Cetera has recruited longtime independent financial advisor Neil Henning, who is moving to the firm after more than 23 years affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network. Based in New Jersey and North Carolina, Henning and his Fortress Financial wealth management team oversee approximately $75 million in assets under administration and are joining Cetera’s Summit Financial Networks community.
Henning said the catalyst for exploring new options was LPL’s acquisition of Commonwealth, which he viewed as signaling inevitable change for his practice. After evaluating other broker-dealers, he chose Cetera for its scale, technology, product access, and growth resources, but emphasized that culture and service were decisive. Henning pointed to Summit’s high-touch support as resembling what he valued at Commonwealth, noting that service is central to maintaining a strong client experience.
In addition to service, Henning highlighted Cetera’s marketing and growth capabilities as key factors, including the firm’s GrowthLine program. He said the practice is focused on building for the next generation and wanted a partner that could support intentional growth while keeping the team independent in how it runs and expands the business. Henning also cited Cetera’s technology and product mix, along with the ability to clear through NFS, as attractive components of the move.
Cetera Wealth Management President Todd Mackay said Henning’s focus on delivering a personal client experience aligns with Cetera’s advisor-first model, adding that the firm is looking forward to supporting Henning and his team as they enter the next phase of growth within the Summit community.
Cetera positions itself as a “Wealth Hub” for independent advisors and institutions, offering multiple affiliation models and end-to-end growth support. The firm said it is home to approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions and, as of Sept. 30, 2025, its firms managed about $625 billion in assets under administration and $284 billion in assets under management.
KEY QUOTES
“I had been with Commonwealth since 2002, and I was happy and loyal, but once the transaction happened, I decided it was time to see what else was out there. What we had with Commonwealth was a very hands-on relationship where we could always get help. We heard the same from Summit, and that was one of the biggest deciding factors for us because service is everything in this business. If advisors aren’t supported, clients feel it.”
“We were looking for a partner that could give us the best support while keeping us free to grow the business. The support vibe we got from Summit felt a lot like Commonwealth, and we saw that helping advisors grow is one of Cetera’s strongest capabilities. Cetera’s size means access to extensive resources, and we really liked the technology, product mix, and the ability to clear through NFS.”
“We’re building for the next generation and needed a partner that could help us grow intentionally.”
Neil Henning, Independent Financial Advisor; Fortress Financial Wealth Management Team Leader
“Neil’s commitment to delivering a personal client experience aligns perfectly with Cetera’s advisor-first model. We’re proud to welcome Neil and his team to Cetera and our Summit community, and we look forward to supporting them in their next phase of growth.”
Todd Mackay, President, Cetera Wealth Management
