Raymond James broadens California footprint with ex-Stifel advisor

Craig Barker

The brokerage firm’s employee advisor arm deepens its bench with a three-decade veteran of the industry.

Raymond James is further cementing its dominance on the West Coast as another seasoned financial advisor joins its ranks. The firm announced that Raymond James & Associates, its employee advisor arm, recently enhanced its Roseville, California, team by recruiting veteran advisor Craig H. Barker.

Barker, who previously managed client assets worth around $165 million at Stifel, made the move along with senior client service associate Sharon A. Bracken-Barker.

With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including 15 years at Stifel, Barker specializes in wealth management strategies catering to a diverse client base, running the gamut from business owners to retirees.

“Raymond James’ bottom-up corporate model and emphasis on the client-advisor relationship were at the forefront of our decision to join the firm,” the advisor said in a statement.

He also cited the firm’s infrastructure and support ecosystem, including tools, technology, and services to help address his clients’ needs and grow his practice.

Barker is stepping into the role of first vice president of wealth management at RJA, under the leadership of branch manager Craig Weis.

The news of his transition into the Raymond James advisory network comes not too long after Raymond James recruited other veteran advisors in the Eastern US.

In late March, the firm welcomed Martin Luftschaunig, a three-decade veteran of the industry, to its independent advisor channel’s Northeast division.

Immediately after that, it added a $750 million advisor from Charles Schwab, Lynnete Ancona, who has 23 years of industry experience, as the newest addition to RJA’s Central Florida operation.