Overview

After 18 years at Merrill, Neil Rubinstein and his team joined Rockefeller Global Family Office, finding a platform purpose-built for ultra-high-net-worth clients and redefining what “exclusive access” and extraordinary growth can look like for elite advisors.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

Advisors often assume that staying at a wirehouse means access to the best products, the strongest brand, and the most “exclusive” opportunities. But what happens when you discover that “exclusive” can mean something very different – and far more powerful – outside the walls of a big firm?

That’s the story of Neil Rubinstein, an 18-year Merrill veteran who made the move to Rockefeller Global Family Office in 2019.

It was a decision driven by the realization that things were changing at Merrill. As Neil describes it, he and his team were spending more time checking mortgages and credit cards than they were managing their clients’ wealth potential.

Diamond Consultants had the privilege of helping guide Neil on his journey to identify what could be “better enough” to take on the hassle of moving a practice managing $600mm in assets. And while independence was intriguing, Rockefeller checked off many more boxes than Neil could have imagined.

Since then, Neil’s practice has more than doubled in both revenue and assets under management.

In this episode with host Mindy Diamond, Neil offers a perspective on life after Merrill, including:

For advisors considering their next chapter, this is a grounded look at access, alignment, and growth told by someone who’s lived on both sides—with a candid look at the heralded Rockefeller brand.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Rockefeller Revisited: What’s Driving the Success of this 3-Year-Old “Modern” Multi-Family Office?

Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance

Neil D. Rubinstein

Neil is a founding partner of RSA Family Wealth and joined Rockefeller Capital Management in June 2019. He is dedicated to providing financial planning, investment management, and wealth structuring services to successful families in North Texas and across the United States. Along with all members of RSA Family Wealth, Neil is committed to delivering a high-touch, professional service and enjoys working with great families every day.

Neil has more than twenty-six years of experience in the field of finance. He obtained his undergraduate degree in accounting and MPA (Master of Professional Accounting) from the University of Texas at Austin. Neil began his career in public accounting as a C.P.A. with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Neil was named to Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list in 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024.

Neil is a Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA), awarded by the Investments & Wealth Institute™ (formerly Investment Management Consultants Association) through the Wharton School of Business.

Neil and his family reside in Plano, Texas. Neil and his wife, Dafna, are involved in the community, both serving on community Boards of Directors and committees. He is a graduate of Leadership Plano and a Past President of the Board of both Congregation Anshai Torah and Akiba Yavneh Academy of Dallas.

Both Neil and his family enjoy staying active and spending time in Breckenridge, CO, skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.

Overview

After more than a decade at Merrill, Alex Markowitz wanted to serve clients differently, without quotas or constraints. He launched Alteri Wealth, an independent firm built on empathy, teamwork, and what he calls a “financial physician” approach to client care and growth.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

Not every advisor aims to work in wealth management—and even fewer begin in medical school. However, for this episode’s guest, the similarities between medicine and financial advice are strong: empathy, the desire to help, and the commitment to “do no harm.”

Alex Markowitz couldn’t imagine taking on the debt of medical school. But he could envision serving those who needed his help another way: as a financial advisor. That belief would ultimately lead him from the world of medicine to Merrill Lynch, and later, from Merrill to independence.

After more than a decade in the wirehouse environment, Alex found that the rules, quotas, and bureaucracy left little room to be a true fiduciary. He couldn’t thrive in a profession where corporate structures dictated both his future and the outcomes of those he served.

The turning point came when he began asking a simple question: “If I were fully independent, how would I serve my clients differently?”

A year and a half later, as Founding Partner of Alteri Wealth, Alex is answering that question every day. Built around a “financial physician” approach to client care, the firm’s growth comes entirely through referrals—no marketing, no lead generation, just radical candor and results.

In this episode, Louis Diamond speaks with Alex about his journey, including:

It’s a candid look at what life after the wirehouses can look like—and how independence can transform not just a business, but the very way an advisor defines success.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Diamond Consultants Merrill Advisor Transition Report

The Advisor Transition Playbook: Inside Baseball on Due Diligence, the Move, and Everything In Between

Mindset Shift: Why Advisors are Forgoing a Recruiting Deal and Leaping Right to Independence

Alex Markowitz

Alex Markowitz is a Founding Partner of Alteri Wealth, where he leads with a singular focus: his clients and their families. With a background in Biological Anthropology and Chemistry from UC San Diego, graduating Cum Laude, Alex initially pursued a medical degree before discovering his true calling in financial services. This pivot led to a distinguished 13-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he rose to the rank of Senior Vice President and was honored on the Forbes Best-In-State Next-Generation Wealth Advisor List in 2023.

Driven by a desire to serve clients more holistically, Alex co-founded Alteri Wealth to build the Family Office of the future. One that integrates every aspect of a client’s financial life with innovation, care, and purpose. Known as a “financial physician,” Alex takes a comprehensive and diagnostic approach to wealth management, ensuring that each client’s unique needs are addressed with precision and empathy.

Alex’s passion for helping others extends beyond his professional life. He is deeply involved in his community, volunteering with his local Temple, The Friendship Circle—an organization supporting families of children with disabilities—and the City of Hope in the fight against cancer. A proud resident of Westlake Village, Alex shares his life with his wife Michelle and their beloved rescue dogs, Dom and Bon Jovi. Outside of work, he’s an avid Miami Dolphins fan, LEGO enthusiast, and bourbon aficionado. His ideal evening includes a glass of bourbon, a classic Carole King or James Taylor record spinning on the turntable, and the challenge of constructing intricate LEGO masterpieces.

Overview

As TROs and lawsuits make headlines, two top attorneys who represented Merrill breakaways OpenArc, share how advisors can minimize risk, protect client relationships, and make a clean move with confidence.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

If you’ve been keeping up with recent industry headlines, you’ve likely noticed a concerning trend: a growing number of TROs (temporary restraining orders) being filed by wirehouses and large firms against advisors who leave.

Firms like Merrill and UBS are increasingly using TROs to restrict advisors from contacting clients or moving accounts immediately after resignation. For those caught in the crosshairs, the consequences can be serious: reputational damage, legal fees, and weeks of uncertainty at exactly the wrong time. Yet for those who are moving with guidance from attorneys experienced in advisor transitions, and are coloring within the lines, it can seem that these legal actions are more show than substance.

To help us unpack what’s happening and, more importantly, how to avoid becoming a headline yourself, Louis Diamond is joined by Jarrod Malone and Michael Bressan, two leading attorneys who represent financial advisors in transitions and disputes.

Their firm, Shumaker, has handled thousands of advisor-related cases—including defending the recent OpenArc transition from Merrill, which drew national attention when a judge quickly ruled in favor of the breakaway team.

Together, they explore:

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move

The Missing Narrative of the $129B Merrill Breakaway Story

The $129B Blockbuster Move: Shirl Penney on Why This Transition Marks a New Era for the Industry

Michael D. Bressan

Michael is a member of a team of lawyers who represent large financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals regarding employment transitions and violations of contractual covenants. His practice primarily focuses on securities law, restrictive covenants, trade secrets, corporate change in control issues, mergers and acquisitions, commercial litigation, arbitration, and high-level negotiation.

Jarrod J. Malone

Jarrod focuses his litigation practice on representing financial and investment advisors transitioning from firm to firm and has advised on some of the largest transitions in the country. He has significant litigation experience in State and Federal Courts, FINRA arbitrations, and has been class counsel in numerous class actions.  Jarrod is one of the few lawyers in the United States who have successfully brought Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations claims in federal court and has handled dozens of TRO cases, both prosecuting and defending, throughout the country. He has substantial knowledge in electronic discovery and has assisted numerous corporations in data breach incidents.

Overview

He’s built and rebuilt some of the industry’s most successful firms and now he’s helping others do the same. In this episode, Joe Duran, the founder of Rise Growth Partners shares lessons from building, selling, and starting again, and how staying curious and adaptable fuels lasting success.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

Joe Duran’s career has always been about reaching new heights—and then helping others climb on their own. A proverbial mountain climber himself, Joe built and sold two of the most successful firms in the RIA space: Centurion Capital and United Capital.

Today, Joe sees himself as a sherpa—guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs through his latest venture, Rise Growth Partners. His story is one of constant reinvention, relentless curiosity, and the humility to keep asking one simple question: “What if I’m wrong?”

Joe first joined us on the show back in 2020, shortly after the sale of United Capital to Goldman Sachs. Now, with the benefit of both hindsight and foresight, Joe revisits that experience and explores the mindset behind building truly world-class firms, including:

Joe also reflects on how the industry can avoid the risk of mega-RIAs repeating the mistakes of the wirehouses.

It’s a candid and thought-provoking conversation about reinvention, leadership, value creation, and what it means to evolve from mountain climber to sherpa from one of the industry’s trailblazers.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Why Settle for “Good Enough” When Great is Possible?

Limitless Growth: Building the Business You Want and the Life to Match

Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance

Joe Duran

Joe Duran is a serial entrepreneur and an industry visionary in wealth management and wealthtech.

Early in 2024, Joe and his team launched Rise Growth Partners (‘Rise’), the industry’s first harmonious financial partner. With firsthand experience in building nationally recognized registered investment advisers (RIAs), Rise’s team partners with middle-market RIAs, providing capital and strategic expertise.

Previously, Joe was a Partner at Goldman Sachs, serving as Co-Head of the Workplace and Personal Wealth business. He founded and served as CEO of United Capital, one of the nation’s largest independent wealth management firms, which Goldman Sachs acquired in July 2019. Prior to that, he built and sold Centurion Capital–one of the first turnkey asset management platforms–to General Electric, where he served as President of GE Private Asset Management (now listed as NYSE: AMK).

Joe is the author of three bestselling books on investing and entrepreneurship. He is a sought-after conference and podcast speaker and appears frequently on a broad spectrum of media, ranging from CNBC to Goop.

Joe has MBAs from Columbia University and UC Berkeley, as well as an undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University. He is a CFA Charterholder and a member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO), the world’s largest leadership community of chief executives. A Yogi for decades, he meditates daily and is an avid beach volleyball player.

Joe and his wife Jennifer cherish their three daughters and share a love of frequent travel, dining, dancing and live concerts.

Overview

After more than a decade at Edward Jones, Steve Davis realized he’d outgrown the model. He wanted more control, flexibility, and the ability to serve clients his way. In this episode, Steve shares how he built a lean, focused, and highly efficient independent practice with LPL—and why success isn’t about size, but about designing a business that fits your life.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

When we talk about advisors “outgrowing the firm,” it often sounds theoretical. For this episode’s guest, it’s anything but.

After more than a decade at Edward Jones, Steve Davis found himself limited—unable to market his CFP® credential, restricted on hiring, and frustrated by compliance that treated every advisor the same, regardless of experience. The breaking point came when he lost a major client relationship: not because of service, but because he simply couldn’t access the solutions that his client needed inside the Edward Jones model.

That was when it became clear that Steve hadn’t just outgrown Edward Jones; he needed a platform that matched where he wanted to take his practice well into the future.

Today, as the founder of Madison & Elm Wealth Management, an independent practice affiliated with LPL, he runs what he calls a “hyper-efficient, hyper-focused” solo practice. With 60 clients, $60M in assets, and a net payout that well-exceeds that of his time at Edward Jones, he’s proven that independence isn’t just about size: It’s about control, choice, and building a business aligned with your life.

In this episode, Jason Diamond dives into Steve’s story, including:

It’s an honest look at life after the W-2 world and how one advisor built a business that works smarter, not harder, with relevant takeaways for advisors at all levels.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Post-Transition Survey: Checking in on Former Edward Jones Advisors Who Recently Moved

The Advisor Transition Playbook: Inside Baseball on Due Diligence, the Move, and Everything In Between

Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance

Steve Davis

Steve Davis is the founder and CEO of Madison & Elm Wealth Management. Steve is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with over 14 years of experience supporting clients in pursuing their financial goals. He meets with clients in-person or virtually, partnering with them and proactively sharing his expertise in order to help maximize their opportunities. He has the support of a team of professionals at LPL Financial who are specifically equipped to handle the sophisticated needs of higher net worth clients.

As a former Division I athlete, Steve brings the same focus and dedication to his clients that allowed him to excel on the baseball field. Steve grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio before attending Kent State University on an athletic and academic scholarship. After graduating magna cum laude with a degree in finance and entrepreneurship, he spent two years as an equity trader. He has been serving clients nationwide ever since. Steve lives with his wife and three children in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Overview

Supportive independence has become one of the most dynamic segments of wealth management, offering advisors the freedom of independence with the scale and resources of a major firm. In this episode, the CEO of Sanctuary Wealth joins Louis Diamond to discuss Sanctuary 2.0: how the firm doubled in size, its vision for advisor autonomy, and the future of growth, technology, and partnership in the independent space.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

Advisors considering independence often wrestle with a key question: “Do I want to go it alone—or have the backing of a platform?”

That question gave rise to the concept of supportive independence—one of the most dynamic corners of the wealth management ecosystem. It bridges the gap between the turnkey structure of the wirehouses and the full autonomy of running your own RIA. The model offers ownership and freedom while surrounding teams with the infrastructure, technology, and expertise to accelerate growth and achieve scale. And it comes with an added advantage: a community built on accessible leadership and shared talent.

It’s in this space that Sanctuary Wealth has carved out its niche. Since its founding, Sanctuary has become a top destination for elite wirehouse teams seeking greater freedom and control—without giving up the benefits of scale.

With CEO Adam Malamed at the helm, the firm has entered what he calls “Sanctuary 2.0”—a new era of growth, innovation, and partnership designed to help advisors not only transition successfully but thrive long after the move.

Building on his experience scaling Ladenburg Thalmann into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, Adam is now leading Sanctuary into its next chapter with a sharp focus on growth, technology, and long-term sustainability. In just two years, he has helped the firm nearly double in size, expanded its reach through the acquisition of Tru Independence, and solidified its standing as one of the industry’s most compelling platforms for elite advisors.

In this episode, Louis Diamond and Adam discuss:

It’s a candid look at where one of the fastest-growing firms is headed and the value it offers advisors seeking a path to independence.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Mindset Shift: Why Advisors are Forgoing a Recruiting Deal and Leaping Right to Independence

Firms That Win in 2025: What Advisors Are Really Looking For

Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance

Alan Malamed 

Adam Malamed is the Chief Executive Officer of Sanctuary Wealth, where he leads the firm’s strategic vision, long-term growth initiatives, and commitment to innovation in the wealth management industry. Since assuming the role in 2023, Adam has focused on building the platform of the future investing in top talent, advanced technology, and scalable growth resources. His mission is to drive value for Sanctuary’s Partner Firms by helping them grow, operate more efficiently and build equity.

Under Adam’s leadership, Sanctuary continues to solidify its position as the premier destination for sophisticated and elite financial advisors and wealth management firms. He oversees the firm’s long-term strategy with an emphasis on business expansion ensuring Sanctuary remains a leader in the Hybrid RIA space.

With over 25 years of experience in financial services, Adam is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and board director. Prior to joining Sanctuary, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Board Director at publicly traded Ladenburg Thalmann Financial, where he was instrumental in growing the firm’s revenue from $35 million to $1.5 billion.

Adam earned a B.A. in Business Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Overview

From due diligence to culture fit, client communication to deal evaluation, there’s far more to moving than meets the eye. In this special Industry Update, Jason and Mindy unpack the real playbook behind advisor transitions – the triggers, misconceptions, and timelines – plus lessons from the recent $129B Merrill breakaway that prove why no advisor is “too big” for change.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

Everything about a transition can seem incredibly overwhelming.

From understanding “the why’s” of a move, then conducting due diligence, and on to aligning the right models, and selecting the best firms, it might seem like a fairly linear process.

And for some it can be.

But for others, the layers of minutiae can be daunting.

Essentially, it comes down to the adage, “You don’t know what you don’t know.”

In this episode, Jason Diamond is joined by Mindy, to fill in some of those blanks and share some inside baseball on how to get from here to there, including:

Plus, they add context to their advice by drawing from experience gained in the recent $129B Merrill breakaway move.

Essentially, it’s a download of “everything you need to know when considering a move.”

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

The $129B Blockbuster Move: Shirl Penney on Why This Transition Marks a New Era for the Industry

The Missing Narrative of the $129B Merrill Breakaway Story

Transition Announcement: $129B Merrill Team Launches OpenArc Corporate Advisory with Support from Dynasty, Schwab, and Diamond Consultants

Overview

The $129B OpenArc breakaway marks a watershed moment for wealth management. In this Rapid Reaction episode, Louis Diamond and Shirl Penney unpack what it means for the RIA model, advisors, and the future of industry competition.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

When the news broke that a team managing $129B in client assets left Merrill to launch OpenArc Corporate Advisory, the headlines focused on the sheer scale of the move—and the ensuing legal firestorm. However, this transition represents even more: a defining moment for the independent wealth management movement and a demonstration of the industry’s evolving landscape.

For years, independence has been steadily chipping away at wirehouse dominance. Yet OpenArc is proof that even the most elite and institutionally focused advisor teams see greater opportunity in starting their own firm.

That’s where Dynasty Financial Partners comes in. Under Shirl Penney’s leadership, Dynasty has become synonymous with enabling large, complex teams to make the leap to independence, providing the scale, capital, and infrastructure needed to compete at the very top of the industry.

And with OpenArc, Dynasty has helped one of the biggest breakaways launch a new enterprise built for the future.

Yet getting the team to this moment was a decade in the making, with Mindy Diamond and Louis Diamond guiding the growing team through an educational journey on an ever-changing landcsape of possibilities.

In this special Rapid Reaction episode, Louis and Shirl offer their perspectives on:

They also highlight key learnings for advisors watching this transition closely—and what it reveals about the next chapter of industry competition.

It’s a rare inside look at a landmark deal in wealth management—and the insights it offers for advisors and firms across the industry.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

Transition Announcement: $129B Merrill Team Launches OpenArc Corporate Advisory with Support from Dynasty, Schwab, and Diamond Consultants

Transition Announcement: $5.5B UBS Mega-Team Leaves for RBC

Shirl Penney 

Shirl Penney is the founder, CEO, and member of the Board of Directors of Dynasty Financial Partners, one of the leading advocates and platforms for independent wealth advisor firms. Since its launch in 2010, Dynasty has grown to nearly $115B assets under management.

Shirl is recognized throughout the industry for his thought leadership and insight on key trends and issues impacting the rapidly evolving wealth management landscape. Investment News named him to its 2015 list of ‘40 Most Influential People in Wealth Management Under 40,’ as well as to its inaugural list of ‘Icons and Innovators in Wealth Management’ the following year.

In 2019, Dynasty relocated from New York, NY, to St. Petersburg, Florida, and Shirl quickly became a leading voice in the city’s business community, embracing local causes and giving back to organizations serving the area where Dynasty employees live and work. In 2023, he was named ‘Florida Entrepreneur of the Year,’ and in 2024 the Tampa Bay Business Journal selected him for its ‘Power 100 List’ of the area’s most influential business leaders.

Prior to Dynasty, Shirl worked at Citi Smith Barney in various leadership roles including director of private wealth management and head of executive financial services.

Shirl is from Eastport, Maine, and graduated from Bates College. He and his family live in St. Petersburg where they are active in numerous charitable causes focused on education, poverty, ALS, and veteran services. He is a Fellow of the inaugural class of the Finance Leaders Fellowship, a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, and a member of the Young President’s Organization of Florida.

Overview

Few advisors build a multi-billion-dollar RIA. John Krambeer has done it twice. In this candid conversation, the Validus Capital CEO reflects on his journey, how independence has evolved, and the hard-won lessons that guide him now.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

Some advisors break away once in their careers. John Krambeer has done it twice, each time building a multi-billion-dollar RIA.

That kind of repeated success is rare in any industry—and in wealth management, it’s almost unheard of. Yet John’s journey provides a front-row seat to the evolution of the independent space, from its early pioneering days to the sophisticated and bespoke multi-family office models we see today.

Long before “going independent” became popular, John left Merrill’s Private Banking & Investment Group (PBIG) in 2004 to launch Camden Capital. He was early to the RIA movement, betting on transparency, better reporting, and access to private investments when few advisors dared to break away and forge their own path.

In 2022, John made the difficult decision to leave Camden and do it all over again—this time building Validus Capital, now a $2.5B multi-family office designed with hard-earned lessons in mind.

In this conversation with Louis Diamond, John shares a candid look at:

John runs back the game films to provide candid insights for prospective and current independent business owners. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from someone who not only helped shape the independent space but has proven that with clarity, conviction, and the right people, you can build lasting success more than once.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

The Best of the Best: 10 Ways Top Advisors Are Growing Their Businesses— A Special Industry Update

Player or Coach? Why Every Advisor Eventually Has to Choose

Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance

John M. Krambeer

John Krambeer is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Validus Capital and has served as a financial advisor to wealthy families and institutional investors for over three decades. Mr. Krambeer has extensive experience providing wealthy families with strategic investment advice, structuring portfolios to meet long-term objectives, and creating private investment vehicles across the alternatives landscape. Mr. Krambeer has spent his career working with both traditional and alternative investment managers, evaluating asset allocation strategies, managing long-term equity portfolios, and implementing options strategies for concentrated stock positions. Mr. Krambeer has been recognized by Barron’s as a Top 100 Independent Wealth Advisor four times and as one of America’s Top Financial Advisors seven times.

Prior to founding Validus Capital, Mr. Krambeer founded Camden Capital in 2004 and served as its Chief Executive Officer and Partner. He led the firm’s investing activities and established its private fund platform. Before forming Camden Capital, Mr. Krambeer spent 16 years at Merrill Lynch, where he helped build the Private Banking and Investment Group.

Mr. Krambeer is a member of the Advisory Board of FrontRange Capital Partners, Saybrook Fund Advisors, NewRoad Capital Partners, and Rosemawr Management. He is active in the community, supporting various philanthropic organizations, including serving as the Founder and President of the Southern California Rodeo Boosters, an organization devoted to helping junior high and high school students competing in the sport of Rodeo with scholarship support as they transition to college. Mr. Krambeer was an inaugural member of the Schwab Institutional Advisory Council for Advisors Turning Independent (ATI) – a sounding board for firms transitioning to independence in the evolving wealth management industry. Mr. Krambeer received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Woodbury University.

Recognition

Overview

The CEO of Cetera Financial Group shares insights on independence, private equity, and balancing scale with service, plus what the future holds for advisors and firms.

> Download a transcript of this episode…

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation.

The wealth management industry is at an inflection point—where scale, service, and strategy all collide.

Drawing on 35 years of industry experience and leadership roles at Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, and now Cetera, Mike Durbin offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping the world as we know it.

Since joining Cetera in 2023, Mike’s led the firm through rapid expansion—balancing the resources of a $600B+ national platform with a boutique-level advisor experience. From multi-channel affiliation models to tech and AI integration, his strategy centers on one thing: helping advisors grow faster, smarter, and more sustainably.

In this episode, Jason Diamond and Mike discuss:

Whether you’re an advisor evaluating your options or a leader navigating change, Mike’s candid perspective provides clarity on what it takes to thrive in today’s environment.

Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002.

IBD vs. RIA Revisited: Two Independent Pathways for Advisors to Consider

RIA, IBD or somewhere in between: Which version of independence is right for you?

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any security. Opinions may change without notice. Forward-looking statements, including projections or estimates, are not guarantees. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and all investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Wealth Services LLC (f/k/a Cetera Advisor Networks), Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms are members Member FINRA/SIPC.

Mike Durbin

Mike Durbin is chief executive officer of Cetera Financial Group and a member of Cetera’s board of directors. In his role as CEO, he oversees Cetera’s growth initiatives, from expansion into new and adjacent markets to evolving Cetera’s existing capabilities for the financial professionals and financial institutions it serves.

Most recently, Mike was head of Fidelity Institutional, a division of Fidelity Investments offering clearing, custody, investment products, brokerage, and trading services to a wide range of wealth management firms and institutions. In this role, Mike was responsible for supporting the growth of clients’ businesses, enhancing their operational efficiency while delivering insights that help to drive confidence, clarity, and results.

Previously, Mike served as head of Fidelity Institutional Investment and Technology Solutions where he focused on the end-to-end delivery of wealth management products and technology solutions for Fidelity clearing and custody clients. Prior to that role, he served as president of Fidelity Wealth Technologies, where he oversaw Fidelity’s acquisition of eMoney Advisor. He joined Fidelity in February 2009 as president of Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services where he was responsible for the oversight and growth of the business by providing clients access to a flexible, open-technology environment, extensive practice management resources and wealth management investments, and related execution and custody services.

Prior to joining Fidelity, Mike acted as chief operating officer of the National Sales Division for Morgan Stanley’s Global Wealth Management. During his 18-year tenure with Morgan Stanley, he held various leadership positions, including head of Capital Markets, head of International Private Wealth Management and chief strategic and risk officer for the Global Individual Investor Group. Mike joined the firm in 1990, then titled Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., in the investment banking field. In his initial roles, he was involved with the origination, structuring, and marketing of packaged investments for private client distribution.

Education