Cetera Financial Group has launched a Registered Investment Adviser and Branches Channel for advisors operating as independent RIAs, within its W-2 RIA models or in its supported independence model.
Joining the firm to lead the RIA and Branches Channel is Jen Hanau, a wealth management executive with more than two decades of experience in advisor recruitment, platform development, and strategic growth. Hanau is responsible for developing and executing sales strategies, leading client-facing teams and driving business growth.
Cetera’s new RIA and Branches Channel will manage independent RIA services, W-2 employee-based RIA models and supported independent businesses, offering flexible affiliation models and support to advisors, according to a news release from the firm.
The new channel continues Cetera’s investment in the RIA and supported independence spaces and its efforts to provide the tools and resources advisors need to grow.
The RIA and Branches Channel has over 600 advisors managing $33.5 billion in total client assets as of March. The new channel features multiple offerings, including:
Avantax Planning Partners – a tax-focused, hybrid W-2 RIA model that partners with CPA firms to provide their clients with holistic wealth management services built on comprehensive tax and financial planning.
Cetera Investors, a network of over 40 branch offices that allows financial advisors to operate independently with the infrastructure, compliance and operational support of a Cetera-managed branches model
Cetera Blueprint, a one-of-a-kind community supporting Cetera advisors who own their RIA, and advisors who are working to build an RIA.
The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG), a fee-only, W-2 RIA model providing clients with wealth management services through comprehensive planning.
“The launch of our RIA and Branches Channel marks a significant milestone in Cetera’s evolution, underscoring our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of advisors and clients,” Cetera Wealth Management President Todd Mackay said in a news release. “Jen Hanau’s extensive experience and visionary leadership make her the ideal choice to spearhead this channel, and we are confident that under her guidance, our RIA and Branches Channel will set new standards for excellence and innovation.”
Hanau previously served at Mariner as National Managing Director of the firm’s independent channels. She was a key player in expanding Mariner’s platform and enhancing its full-service support model, focusing on helping advisors deliver exceptional client experiences. Before Mariner, Hanau worked in leadership at Fidelity Investments and Charles Schwab, focusing on advisor recruitment and consulting on the benefits of the RIA model.
“I’m honored to lead Cetera’s RIA and Branches Channel and am excited to build a platform prioritizing clients’ best interests,” Hanau said in the release. “Cetera’s commitment to innovation and advisor support aligns perfectly with my passion for empowering advisors to achieve their professional goals while delivering exceptional service to their clients.”
Cetera’s other channels — the Advisor Channel, Institutions Channel, Large Enterprise Channel, and Tax & Accounting Channel —each comprise unique communities designed to foster collaboration among like-minded advisors.
Cetera Financial Group, also known as the financial advisor Wealth Hub, serves independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. With about 12,000 advisors and institutions, the multi-channel Cetera ecosystem helps financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms, according to the release.
As of March 31, Cetera manages more than $554 billion in assets under administration and $246 billion in assets under management.
