LPL lands $500M advisor team in Texas

The Strategic Insights Financial Planning Group: Alexis Villarreal, James Enriquez, Arthur Hughes, Leonardo Chang and James Credo

The move marks the third practice LPL has recruited from Ameriprise in roughly a week.

LPL is broadening its presence in the Lone Star State as it nabs another team of advisors from Ameriprise. The wealth giant announced that Strategic Insights Financial Planning Group has officially come under its broker-dealer, RIA, and custodial platforms.

The group reported overseeing around $500 million in assets across advisory, brokerage, and retirement plan platforms at Ameriprise.

The McAllen, Texas-based group, established in 1986 by Arthur Hughes, comprises five advisors, including managing partners James Credo and James Enriquez. Advisors Alexis Villarreal and Leonardo Chang round out the team.

“We work with a diverse mix of clients from small business owners to healthcare workers to retirees, all who enjoy a personalized and collaborative relationship with their financial advisor,” Credo, who’s been registered with Finra for 17 years, said in a statement Thursday.

He highlighted the team’s commitment to providing an efficient, tailored roadmap for clients pursuing financial stability, wealth accumulation, or legacy planning.

The transition to LPL was driven by several factors, notably the promise of operational efficiencies, enhanced marketing capabilities, and the potential for enriched client interactions and growth.

Enriquez outlined the benefits of LPL’s integrated platform, including streamlined access and the flexibility to utilize preferred planning software, which simplifies tax return integration.

“We’re no longer a one-man firm, and it’s our hope that we can be a 100-year-plus firm with a unique brand and culture,” said Enriquez, who also highlighted the firm’s newfound ability to market its brand outside a franchise system and develop content easily.

Strategic Insights Planning Group is the third defection to LPL from Ameriprise in roughly a week, following a $300 million advisor trio that launched their own independent practice in Kentucky and a $210 million advisor who joined LPL in Florida.

Ameriprise scored a blow against LPL Wednesday as it announced Kinecta Federal Credit Union will transition its wealth management program from LPL, a move that will see $2 billion in assets and 20 advisors shift to the Ameriprise Financial Institutions Group.