Cetera Financial Group, a wealth hub supporting independent advisors, announced that financial advisor Shawn Longley and his Ledgevest Financial team have joined the firm from Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, where Longley had been affiliated for 17 years.
Based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Longley and his team oversee approximately $205 million in assets under administration. The move brings the team into Cetera’s Advisors community as they seek enhanced technology, flexibility and long-term growth resources.
Longley transitioned to the independent advisor model within Wells Fargo Financial Network about six years ago, continuing to build a team-oriented practice grounded in long-term client relationships and collaborative advice. Prior to FiNet, he spent more than 20 years as an employee with Wells Fargo Advisors and its predecessor firms, including Wachovia and A.G. Edwards.
At Cetera, Longley works alongside his two longtime partners, financial advisors Brian Jones and Lynn Haefs, as well as newer team member and financial advisor James Taylor.
The decision to change firms followed extensive due diligence, with Longley and his partners meeting with seven broker-dealers and one RIA as they evaluated potential partners. Technology capabilities, adaptability and cultural alignment with an advisor-first model were key considerations in their search.
Looking ahead, the Ledgevest Financial team plans to focus on stabilizing operations following the transition while positioning the practice for long-term expansion. The team expects to pursue organic growth by adding clients and supporting newer advisors, and may also evaluate acquisition opportunities over time.
As of Sept. 30, 2025, Cetera firms manage approximately $625 billion in assets under administration and $284 billion in assets under management. The firm supports approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions across its multi-channel ecosystem, offering affiliation flexibility, integrated wealth solutions and growth support.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’ve spent our careers focused on building a business centered around client relationships and independence. We wanted to get away from the big-bank feeling, so as we evaluated our next chapter, we wanted a partner that would give us flexibility, strong technology and the freedom to continue evolving our practice. Cetera’s technology offerings stood out to us, and that’s what put them over the top. We wanted a firm that would keep pace with how quickly technology is changing and give us the flexibility to adopt new tools as they emerge. We also wanted to move away from the big-bank environment, have the freedom to make our own choices, and find a partner that truly supports independent advisors. Cetera’s willingness to listen to advisors and evolve its technology offering was a major differentiator for us. We’re always looking for ways to grow, whether that’s helping newer advisors expand their business or potentially bringing new advisors into the team. Cetera gives us the resources and support to pursue those opportunities, and Cetera is interested in helping the advisors on our team grow.”
Shawn Longley, Financial Advisor, Ledgevest Financial
“Shawn and his partners bring decades of experience, deep client relationships and a strong commitment to independence. Their focus on long-term growth and advisor-driven technology aligns well with Cetera’s advisor-first culture. We’re proud to welcome Shawn and his team to Cetera and look forward to supporting their growth plans.”
Tom Halloran, Advisor Channel Leader, Cetera Financial Group
