm that has roughly $190 million in assets under management, has joined Kestra Financial. Founded in 1999, Crawford is led by President Scott Crawford and Vice President Matt Biggs. “When searching for a partner to support our long-term business plan, Kestra Financial stood out among the rest,” Crawford said in a statement. “Their tools and resources, from comprehensive business consulting to cutting-edge technology, will be invaluable as we continue to grow our firm and execute our business plan.”

Paul Arevalo has been named managing director of Raymond James’ Pasadena, California, office. Arevalo retired as city manager of West Hollywood, California, after 20 years and had previously served as the city’s director of finance. Raymond James now has 14 public finance employees working in the state. “After more than 30 years of city government leadership, it’s a privilege to be on the other side of the table helping other California municipalities improve for the benefit of their residents and businesses,” Arevalo said in a statement. “With a strong platform and growing presence throughout California, I’m thrilled to join Raymond James and its dedicated, client-focused team of professionals.”

HD Financial Specialists, an East Amherst, New York, based firm with $100 million in assets under management, is affiliating with Cetera. HD president Sean Hayden is joined by Samuel Bloomberg, CPA and accounting professional; Dina Dalton, AHIP licensed Medicare professional; Seth Hamilton, financial advisor and tax preparer; Lindsey Gamis, client operations; and Wendy Phelps, client experience. "The specialized offering of our firm requires a diversified, independent investment platform and the ability to combine multiple planning offerings under one roof, which Cetera offers," Hayden said in a statement. "In addition, Cetera prides itself, as we do, on client service, transparency, and staying committed to clients' futures by supporting the financial planning journey with a full technology suite."

Michael Sarlanis, who has been managing director and co-head of UBS U.S. Private Bank, is now head of ultra high net worth for UBS International. He has been with UBS since 2014, coming after 13 years at Merrill Lynch. Additionally, Judy Spalthoff, who has served as head of Family Advisory and Philanthropy Services, had managed UHNW Client Development and formed the Family Advisory Team in the Americas, was named head of the company’s Family Office Solutions Group. She takes over for Ann Rybak, who is stepping out of the role to dedicate time to her family, according to a statement. Sarah Solomon, previously a senior strategist, has been named head of Family Advisory and Philanthropy Services. Solomon has served in several roles for UBS and will report to Jennifer Gabrielli, deputy head of UHNW Americas with a dotted reporting line to Tom Hall, global head of Philanthropy Services.

Russell Riggan joined Raymond James Financial Services in Snyder, Texas, the firm announced this week. Riggan comes from Edward Jones, where he worked 18 years and managed about $500 million in assets. He was joined in the move by client services director Kali Pinson and client concierge Rachel Rodriguez. The group, called Talent Financial Services, serves families, small business owners, executives, farmers, retirees and nonprofit organizations. “The technology is intuitive and customizable, accommodating both simple and extremely complex planning scenarios, which makes it even easier for us to do business,” Riggan said in a statement. “The ability to self-brand in a manner that aligns with our team and the people we serve was an important factor in our decision to move as well. I’m excited about the future of our practice here at Raymond James, and I’m looking forward to leveraging the flexibility and support to not only serve my clients, but also to potentially welcome new financial advisors to our team in the future.”