Selected through a nationwide nomination process, here are exceptional American financial planners who epitomize excellence, integrity and a strong commitment to helping clients meet their financial goals.
Amidst market volatility, persistent inflation, and a growing aging population that increasingly needs retirement security, the work of the best financial planners in America has never been more consequential.
In that background, investment news’ The 2026 5-Star Financial Planners Report recognizes 80 financial professionals who have not only delivered strong performance over the past 12 months, but also demonstrated integrity, client-focused innovation and a clear commitment to helping individuals and families reach their financial goals. Collectively, this year’s honorees manage total AUM of $37.2 billion, and serve 26,844 clients with an average AUM of $470.9 million per advisor.
Best Financial Planner of 2026 Go beyond portfolio management – united by deep personal relationships with clients, practical finance coaching and proactive communication that keeps clients grounded when markets are turbulent.
For Matthew Kaplin, CEO and president of Midwest Financial Group, the value his company provides isn’t fundamentally just about performance.
“We believe the product we deliver is the service,” he says, adding that high-touch, responsive customer experiences are the exception rather than the rule in a market where technology increasingly commodifies advice.
RJ Cunningham, financial advisor and senior partner at Summit Global Private Wealth, takes the plan-first step – no product discussion, no annuities, no options strategies, and no options until a comprehensive financial plan is firmly in place. And when market turbulence emerges, he sees it not as an adversity but as an opportunity.
“Whenever volatility comes, I tell the other advisors on our team, it’s ‘time to go,’” he says.
Tax integration and a disciplined, customer-focused strategy also distinguish this year’s honorees. Faiza Kedir, managing director and partner at Steward Partners, describes her work simply: “Successful financial planning isn’t about predicting the market – it’s about creating a thoughtful strategy that helps people live the life they want with confidence and clarity.”
The focus is on simplicity and alignment, building practices designed to remove complexity from the planning process so clients can focus on living their lives, says Trevor Scotto, partner at Fiduciary Financial Group.
Among this year’s honorees, InvestmentNews is proud to highlight several distinguished luminaries, including:
- RJ CunninghamSummit Global Private Wealth;
- Matthew M. KaplinMidwest Financial Group;
- Scott Van Den BergCentury Management Financial Advisors;
- Trevor ScottFiduciary Financial Group;
- Faiza KedirSteward Partners;
- Gideon DruckerDrucker Wealth;
- kate feeneySummit Place Financial Advisors;
- Michaela HurtienSignature Estate and Investment Advisors (SEIA);
- robert westleyNorthern Trust;
- Sammy GrantHB Wealth; And
- Thomas M. DowlingAlliance Global Partners of the Lowcountry.
To read InvestmentNews’ full report on 5-Star Financial Planners in America for 2026, click Here.
