Janney Montgomery Scott has expanded its Texas presence by opening a new Houston office and adding four financial advisors who collectively manage nearly $3.5 billion in client assets.
The new office includes the Edwards Fitzpatrick Group, led by Sean Fitzpatrick, Managing Director/Investments, and James “Jim” Edwards, Managing Director/Investments. The team also includes Financial Advisor Christin Simon, Vice President/Investments, and Senior Registered Private Client Associate Allison Spinelli.
Lance Murphy has also joined the Houston office as Senior Vice President/Wealth Management. The advisors were previously affiliated with Raymond James.
Fitzpatrick has more than two decades of financial services experience and focuses on strategic financial planning and comprehensive wealth management. A Houston native, he began his career with Raymond James in 2002 and holds the Wealth Management Specialist designation.
Edwards brings more than 30 years of financial services experience, with a focus on strategic asset management, investment planning, and customized strategies for clients with complex financial needs. His background includes both traditional and alternative investments.
Simon has worked with the Edwards Fitzpatrick Group since 2013 and focuses on financial planning, investment research, portfolio analysis, and client service. She holds the Wealth Management Specialist and Accredited Asset Management Specialist designations.
Murphy advises high-net-worth families, business owners, and executives, combining financial planning with customized investment strategies. His previous experience includes senior positions with Invesco, FS Investments, Hines Securities, and Van Kampen Investments. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst designation.
The Houston opening builds on Janney’s broader expansion in Texas. The firm entered the state in 2025 with the opening of its Dallas office and the addition of West Haven Private Wealth. Janney said Texas remains a priority market for recruiting experienced advisors and expanding its wealth management footprint.
Janney now has more than 900 financial advisors serving clients across its national network and oversees nearly $200 billion in client assets under advisement.
KEY QUOTES:
“Houston and the broader Texas market represent an important opportunity for Janney, with Sean, Jim, and Lance exemplifying the sophisticated practices we continue to attract. Their decisions to join Janney demonstrate why experienced advisors are choosing our firm: greater flexibility, personalized support, and the capabilities they need to serve complex clients and continue growing.”
Kevin Reed, President Of Janney’s Private Client Group
“We took a very deliberate approach to choosing the right long-term partner for our practice. After carefully evaluating the platforms, cultures, and capabilities available to us, Janney stood out for the combination of personal attention and sophisticated resources. Leadership is accessible, people took the time to understand our business, and that level of partnership was important to us as we considered what would be best for our team and our clients over the long term.”
Sean Fitzpatrick, Managing Director/Investments At Janney
“Texas presents tremendous opportunity for Janney, and opening an office in Houston with this group of experienced advisors gives us an outstanding foundation in the market. They bring deep experience, strong client relationships, and established practices that align extremely well with Janney. We see significant opportunity to build on this presence and continue attracting experienced advisors across Texas.”
Frank Amigo, Gulf Regional Director At Janney
