#USA #Fond du Lac #Cetera #Shawn Longley #Ledgevest Financial

Cetera Welcomes Financial Veteran Shawn Longley and His Team

In a significant move for the financial advisory landscape, Cetera Financial Group has announced the arrival of veteran advisor Shawn Longley alongside his Ledgevest Financial team. This transition, which sees Longley bringing approximately $205 million in assets under administration (AUA), marks an important milestone for both Cetera and Longley’s career.

Background of Shawn Longley

Shawn Longley has built a robust career over the last 17 years with Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, establishing a strong foundation in client-focused, independent financial advising. His firm, Ledgevest Financial, located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, reflects Longley's commitment to fostering long-term relationships with clients while maintaining a collaborative approach with his financial advising team.

Longley’s journey in the financial services industry spans over two decades and includes a transition to the independent advisor model within Wells Fargo's Financial Network about six years ago. This shift allowed him to cultivate a practice that emphasizes independence and a personal touch—qualities that are increasingly sought after in today’s evolving financial landscape.

Reasons for the Transition to Cetera

The decision to join Cetera stemmed from Longley’s desire to move away from the conventional big-bank atmosphere that he believes can stifle creativity and flexibility among advisors. He expressed the need for a partner that affords independent advisors the necessary support and tools to adapt to rapidly changing technology and market dynamics.

In evaluating various potential partnerships, Longley and his team meticulously researched options, meeting with seven broker-dealers as well as a registered investment advisor (RIA) before choosing Cetera. He highlighted that Cetera’s impressive technological advancements and adaptable systems stood out as key factors in their decision-making process. Longley stated, "We wanted a firm that would keep pace with how quickly technology is changing and give us the flexibility to adopt new tools as they emerge."

The Cetera platform promised greater flexibility and modern solutions, which were instrumental in aligning with his vision for a progressive advisory practice.

The Future Under Cetera

Looking ahead, Longley and his team are focused on stabilizing their operations after this major transition while also setting the stage for long-term growth. They intend to expand organically by attracting new clients and nurturing newer advisors in the field. Longley expressed his commitment to finding innovative ways to grow, saying, "Cetera gives us the resources and support to pursue those opportunities."

Cetera's Advisor Channel Leader, Tom Halloran, welcomed Longley and his associates, noting their vast experience and dedication to nurturing client relationships. Halloran emphasized that Longley and his partners’ focus on advisory technology resonates deeply with Cetera's advisor-first culture.

Cetera’s Commitment to Advisors

Cetera Financial Group, recognized as the premier Wealth Hub for financial advisors and institutions, is dedicated to providing personalized support and flexible affiliation models that empower independent advisors to thrive. With a community of approximately 12,000 advisors, Cetera offers a multi-channel ecosystem designed to help financial professionals grow and succeed on their own terms.

Cetera’s commitment to advisor independence and satisfaction is evident in its robust satisfaction scores, with over 35,000 five-star ratings captured through its Voice of the Customer program. As of September 30, 2025, the firm managed around $625 billion in assets under administration, showcasing its significant impact in the financial advisory space.

In conclusion, Shawn Longley’s decision to join Cetera signals both a continued commitment to client relationship-centric advising and the embrace of technology as a critical asset in the evolving financial landscape. As Longley and his team settle into their new home, the potential for growth and success appears promising—a journey that aligns closely with the innovation-driven, advisor-focused ethos of Cetera.