AdvisorHub cites Steward Partners’ innovative ownership structure and strong growth momentum as drivers shaping the future of RIAs
Steward Partners, an employee-owned independent financial services firm specializing in comprehensive wealth management solutions, has been named to AdvisorHub‘s inaugural RIA Firms to Watch in 2026 list. The new ranking highlights five RIAs with distinct business models, strong growth momentum, and the potential to influence the future direction of the industry.
Founded in 2013, Steward Partners has grown to oversee $43 billion in client assets by exemplifying the qualities AdvisorHub set out to recognize. The firm’s progress is driven by its employee ownership model, which gives every partner a direct stake in the firm’s success. Steward Partners has also advanced its growth through a measured approach to M&A and advisor succession that prioritizes cultural alignment and long-term continuity. This foundation is strengthened by sustained investment in mentorship, professional development, and transparency, all of which continue to attract and retain top advisory teams.
“This honor is a testament to the power of our model and the people who make it work,” said Jim Gold, CEO of Steward Partners. “By giving every partner true ownership, we’ve built a culture where advisors are empowered to grow, clients come first, and long-term value is created at every level. Being recognized as a firm shaping the future of wealth management is both a milestone and a motivation to keep raising the bar.”
The selection of Steward Partners as one of the first firms featured on AdvisorHub‘s RIA Firms to Watch list underscores the strength of its ownership structure, commitment to advisor development, and ability to sustain growth while preserving culture. It highlights the firm’s role as a model for how independent RIAs can thrive in a competitive and rapidly evolving industry.
For the full list of AdvisorHub‘s RIAs to Watch in 2026, visit: https://www.advisorhub.com/resources/238912-2/
Since its launch in 2013, Steward Partners has solidified its place as one of the industry’s fastest-growing and most influential RIA firms. The firm was recently recognized with a #9 ranking on the 2025 Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firms list, up from its #18 ranking in 2024. Additionally, the firm earned a spot on Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing private companies for the fifth time. Additionally, the firm was recently listed 28th on Financial Advisor Magazine’s 2025 Top RIA and RIA Discretionary and Non-Discretionary AUM Rankings and was named as a 2025 Excellence Awardee for InvestmentNews‘ Thrivent Employer of Choice, as well as recognized on Washington Business Journal‘s 2025 Best Places to Work List and USA TODAY‘s Best Financial Advisory Firms 2025 list. Furthermore, in 2025 several Steward Partners advisors and teams were honored on Forbes | SHOOK’s 2025 Best-In-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, 2025 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors and Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams lists, underscoring the firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional client outcomes through collaborative, team-based service. Additionally, many advisors earned a spot on InvestmentNews‘ Top Financial Advisors in the USA list. These achievements reflect Steward Partners’ continued momentum, client-first culture, and dedication to excellence in wealth management.
