Raymond James continues Northeast expansion, welcomes $520 million advisor team in Basking Ridge, New Jersey
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Continuing the firm’s expansion in the Northeast, Raymond James welcomed financial advisors Giovanni Duran, CFP®, Joseph Cataldo and Nick Penna, CRPC®, to Raymond James Financial Services (RJFS) – the firm’s independent broker/dealer – in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, according to Shannon Reid, Northeast regional director for RJFS’ Independent Contractor Division.
The advisor trio operates as IronRidge Wealth Management Group (IRWMG) and joins the firm from Morgan Stanley, where they previously managed approximately $520 million in client assets. Joining them at the firm is Lauren Lamartine, client services manager for IRWMG and RJFS registered sales assistant.
“We knew as a team that the next best step for us and our clients was to become an independent practice,” said Duran, IRWMG managing partner and RJFS wealth advisor. “Raymond James’ reputation of being a client-first firm, together with the amount of support they provide, were major factors in our decision. We were also attracted to Raymond James because of its impressive technology offering. We are excited to launch our independent practice and operate as true business owners as we continue to serve our clients.”
Duran, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional, began his professional career more than 20 years ago, starting his career at Gibraltar Securities. He later joined Smith Barney in 2002 and transitioned in 2008 to Morgan Stanley, where he remained until he and his team moved to Raymond James. He graduated from Kean University in New Jersey, with a bachelor’s degree in finance.
Cataldo, IRWMG managing partner and RJFS wealth advisor, began his career in 1990, later transitioning to Smith Barney in 1997 and Morgan Stanley in 2008. Cataldo earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from William Paterson University.
Penna, senior vice president at IRWMG and RJFS wealth advisor, joined Morgan Stanley and the team in 2011. He graduated from the University of Maine, where he received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees.
“We are delighted to welcome Giovanni, Joseph, Nick and Lauren to Raymond James’ independent channel,” said Reid. “They were thorough in their due diligence, knowing how they wanted to enhance, grow and move their practice forward, so we are very pleased they chose to partner with us in this important Northeast market.”
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
About Raymond James Financial Services
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. is a financial services firm supporting independent financial advisors nationwide. Since 1974, Raymond James Financial Services Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, has provided a wide range of investment and wealth planning related services through its affiliate, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Both broker/dealers are wholly owned subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE-RJF) a leading diversified financial services company with approximately 7,900 financial advisors throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are $816 billion.
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Ironridge Wealth Management Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.