When we last looked at recent advisor transitions, we saw strong signals that the market for moves was heating up. Fast forward a few months, and things have changed—but not necessarily slowed. Volatile markets, Liberation Day’s tariff shockwaves, and rising geopolitical tensions have all created a more complex backdrop for advisors. And yet, top-producing teams are still moving.
Why? Because confidence—when rooted in a strong client base and a clear vision for growth—can cut through chaos. Here are five recent moves worth watching and what they tell us about today’s advisor transition market.
1. Stifel Nabs Two Merrill Private Wealth Teams in Dallas (~$3 Billion AUM)
Once the hottest recruiter in the game, Stifel has slowed a bit from its breakneck pace—but that might be intentional. The firm just added two powerhouse teams from Merrill Lynch’s Private Wealth division in Dallas, managing $1.5B and $1.4B respectively.
Takeaway: While the volume of Stifel’s recruiting may have tapered, the quality has not. These additions suggest a shift toward selective growth and long-term cultural fit. For advisors, it’s a reminder that a “comfortable” pace can still mean serious talent—and serious assets.
2. Rockefeller Adds $10M UBS Team in New Jersey
Rockefeller Capital Management continues to expand methodically, this time bringing on a $10M-revenue team from UBS in New Jersey. It wasn’t a splashy mega-move—but that’s the Rockefeller way.
Takeaway: Rockefeller’s playbook is deliberate and legacy-driven. The Rockefeller name opens doors, but the firm doesn’t rush through them. Advisors considering a move should take note: the right platform doesn’t always have to be the biggest or fastest-growing—it just has to align with your ambitions and values.
3. RBC Lands $5 Billion J.P. Morgan Team in NYC
Now this was a headline grabber: a $5 billion J.P. Morgan team left the wirehouse for RBC in one of the biggest moves of the year. Transitions of this scale don’t happen lightly—they signal deep confidence, serious due diligence, and a belief that the new platform will elevate an already thriving practice.
Takeaway: If you’re a smaller advisor wondering whether your clients will follow you, this is your proof. Assets move because relationships move. This $5B team didn’t shift because of a brand name—they moved because they knew their clients were loyal to them. That truth scales from billion-dollar teams to solo shops managing $50M.
4. Morgan Stanley Gains $875M Team—But Loses $285M Broker to Wells Fargo
This one’s a two-way street: Morgan Stanley pulled in a strong team from JPMorgan with $875M AUM, even as a $285M producer exited to join Wells Fargo.
Takeaway: Firms win and lose advisors all the time. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—and that’s the point. Transitions are personal. What’s right for one team might be wrong for another, even if both are wildly successful. The best transitions are based on strategic alignment, not herd mentality.
5. $350M Ameriprise Team Returns to Morgan Stanley in Las Vegas
This team made a U-turn, rejoining Morgan Stanley after a stint at Ameriprise. Moves like this highlight how personal—and sometimes cyclical—the transition journey can be.
Takeaway: Sometimes it takes leaving to realize where you fit best. Rehiring boomerangs is a common practice in corporate America, and it’s just as relevant in wealth management. The key is not whether you move—it’s whether you find the right environment to grow.
Final Thoughts
Markets are shaky. Clients are anxious. And yet, top advisors are still on the move. Why? Because the best transitions aren’t reactive—they’re strategic.
Whether you’re managing $50 million or $5 billion, the right move comes down to your goals, your clients, and your confidence in your value. As these recent moves show, success isn’t defined by where you are—it’s defined by what you do next.
Thinking about a move? At 3xEquity, we help you evaluate offers, uncover your priorities, and chart a path forward—confidentially, and with no obligation. Let’s talk.
Control The Conversation. Click here to get multiple offers anonymously
