The wealth management industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Client expectations are changing, technology is evolving rapidly, and financial advisors are being challenged to deliver greater transparency, personalization, and accountability than ever before. Younger generations entering their prime earning years want advice that aligns with their goals and values, while artificial intelligence is reshaping everything from client communication to portfolio management.
At the same time, the fiduciary approach is increasingly becoming an expectation rather than simply a regulatory requirement. The professionals featured in this list have played a major role in advancing conversations around financial planning, wealth management, technology, education, inclusion, and client advocacy between March 2025 and March 2026.
Selections are based on factors including thought leadership, industry influence, media presence, community impact, published work, professional reputation, and engagement with the financial planning community.
About This List
Each year, leading financial advisors, wealth managers, educators, researchers, and innovators are recognized for their contributions to the profession. This list highlights individuals whose ideas and public engagement have influenced how advisors serve clients and how consumers think about money, investing, retirement, and financial wellbeing.
The focus is not solely on assets managed or firm size. Instead, recognition is given to professionals whose work educates, inspires, and improves the financial advisory profession.
1. Michael Kitces
Location: Reston, Virginia, USA
Michael Kitces remains one of the most influential educational voices in financial planning. Serving as Head of Planning Strategy at Focus Partners Wealth, he is also a co-founder of several advisor-focused businesses, including XY Planning Network, AdvicePay, fpPathfinder, and New Planner Recruiting.
His widely respected Nerd’s Eye View platform continues to publish educational content multiple times each week, while his Financial Advisor Success podcast has maintained a remarkable weekly publishing schedule. Throughout the review period, Kitces produced original research examining advisor growth, team structures, pricing models, and the growing role of artificial intelligence within advisory firms.
His ability to convert complex industry trends into practical guidance has made him an essential resource for financial planners across the profession.
2. Carl Richards
Location: Park City, Utah, USA
Carl Richards has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most effective communicators. Best known for his simple sketches and behavioral finance insights, Richards helps advisors and investors understand the emotional side of money decisions.
A bestselling author and longtime columnist, he continued expanding his influence through books, podcasts, speaking engagements, and the Society of Advice community. His work consistently focuses on helping people navigate uncertainty, align financial decisions with personal values, and understand the human dimensions of wealth.
Richards remains a leading advocate for advice that goes beyond numbers and focuses on meaningful outcomes for clients.
3. Joshua Brown
Location: New York City, New York, USA
As CEO of Ritholtz Wealth Management, Joshua Brown combines active wealth management experience with a highly visible media presence. Through television appearances, podcasts, newsletters, and social media, he reaches both financial professionals and individual investors.
Brown’s commentary on markets, investing, and industry developments is known for being direct, accessible, and grounded in real-world experience. His ability to explain complicated financial topics in plain language has helped establish him as one of the most widely followed advisors in the profession.
His influence extends well beyond his firm, making him a prominent voice in modern wealth management.
4. Christine Benz
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Christine Benz continues to be one of the most trusted authorities in retirement planning and personal finance. As Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning at Morningstar, she has spent years helping investors make better long-term financial decisions.
Through her writing, podcast interviews, and educational content, Benz consistently delivers evidence-based insights on retirement income, portfolio management, and financial independence. Her work bridges the gap between academic research and practical application, making complex concepts understandable for both advisors and consumers.
Her reputation for thoughtful, unbiased guidance has earned widespread respect throughout the industry.
5. Jeffrey Levine
Location: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Jeffrey Levine is widely regarded as one of the profession’s foremost experts in tax planning. As Chief Planning Officer at Focus Partners Wealth and a key contributor to advisor education, he provides detailed analysis of tax regulations, retirement strategies, and planning opportunities.
Levine’s educational efforts expanded further through academic initiatives and professional development programs focused on tax planning expertise. His ability to interpret legislative and regulatory changes quickly makes him a valuable resource for advisors navigating increasingly complex planning environments.
His contributions continue to elevate the profession’s understanding of advanced tax strategies.
6. Samantha Russell
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Samantha Russell has emerged as a leading authority on marketing and visibility for financial advisors. As Chief Evangelist at FMG Suite, she has helped advisors adapt to dramatic changes in digital marketing, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence and evolving search behavior.
Throughout the review period, Russell provided practical guidance on content strategy, online branding, and client acquisition. Her educational efforts have helped thousands of advisors understand how to remain visible and relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
She remains one of the most influential voices in advisor marketing today.
7. Jason Wenk
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Jason Wenk has played a significant role in reshaping advisor technology through his leadership at Altruist. His mission to create a modern, advisor-focused custodial platform has attracted substantial attention across the independent advisory community.
Under his leadership, Altruist expanded rapidly while continuing to invest in technology, automation, and artificial intelligence. The introduction of AI-powered advisor tools further demonstrated the firm’s commitment to improving advisor efficiency and client service.
Wenk’s work continues to influence the future infrastructure of independent wealth management.
8. Sarah Kirshbaum Levy
Location: New York City, New York, USA
As CEO of Betterment, Sarah Levy has overseen the evolution of one of the most recognized digital advice platforms in the industry. Her leadership has helped expand the company’s reach across individual investors, businesses, and advisory professionals.
By combining technology with accessible financial planning solutions, Levy has contributed to the broader movement toward democratizing investment management and financial advice. Strategic acquisitions and platform enhancements have further strengthened Betterment’s position in the marketplace.
Her focus on making quality financial guidance more accessible continues to resonate with a broad audience.
9. Carolyn McClanahan
Location: Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Carolyn McClanahan brings a unique perspective to financial planning through her background as both a physician and financial advisor. Her expertise sits at the intersection of healthcare planning and wealth management.
She is widely recognized for educating advisors and consumers on healthcare costs, retirement planning, longevity, and the financial challenges associated with serious illness. Her thoughtful and compassionate approach has made her a trusted source for media organizations and industry professionals alike.
Her work highlights the importance of integrating financial and health-related planning considerations.
10. Ed Slott
Location: Rockville Centre, New York, USA
Ed Slott remains one of the most respected retirement planning educators in the United States. Known for translating complex tax and retirement rules into practical strategies, he continues to educate both advisors and consumers through books, media appearances, and speaking engagements.
His expertise in retirement accounts and tax-efficient planning has made him a longstanding authority within the profession. As retirement regulations evolve, his insights remain highly valuable to advisors seeking to help clients maximize long-term outcomes.
His educational impact spans decades and continues to influence retirement planning practices.
11. Blair duQuesnay
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Blair duQuesnay has become a respected practitioner voice within wealth management, particularly regarding high-net-worth planning and the needs of female investors.
Her public commentary offers practical insights into client relationships, investment behavior, and comprehensive planning strategies. By sharing real-world experiences from advisory practice, she contributes meaningful perspectives that resonate with both advisors and consumers.
Her work demonstrates the value of authentic practitioner-led thought leadership.
12. Kimberly Watkins, Ph.D.
Location: Athens, Georgia, USA
Kimberly Watkins is helping shape the future of financial planning through education and research. Her academic work focuses on financial wellbeing, financial socialization, and increasing opportunities within the profession for underrepresented communities.
Through educational programs and university partnerships, she is actively contributing to talent development and diversity initiatives. Her efforts address long-term challenges facing the industry while preparing the next generation of financial professionals.
Her influence extends beyond research into meaningful workforce development.
13. Carolyn Rosenblatt
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA
Carolyn Rosenblatt has become an important voice on aging-related financial planning issues. Drawing on both legal and healthcare expertise, she helps advisors and families navigate complex challenges associated with aging, cognitive decline, caregiving, and elder financial protection.
As demographic trends continue to reshape wealth management, her work provides critical guidance on serving older clients effectively and ethically.
Her contributions help advisors better address some of the most sensitive issues facing aging families.
14. Roger Ma
Location: Washington DC-Baltimore Area, USA
Roger Ma specializes in helping younger professionals understand and implement sound financial planning principles. Through writing, speaking, and educational content, he provides practical guidance on careers, money management, and long-term wealth building.
His approachable communication style makes financial planning concepts accessible to millennials and Generation Z audiences. By connecting with emerging generations of clients, Ma helps bridge an important gap within the profession.
His work supports the industry’s efforts to engage younger investors more effectively.
15. Cody Garrett
Location: Houston, Texas, USA
Cody Garrett has become a prominent advocate for advice-only financial planning and consumer-focused education. His work is especially popular among individuals pursuing financial independence and early retirement.
Garrett promotes planning models designed to eliminate conflicts of interest while increasing access to objective advice. Through consistent educational outreach, he helps consumers understand the value of financial planning without product-driven sales approaches.
His influence reflects growing demand for transparent and independent advice models.
16. Dasarte Yarnway
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Dasarte Yarnway is a recognized advocate for greater diversity, representation, and inclusion within financial services. Through entrepreneurship, writing, speaking, and community-building initiatives, he has consistently championed efforts to expand access to wealth-building opportunities.
His work focuses on addressing systemic barriers and creating pathways for underserved communities. By combining advocacy with business leadership, Yarnway continues to influence important conversations about the future of the profession.
His commitment to meaningful change has earned broad recognition across the industry.
17. Mary Beth Storjohann, CFP®
Location: San Diego, California, USA
Mary Beth Storjohann combines leadership, advisory experience, and advocacy to advance financial planning accessibility. As Co-CEO of Abacus Wealth Partners, she continues to support initiatives focused on inclusion, financial empowerment, and client-centered advice.
Her professional journey includes entrepreneurship, public education, media contributions, and industry leadership. Throughout the review period, she remained an active voice promoting equitable access to quality financial guidance.
Her work reflects a strong commitment to serving diverse client communities.
18. Sara Grillo
Location: New York City, New York, USA
Sara Grillo has become one of the profession’s strongest advocates for transparency and fiduciary responsibility. Through the Transparent Advisor Movement, she encourages advisors to adopt clearer pricing structures and more client-focused business practices.
Her work emphasizes ethical standards, straightforward communication, and reducing conflicts of interest. By challenging traditional industry norms, she continues to push conversations around transparency and trust forward.
Her advocacy has inspired meaningful dialogue throughout the advisory profession.
19. Eric Balchunas
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Eric Balchunas is one of the most recognized analysts covering exchange-traded funds and investment product trends. Through research, media appearances, and commentary, he provides valuable insight into ETF flows, innovation, and market developments.
His ability to explain technical market topics in a clear and engaging manner has made him a trusted source for advisors, investors, and journalists. As ETFs continue to play a central role in portfolio construction, his influence remains significant.
His expertise helps advisors better understand evolving investment landscapes.
20. Nick Maggiulli
Location: New York City, New York, USA
Nick Maggiulli has built a reputation for combining rigorous data analysis with practical personal finance insights. Through his research, writing, and educational content, he challenges assumptions and encourages evidence-based decision-making.
His work frequently explores investing, savings behavior, wealth accumulation, and financial psychology. By grounding financial advice in data rather than speculation, he provides valuable perspectives for both advisors and investors.
His analytical approach continues to resonate across the profession.
21. Matt Middleton
Location: Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA
Matt Middleton has helped transform industry events through the creation and expansion of Future Proof. What began as a new conference concept has evolved into one of the most influential gatherings in independent wealth management.
His vision emphasizes community, collaboration, innovation, and modern industry engagement. Through strategic investments and platform development, he continues to influence how advisors connect, learn, and build professional relationships.
His contributions have redefined expectations for industry events and networking.
22. Rianka Dorsainvil
Location: Washington DC-Baltimore Area, USA
Rianka Dorsainvil is widely recognized for her work serving first-generation wealth builders and promoting diversity within financial planning. Through advisory work, media appearances, and public education, she helps individuals navigate financial challenges often overlooked by traditional advice models.
Her efforts focus on expanding financial literacy, increasing representation, and improving access to professional planning services.
Her leadership continues to support a more inclusive future for wealth management.
23. Lazetta Rainey Braxton
Location: New York City, New York, USA
Lazetta Rainey Braxton brings together advisory expertise, business strategy, and advocacy for underserved communities. Her work demonstrates how inclusive financial planning can create both social impact and business opportunity.
Through client service, speaking engagements, and educational initiatives, she continues to advocate for broader representation within the profession. Her perspective highlights the importance of meeting the needs of increasingly diverse client populations.
Her influence extends across both practice management and community engagement.
24. Dennis Moseley-Williams
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Dennis Moseley-Williams challenges advisors to rethink the purpose of financial advice. His work focuses on transforming advisory firms from service providers into organizations that create meaningful experiences and lasting client impact.
Through speaking, consulting, and thought leadership, he encourages firms to move beyond transactional relationships and embrace more transformational approaches to client engagement.
His ideas continue to inspire advisors seeking differentiation in a highly competitive marketplace.
25. Sheryl Garrett
Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA
Sheryl Garrett has long championed accessible financial planning for middle-income households. Through the Garrett Planning Network, she has helped expand access to professional advice for consumers who may not fit traditional wealth management models.
Her advocacy for hourly and fee-only planning structures has influenced the industry’s ongoing discussion about affordability and accessibility. By promoting advice models that serve a broader range of clients, Garrett continues to make a lasting contribution to the profession.
Her work remains highly relevant as advisors seek ways to serve more diverse populations.
Conclusion
The professionals featured on this list represent a broad cross-section of the wealth management ecosystem, including practicing advisors, educators, researchers, entrepreneurs, analysts, and advocates. While their specialties differ, they share a common commitment to improving financial outcomes, elevating professional standards, and shaping the future of financial advice.
As technology advances, client expectations evolve, and new generations enter the marketplace, the ideas and leadership demonstrated by these individuals will continue to influence how wealth management is delivered in the years ahead.
