President Rita Robbins and Managing Partner Trisha Qualy have been recognized by Financial Planning Magazine as two of the 20 people who will shape wealth management in 2026.
The recognition highlights their work launching the Synthesis Advisor Program in February 2025, a structured training initiative designed to address the industry's growing talent gap.
"With most new advisors exiting the industry within five years, the focus must go beyond recruiting to actively developing young talent," Qualy told Financial Planning earlier this year.
The Synthesis program replaces informal mentoring with targeted coaching tailored to advisors at different career stages. It includes three distinct tracks: EntryPoint for aspiring advisors and career changers, LaunchPad for advisors transitioning to independence, and GrowthCatalyst for seasoned planners focused on scale, M&A, and succession.
According to Financial Planning, the initiative reflects a longer-term strategy for Affiliated Advisors: doubling the firm's roughly $5 billion in client assets while building durability in a business facing advisor retirements and chronic underdevelopment of new talent.
"If it succeeds, the program could shape how independent firms approach advisor development more broadly," the publication noted.
The list also includes leaders such as Charles Schwab's new CEO Rick Wurster, custodial challenger Jason Wenk, and Kimberly Watkins, who is preparing the next generation of financial planners.
Read the full Financial Planning article here.
Disclosure:
Listing in this publication and/or recognition is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party recognition.