Sponsored by LPL Financial

LPL Financial was honored Sept 12th as the winner of two WealthManagement industry awards – one for its best-in-class Technology and one for its Social Responsibility initiatives – in what was the most competitive year ever for WealthManagement awards.

In the Technology category, LPL’s integrated platform, ClientWorks Connected, was chosen as the leader among competitors including Raymond James, Advisor Group, and Kestra Financial. The ClientWorks Connected platform is a comprehensive, end-to-end solution that helps advisors navigate seamlessly through all aspects of serving advisors, including proposals, planning, trading, and reporting. The open architecture platform integrates with a curated choice of third-party providers. The result: More time for advisors to spend working their clients—and running their practice. According to LPL, its ClientWorks platform is the No. 1 reason new advisors join the firm.

“LPL was honored to receive two prestigious awards from WealthManagement,” said Rich Steinmeier, LPL Financial managing director and divisional president, Business Development. “We’ve invested $150 million this year alone to create a seamless digital experience for our advisors who are now more equipped than ever to provide a leading, consultative experience to their clients.”

LPL’s second award was for its Advisor Diversity & Inclusion Initiative, which won in the Social Responsibility/Diversity category. Other nominated firms included Advisor Group, Parkland Securities, and Voya Financial Advisors. As part of the firm’s diversity and inclusion initiative, LPL has engaged in extensive research and listening sessions to support the recruitment of a more diverse advisor population. LPL’s work has also enabled existing advisors to reach underserved areas of the market.

“We’re on a mission to be the most inclusive place for advisors to do business,” said Kathleen Zemaitis, senior vice president, advisor diversity “We’re focused on empowering advisors to meet unique and evolving investor needs, in order to help build stronger communities for diverse segments.”

LPL was also a finalist in several other categories:

Among large broker/dealers (with 1,000 advisors or more), LPL was a finalist for Practice Management, Thought Leadership, and Transition Support.

Among all broker/dealers, LPL was a finalist for Social Media Leadership.

Among custodians, LPL was a finalist for Practice Management and Technology.

A record number of entries—more than 650—were narrowed down to 166 finalists in all corners of the wealth management industry, including asset managers, custodians, RIA firms, broker/dealers, family offices, and research providers. The goal: to shine a spotlight on the new and innovative ideas that are transforming the wealth management industry. These fresh products, strategies, and initiatives are pushing the industry forward, and ultimately helping advisors deliver a better experience—and better outcomes—to their clients.

“The record number of nominations submitted this year demonstrates the level of innovation and creativity going on behind the scenes for the benefit of financial advisors,” said William O’Conor, managing director of WealthManagement.com. “This was the biggest year for the WealthManagement.com Industry Awards. It’s never been harder to win—there were more nominations than ever and more categories in which to compete. So to go home with an award in this environment is very special.”

LPL Financial is a leader in the retail financial advice market and the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer**. The firm serves independent financial advisors and financial institutions, providing them with the technology, research, clearing and compliance services, and practice management programs they need to create and grow thriving practices. LPL enables them to provide objective guidance to millions of American families seeking wealth management, retirement planning, financial planning and asset management solutions.

For more information, visit www.JoinLPL.com.

Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor.

Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment Advice also offered through Independent Advisor Alliance, a registered investment advisor. Independent

Advisor Alliance, Robert Paolini Advisors, LLC and LPL Financial are separate entities.