Raymond James recruited a Morgan Stanley team that managed more than $500 million in client assets for its Alex. Brown unit, a spokeswoman said.
The group was drawn to Raymond James' boutique unit in part because of the marketing and research available to advisers, says the team's leader Todd Kissel.
"I am trying to find the best ideas that match up to my clients. I don't run an assembly line," says Kissel, who adds that he likes to do deep analyses for his clients.
The group includes advisor Joshua Pasahow, investment portfolio associate Ida Ng, and senior client service associate John Rivera. They joined Alex. Brown's Park Avenue office in New York, making them the first new hires for that branch. The group reports to John Sutton, New York regional executive for Alex. Brown, which primarily serves wealthy clients and institutions.
The team operates as East Coast Advisors and generated more than $3.3 million in annual fees and commissions while at their previous firm, according to Raymond James.
A Morgan Stanley spokeswoman declined to comment on the group's departure.
Kissel, 54, says they had considered making a move for more than a year, and interviewed several options before settling on
"I took my time and I did my homework," Kissel says.
Sutton says Kissel's thoroughness came across during their first encounter.
"I think our first meeting ran three hours. Usually, it's 45 minutes," Sutton says, laughing.
This year has seen more moves, bigger moves and more expensive moves.
Raymond James
The St. Petersburg, Florida-based firm has been recruiting aggressively, and
-
A close look at how the regional BD wooed over recruits and how it hopes to benefit from its revival of an iconic brand.
February 6 -
The regional firm recruited its first adviser for Alex. Brown since acquiring the unit in September, and will reopen an old office in Annapolis, Maryland.
November 21 -
"This is a challenging time for the firm with the DoL rule," CEO Paul Reilly said.
July 27
Sutton says the pipeline is strong across the country, and the Kissel's hiring "will help generate additional buzz" in his area.
Kissel had been with Morgan Stanley since 2008, according to FINRA BrokerCheck records. He has past experience at UBS and Merrill Lynch.
His fellow advisor Pasahow joined him at Morgan Stanley about nine years ago.
Kissel says the transition has been going smoothly since they made the switch about last month. There have been no bumps in the road, but he doesn't plan on repeating it.
"I took my time with this decision. I am not moving again," Kissel says.
