LPL Financial has recently brought aboard another substantial advisor team to its Strategic Wealth Services unit, specifically designed to assist wirehouse advisors in transitioning to independent practices.
Introducing Continuity Private Wealth
The latest addition to the team is Continuity Private Wealth, comprised of advisors James P. Debuque and Timothy M. Baltz. Having made the move from Merrill Lynch, the duo reportedly managed around $1 billion in advisory, brokerage, and retirement plan assets during their tenure at their previous firm.
Pursuing Autonomy and Support
Debuque and Baltz made the decision to join Strategic Wealth Services due to their desire for greater autonomy and the opportunity to leverage the unit’s support and resources. Emphasizing LPL’s advisor-centric culture, Debuque noted, “We were drawn to LPL’s advisor-centric culture that gives us the flexibility to run our business as we see fit.”
Empowering Independent Practices
Continuity Private Wealth becomes the 40th team to align with SWS since its establishment in 2020. The unit offers advisors a range of support and resources to help them successfully launch and manage their own independent practices. Services include assistance in finding office space, support with marketing and branding efforts, provision of technology solutions, and more, as highlighted by Kimberly Sanders, senior vice president at SWS. She emphasized, “The true benefit is that they get ongoing support; we’ll be there right beside them, helping them grow.”
Enhancing Advisor Flexibility
According to a spokesperson, as advisors’ businesses evolve, they have the option to transition to different LPL channels, offering a unique level of flexibility not commonly found in other models. This allows advisors to affiliate with LPL without committing to a permanent situation.
Access to Cutting-Edge Resources
Advisors who become part of this unit gain access to LPL’s platform and various capabilities. As the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer and one of the leading wealth managers, LPL boasts an impressive 22,660 advisors and oversees total advisory and brokerage assets totaling $1.35 trillion as of the fourth quarter.
Welcoming Industry Veterans
Debuque and Baltz, both industry veterans with extensive experience, are joining the ranks of LPL. With Debuque’s 27-year tenure at Merrill Lynch and Baltz’s 19-year background at the wirehouse, their addition brings a wealth of expertise to the team. This expansion also includes chief operating officer Wendy A. Fratrik, client relationship manager Nicole Ferrara, and wealth management associate Lisa Baltz, all based in Doylestown, Pa.