OWS.04262016.CoverSlide

Who are the industry's most elite leaders?

Advisers make their picks and industry experts decide who the finalists are for this annual list of management all stars. Click through the following slideshow to learn who made this year's cut.
Chad Allen - oppenheimer

Chad Allen

Oppenheimer
Managing Director-Investments, Branch Manager
New York
Number advisers: 100
Branch AUM: $11 billion
Education: U.S. Military Academy, Columbia University
OWS Top Branch Manager - John Banks

John M. Banks

Wells Fargo Advisors
Senior Vice President, Branch Manager
Fort Worth, Texas
Number of advisers 42
Branch AUM: $2.3 Billion
Education: Wake Forest University
OWS Top Branch Manager - Peter Danilaitis

Peter Danilaitis

Wells Fargo Advisors
Complex Manager, Senior Vice President
Bloomington, Minn.
Number of Advisers: 48
Branch AUM: $3.2 billion
Education: Indiana University
OWS Top Branch Manager - Chris Davidson

Chris Davidson

Ameriprise Financial
Branch Manager
Clearwater, Fla.
Number of advisers: 19
Branch AUM: $780 million
Education: University of South Florida
OWS Top Branch Manager - Brian Kurtz

Brian Kurtz

Robert W. Baird
Managing Director, Branch Manager
Cleveland
Number of advisers: 35
Branch AUM: $4 billion
Education: John Carroll university
OWS Top Branch Manager - Tim Mann

Tim Mann

BBT Scott & Stringfellow
Senior Managing Director
Winston-Salem, Greensboro,
Number of advisers: 40
Branch AUM: $5.25 billion
Education: State University of New York at Plattsburgh
OWS Top Branch Manager - Todd Sacks
Morgan Stanley
Senior Vice President
Shrewsbury, N.J.
Number of advisers: 50
Branch AUM: $4.5 Billion
Education: University of Miami
OWS Top Branch Manager - Pete Secret

Pete Secret

J.P. Morgan Securities
Regional Director
Atlanta, Southeast
Number advisers: 40
Branch AUM: $5 billion+
Education: Palm Beach Atlantic University
OWS Top Branch Manager - Edward Sudzina

Edward Sudzina

Raymond James
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management;
Complex Manager
Clarkston, Mich.
Number advisers: 66
Branch AUM: $4.2 billion
Education: U.S. Military Academy, Michigan State University
OWS Top Branch Manager - Phil Winterson

Phil Winterson

Wells Fargo Advisors
Senior Vice President, Regional Brokerage Manager
Beverly Hills, Calif.
Number of advisers: 42
Branch AUM: $10.08 billion
Education: University of Massachusetts Boston

MORE FROM FINANCIAL PLANNING

In a recent industry snapshot, the Investment Adviser Association found the average number of data points advisors have to report in annual regulatory filings has nearly doubled to more than 1,000 since 2011.

June 8
5 Min Read

A technicality in the federal law enacted in July 2025 changed how deductions work for estates and trusts, creating uncertainty over how taxes are allocated after a person's death.

June 8
2 Min Read

Advisor Growth Solutions founder Jeffrey Czajka created a new professional community for early-career advisors at a low price point by the field's standards.

June 8
4 Min Read
Jeffrey Czajka is the founder of Advisor Growth Solutions.

New research from the TIAA Institute finds financial literacy slipping further, with investors across generations struggling to with risk comprehension.

June 5
3 Min Read
Adobe Clipboard

A study released by Ficomm Partners and Absolute Engagement found that nearly 9% of high net worth investors turned to AI over a human for referrals. This shift in referral inquiries offers advisors an opportunity to deepen digital presences.

June 5
3 Min Read
Russell - O'Connell headshots.png

Median total compensation for certified financial planners climbed to $195,000 last year. But pay varied widely, depending on factors like experience and type of firm worked at.

June 5
3 Min Read