Edward Jones has its sights set on aggressive growth plan for 2023 that includes hiring an additional 1,500 to 1,700 financial advisors, according to branch leader Don Aven.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., with 15,000 branches throughout the United States, the firm will expand its geographic footprint as well, Aven, Edward Jones’ principal of branch team market optimization, said in an interview. The firm now has branches in 68% of the counties in the United States and has approximately 19,000 advisors.
Edward Jones is celebrating its 100th year in business and is changing the options advisors have for affiliation with the firm, Aven said.
Up until now, most advisors associated with the firm have worked in single-advisor branch offices with one associate. Going forward, some advisors will work in offices with more than one advisor and multiple support staff, Aven said. The role of registered branch associate has been added to assist advisors in client-facing duties, he said. The firm now has 200 registered associates working in branches and plans to add another 200 next year.
“This new career path will help with attracting new advisors and with retaining talent,” Aven said.
Steve Harris, principal of investment advisory strategy, added in a statement, "Our home office managed models have been one of the most popular ways that our financial advisors help clients reach their financial goals. Our new personalilzed models represent an evolution of our existing services that provide more personalization for each client."