Independent Financial Group (IFG), a privately held independent wealth management provider supporting more than 600 financial professionals across more than 400 locations nationwide, announced that its strategic investment in expanding its national recruiting and transition platform is delivering results, with the addition of multiple established advisor offices representing over $1 billion in total client assets.
Earlier this year, IFG expanded its recruiting footprint nationwide by adding four regional recruiters serving the West Coast, Mountain Region, Midwest, and East Coast, while simultaneously growing its onboarding and transition team with additional professionals. The expansion was designed to support the firm’s continued growth while delivering a high-touch transition experience for sophisticated advisor teams seeking a boutique independent model backed by exceptional service and the long-term partnership of a private firm.
Notable offices to recently join IFG include Sam Baakalini of Newport Beach, California, formerly with Allstate Financial Services; Jacob O’Bannion of Portland, Oregon, formerly with Ameritas Investment Company; Colton Smith and Parker Smith of Denver, Colorado, formerly with LPL Financial; Ronald Martin and Eric and John Hoemeyer of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly with Osaic; Paula Strumbly and MJ Morrello of Westlake, Ohio, formerly with LPL Financial; and Scott Foster of Westlake Village, California, formerly with Park Avenue Securities. Collectively, the new offices represent a diverse group of established wealth management practices serving individuals, families, and business owners across key growth markets throughout the country.
IFG currently ranks No. 14 among all independent broker-dealers by revenue, a milestone the firm achieved in significantly less time than many legacy firms in the category. Founded in 2003 and based in San Diego, California, IFG supports more than 600 independent financial professionals in over 400 offices nationwide. In 2025, Financial Advisor Magazine listed IFG as the 14th largest national independent broker-dealer and No. 2 for privately held broker-dealers based on gross revenue.
KEY QUOTES:
“We’re seeing a meaningful shift among experienced advisors who want more than scale. They want a true partner.”
“Our strategy has never been about recruiting the most advisors. It’s about attracting the right advisors who value exceptional service, strong relationships and a firm that’s built around their long-term success. The momentum we’ve seen this year reinforces that our approach is resonating.”
“As advisors evaluate where they want to build the next chapter of their businesses, they’re looking beyond upfront economics. They’re looking for a firm that offers alignment, accessibility and a genuine commitment to helping them grow over the long term. That’s where IFG continues to differentiate itself.”
David Fischer, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Independent Financial Group
