Independent Financial Group Appoints Steven Gensler as SVP of Advisor Growth and Development
The Independent Financial Group (IFG) recently announced the appointment of Steven Gensler as their new Senior Vice President of Advisor Growth and Development. IFG, a prominent wealth management firm based in San Diego, California, has been a reliable support system for over 600 financial professionals, spread across more than 400 locations nationwide. Gensler's role will be pivotal as he drives the company’s strategic growth agendas over the coming years.
Having a well-versed background in financial services, Steven Gensler is expected to spearhead various initiatives aimed at growing the firm’s presence in the industry. Gensler will focus on implementing a comprehensive organic growth strategy, which is designed to bolster the firm’s market position significantly. One of his primary objectives will be to develop distinctive services that enhance client value. These services include essential offerings such as succession and continuity planning, centralized financial planning, high-net-worth resources, as well as support for virtual advisors, and consulting for practice management.
Kevin Keefe, President and COO of IFG, expressed his excitement about Gensler's addition to the leadership team. He stated that Steven's combination of innovative thinking and practical experience would provide immense value by equipping advisors with the strategies and tools needed to flourish in today's competitive market. Gensler’s focus on maintaining an extraordinary client experience is also expected to be a cornerstone of their growth strategy.
Gensler brings an impressive track record to IFG, boasting over 20 years of leadership experience in the financial services arena. He has been noted for developing transformative programs that strengthen advisor growth, enhance client retention, and increase practice efficiency. Prior to joining IFG, Gensler held senior roles at reputable firms such as LPL Financial and Independent Advisor Alliance. His contributions included launching innovative platforms and valuable marketing services, enriching the scope of financial planning, and bolstering client offerings.
Eager to embark on this new journey with IFG, Gensler noted that throughout his career, he has prioritized assisting advisors in creating robust and scalable businesses. He looks forward to expanding the support mechanisms for advisors, helping them better serve clients, and strategically plan for the future.
In terms of his educational qualifications, Gensler holds a Master of Science in Business Administration, focusing on Financial and Tax Planning, as well as a Certificate in Personal Financial Planning from San Diego State University, where he also served as an adjunct professor. He further enriched his education by obtaining an MBA and a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Keller Graduate School, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin at Parkside.
Gensler holds several professional certifications, including being a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. Additionally, he maintains registrations with FINRA for Series 7, 24, and 66, coupled with various licenses in life and health insurance, as well as aviation and SCUBA diving.
Founded in 2003, IFG is well-regarded as a leading independent broker-dealer. The firm earned recognition in 2025 as the 15th largest national independent broker-dealer, according to Financial Advisor Magazine, and stood second for privately held firms based on gross revenue. Furthermore, IFG has been consistently ranked among the top firms for advisor payout and was recognized as the best independent broker-dealer for women in the industry in 2025 by Financial Planning Magazine.
The firm is committed to aiding independent financial professionals in offering comprehensive business solutions. To learn more about the Independent Financial Group and their initiatives, visit their website at ifgsd.com.