Wells Fargo Expands Independent Channel with Wealth Management Teams
Wells Fargo is making significant strides in enhancing its independent channel by welcoming two wealth management teams and an advisor who collectively oversee $1.3 billion in client assets from their previous firms.
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The newly onboarded wealth managers are joining Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network (FiNet), the firm’s platform for advisors operating as independent contractors. These professionals hail from Ameriprise, Raymond James, and UBS. One of the teams, Houser, Plessl & Staples Wealth Management Group, recently joined FiNet on Jan. 26 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This team, which had managed $530 million at Ameriprise, is led by advisors Kevin Houser, Gary Plessl, and Matthew Staples. Notably, all three advisors transitioned to Ameriprise in 2016 from LPL Financial after gaining experience at other financial institutions.
The second team, led by Brandon Larson and Todd Hanneman, also joined FiNet in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Previously managing over $400 million in client assets at UBS, Larson and Hanneman bring their practice, Lakeview Partners Wealth Management, to the Wells Fargo platform. Larson commenced his career at RBC in 1999 and later moved to UBS in 2011, while Hanneman started at Workman Securities in 1995 and transitioned to UBS in 2022 following roles at several other firms.
Additionally, Paulo Thomson has joined the existing FiNet practice Merritt Point Wealth Advisors in Houston. Thomson, who previously oversaw $400 million at Raymond James where he began his career in 2001, adds valuable expertise to the team.
John Tyers, the president of FiNet, emphasized that advisors who choose to join FiNet are seeking robust technology, autonomy in managing their businesses, and access to services and products that cater to affluent clients. Tyers stated, “Advisors continue to choose FiNet because it gives them the rare combination of all three. We’re thrilled to have this impressive group affiliate with us.”
Overall, Wells Fargo’s strategic recruitment of these wealth management teams and experienced advisor underscores the firm’s commitment to providing top-tier resources and support to financial professionals operating within its independent channel.
