The U.S. wealth‑management industry is ageing. Research cited by Cassaday & Company shows that the average financial adviser is 56, and nearly 40 % plan to retire within a decade. In response, Forbes and SHOOK Research created the “America’s Top Next‑Gen Wealth Advisors” ranking. The list highlights up‑and‑coming advisers who are shaping client relationships and wealth strategies for decades to come.
Understanding the Forbes/SHOOK methodology
The Next‑Gen ranking focuses on advisers who are under 40 and have at least four years of experience. SHOOK Research uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative factors. The team conducts thousands of telephone, virtual and in‑person interviews to assess qualities such as best practices, client service and investing philosophy. Quantitative data—revenue trends, assets under management (AUM) and compliance records—are weighted to ensure advisers demonstrate consistent growth. Portfolio performance is deliberately not a criterion because client goals vary and there is no standardized, audited performance data.
The scale of the research is enormous. For the 2025 ranking, SHOOK Research examined 49,859 nominations and conducted 24,181 telephone interviews, 6,531 in‑person interviews and 1,553 web‑based interviews before narrowing the list. Only advisers with clean compliance records and no client complaints make the final ranking. The result is a collection of professionals who combine strong technical skills with a client‑centric approach.
Recognized next‑generation advisers
The official Forbes list is difficult to access directly, but company press releases and independent articles reveal many names that appear on the 2024–2025 Next‑Gen Wealth Advisors lists. The table below summarises more than a dozen advisers who appeared in J.P. Morgan, MAI Capital, Creative Planning and other firm announcements. These individuals represent varied regions and firms across the U.S., highlighting the geographic diversity of future wealth‑management leadership.
| Adviser | Firm | Location / State |
| Trung Lam | J.P. Morgan Wealth Management | Santa Clara, California |
| Tyler Seelow | J.P. Morgan Wealth Management | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Matthew Fournier | J.P. Morgan Wealth Management | Los Angeles, California |
| Lauren Lippert | MAI Capital Management | Ohio – ranked 18th of 76 advisers |
| Riley Rindo | MAI Capital Management | Ohio – ranked 8th of 76 advisers |
| Joe Lum | MAI Capital Management | Northern California – ranked 25th of 79 advisers |
| Carolyn Frager | Creative Planning | Florida – Best‑in‑State |
| Gabrielle Reilly | Creative Planning | Kansas – Best‑in‑State |
| Andy Gryszowka | Creative Planning | Kansas – Best‑in‑State |
| Victor Hernandez | J.P. Morgan Private Bank | Best‑in‑State adviser |
This table is not exhaustive but highlights many of the next‑generation advisers recognised by Forbes‑SHOOK rankings in recent years.
Spotlight: Frank Gristina and Acadia Wealth Advisors
A career rooted in institutional research
Frank Gristina is the founder of Acadia Wealth Advisors, formerly known as Tell‑Tale Capital. He started the firm in 2010 after spending decades as a research analyst and portfolio manager. His resume includes positions at Kemper Investments, Wheat First Butcher Singer, Robinson Humphrey, Avondale Partners and MicroCapital. Over his career he has accumulated over three decades of experience in institutional equity research and investment management. Gristina’s research skills earned him the Forbes StarMine 2006 Stock Picker’s Award, recognising his ability to identify high‑performing stocks.
Data‑driven and client‑focused wealth management
Gristina founded Tell‑Tale Capital to apply data‑driven research to wealth management. The firm later rebranded to Acadia Wealth Advisors, drawing inspiration from the natural balance of Acadia National Park. According to Acadia’s website, the firm “aligns wealth management strategies with clients’ evolving life goals” and emphasises trust, listening and careful stewardship. Frank’s approach is deeply rooted in his institutional research background; he combines rigorous analysis with personalized planning to help clients navigate complex financial transitions.
On the high‑net‑worth planning page, Gristina states that he has more than 25 years of experience serving affluent families and is dedicated to simplifying complexity, providing strategic direction and ensuring that clients’ wealth reaches its full potential. The firm’s services range from Growth At the Right Yield (GARY™) investing, to high‑growth stock strategies and wealth transition planning. These offerings highlight how Acadia serves as both an investment manager and a comprehensive financial planner.
Recognition and industry impact
Though Acadia is smaller than the national wirehouses, Gristina’s expertise has earned media attention. Third‑party publications note that Acadia provides “data‑driven” and “balanced” financial planning to clients across Virginia and beyond. Gristina’s combination of institutional research, personalized client service and award‑winning stock picking underscores why he stands out among next‑generation wealth leaders.
Why next‑gen advisers matter
With a looming retirement wave among older advisers, the next generation of wealth professionals will be responsible for stewarding trillions of dollars in assets. The Forbes‑SHOOK list offers a window into who these leaders are. Many have advanced credentials, diverse backgrounds and innovative practices. They grew up with technology and often serve younger, tech‑savvy clients while still appealing to baby boomers.
For investors searching for a long‑term partner, considering a next‑gen adviser can provide continuity and fresh perspective. Whether through national firms like J.P. Morgan or boutique specialists like Acadia Wealth Advisors, these advisers combine modern tools with rigorous client service standards. As you evaluate potential advisers, pay attention to their experience, fiduciary duties, and ability to listen and adapt—qualities that define the top next‑generation wealth advisers.
