Cetera has welcomed Cunningham Financial Group, an Alabama-based advisory team overseeing approximately $200 million in assets under administration, into the firm through its Summit Financial Networks community. The move reflects the team’s focus on maintaining independence while leveraging additional resources to support long-term expansion.
Led by managing partner Jonathan Cunningham, the firm provides investment management, financial planning, and tax-aware guidance to individuals and families at all life stages. Cunningham works alongside advisors Brian Walsh and Josh Little in a multidisciplinary structure that integrates portfolio management, planning, and tax expertise within a single practice.
The team said it selected Cetera after conducting a comprehensive search across broker-dealer platforms, prioritizing a partner that could align with its long-term vision while offering flexibility and scalable growth support. The Summit Financial Networks community, part of Cetera Wealth Services, provides a framework that balances advisor independence with access to centralized resources.
Cunningham Financial Group is targeting more than $1 billion in assets under management within the next five years, with growth expected from client referrals and potential acquisitions of like-minded practices. The firm emphasized a client-centric model focused on delivering personalized advice across varying wealth levels rather than concentrating on a narrow investor segment.
Cetera, which operates a multi-channel ecosystem supporting approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions, reported about $640 billion in assets under administration and $294 billion in assets under management as of the end of 2025.
KEY QUOTES
“We were looking for a partner that allows us to stay fully independent while giving us the resources and support to grow. What stood out about Cetera and the Summit community was the balance of flexibility and hands-on support. It gives us the ability to continue doing things our way while having a team behind us that is focused on helping advisors succeed. We evaluated a number of options and wanted a partner that aligned with our long-term vision. Meeting the Summit Financial leadership team and seeing how focused they are on supporting advisors and helping them grow made the decision clear for us. Our team is relatively young, and we’re building this practice for decades to come. We’re committed to serving our existing clients with the same level of attention and care they expect, while also expanding thoughtfully through referrals and potential acquisitions of like-minded practices. Our philosophy has always been to help people wherever they are in life. Independence allows us to tailor advice to each client rather than forcing them into a predetermined model.”
Jonathan Cunningham, Managing Partner of Cunningham Financial Group
“Jon and his team run a collaborative practice centered on delivering thoughtful, personalized guidance to clients. We’re proud to welcome Cunningham Financial Group to Cetera and look forward to supporting them with the array of growth resources we have at Cetera.”
Marshall Leeds, Summit Financial Community Leader
