LPL Financial today announced that Corpus Christi Financial Group, a firm that managed about $400 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets, has joined its broker-dealer, corporate registered investment advisor and custodial platforms, according to a news release.
The team, led by managing partner Cory Summers, was formerly with Voya, which was recently acquired by Cetera. He is joined by financial advisors Kurt Emerick, Jim Mailhes, Alan Canine, Justin Martinez and Ava “Diane” Smith, as well as two licensed assistants and five office support staff members.
The Corpus Christi, Texas-based firm, which was purchased by Summers in 2013, has no minimums or income level requirements “and works with a diverse group of hard-working individuals looking to simplify their complex financial lives,” Summers said in a statement. “We develop personal relationships with each client and are focused on financial education to help them understand the ‘why’ behind the strategies and plans we put in place."
The release noted that the firm’s growth and the fact that its former broker-dealer Cetera was acquired by Voya prompted the team to seek out a new wealth management partner. “We wanted a place we can call ‘home’ for the long-term; somewhere we can focus on clients and not worry about the next change,” Summers said. He said after extensive due diligence, the team “determined that LPL would be the best partner to help us provide our clients with innovative technology solutions that allows them to aggregate, plan and track all of their financial aspects in one place.”
Summers said he believes LPL helps put his team in the best position to grow and attract new advisors. He plans to immediately tap into the firm’s M&A Solutions as well as its Assurance Plan to ensure business continuity in the event of an unplanned exit. “We want to partner with retiring advisors to continue their legacy, and also ensure that our clients receive continuous service and support. Because ultimately, it’s all about them,” he said.