Advisor Moves · Recruiting · Independence
High-Profile Wealth Transitions: Cresset, Kestra, and Janney Secure Key Regional Expansions
Wealth management firms along the East Coast continue to accelerate their growth strategies, with major advisor transitions reshaping key regional markets in Florida, Virginia, and Connecticut.
By Advisor News Network
August 25, 2026
5 min
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UBS--WFC--
Transition:UBS Financial ServicesCresset Capital
$4.0BAUM
Wealth management firms along the East Coast continue to accelerate their growth strategies, with major advisor transitions reshaping key regional markets in Florida, Virginia, and Connecticut.
Cresset Capital Enters Boca Raton with $4 Billion UBS Group
In a major expansion of its South Florida presence, independent wealth management firm Cresset Capital has launched a new location in Boca Raton, anchored by a 16-person team departing from UBS Financial Services.
The high-caliber group was previously responsible for overseeing approximately $4 billion in client assets at UBS. The team's leadership includes Michael Bober, former Managing Director at UBS, and Ed Ventrice, former Managing Director at UBS.
Joining Bober and Ventrice are core team members Michael MacDonald, William "Billy" Marino, Sarah Ponczek, and Alex Santos.
Both Bober and Ventrice boast more than 30 years of industry experience advising corporate executives, business owners, ultra-high-net-worth families, foundations, and professional athletes. Both leaders began their professional careers as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) before transitioning to wealth management.
"Cresset's family office approach closely aligns with how we have always believed wealth should be managed," noted Ventrice, highlighting the firm's comprehensive, long-term approach to wealth planning.
Commenting on the expansion, Cresset Chief Executive Susie Cranston noted the firm's enthusiasm for establishing a physical footprint in Boca Raton and leveraging the team's deep-rooted network across South Florida.
Kestra Private Wealth Services Welcomes $130M Virginia Advisor
In Alexandria, Virginia, Kestra Private Wealth Services (PWS) — the RIA subsidiary of Kestra Financial supporting independent breakaway practice models — has announced the addition of Rocco Russo to HF3 Wealth Partners.
Russo transitions to HF3 from Edward Jones, where he managed roughly $130 million in client assets. Bringing 17 years of experience, his practice focuses on serving small business owners, federal employees, and government contractors across the D.C. metropolitan region.
The transition marks a personal milestone for Russo and HF3 Founder and Managing Partner David Tovey, whose professional relationship spans two decades, originating when Russo was initially a client of Tovey's.
"Going from friend to client to colleague with David is a full-circle moment, and I'm excited for what we can build together," said Russo.
Rob Bartenstein, Founder and President of Kestra PWS, added that the move highlights the flexibility independent advisor models afford established practices looking to scale.
Janney Bolsters Connecticut Footprint with Wells Fargo Addition
Further north, Janney Montgomery Scott has recruited wealth advisor Jenna Fiore to its office in Glastonbury, Connecticut.
Fiore joins Janney from Wells Fargo Advisors, where she oversaw nearly $150 million in client portfolios. She holds the title of First Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor.
Fiore began her financial services career at AXA Advisors in 2012 before joining Wells Fargo in 2015. She holds Series 7, 63, and 65 registrations, alongside insurance licenses for life, health, and variable annuities, and earned her degree in economics from Boston University.
"Joining Janney gives me the opportunity to continue serving clients with the personalized approach that has always been central to my practice," stated Fiore.
TagsCresset CapitalKestra Private Wealth ServicesJanney Montgomery ScottUBSEdward JonesWells Fargo AdvisorsHF3 Wealth PartnersBoca RatonAlexandriaGlastonburyRecruitingAdvisor Moves
