Stifel Financial reported continued progress in its wealth management strategy in 2025, pointing to advisor growth, rising fee-based assets, and record client asset levels as key drivers in its Global Wealth Management business. The company said Global Wealth Management delivered record fourth-quarter net revenues of $933.2 million, up from $865.2 million a year earlier, as higher asset management revenue, improved client activity, and balance-sheet growth supported results. Pre-tax net income for the segment totaled $330.1 million for the quarter.
Stifel also emphasized growth in recurring advisory relationships. Total client assets ended the period at $551.9 billion, representing a 10% year-over-year increase, while fee-based client assets rose 16% to $224.5 billion.
Recruiting and expansion of the advisor force remained central to the firm’s wealth initiative. Stifel said it added 14 financial advisors during the fourth quarter, including nine experienced employee advisors, and highlighted the production profile of those hires.
For the full year, the firm reported record Global Wealth Management net revenues of $3.54 billion, up from $3.28 billion in 2024. Stifel attributed the increase to stronger transactional revenue, higher asset management revenue tied to market values and net new assets, and growth in net interest income driven by balance-sheet expansion.
Across 2025, Stifel said it added 181 financial advisors, including experienced employee and independent advisors, as well as experienced advisors from B. Riley, as it continued to broaden its wealth management footprint and drive additional client asset inflows.
KEY QUOTE:
“2025 marked a record year for Stifel and demonstrated the strength of our platform and long-term strategy. While we remain attentive to market and geopolitical risks, we are confident in our ability to navigate uncertainty and continue to deliver for clients and shareholders.”
Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
