#United States #Stamford #Financial Services #Steward Partners #Zelniker Dorfman

Steward Partners Strengthens Position in Financial Services Market

On June 9, 2026, Steward Partners announced a landmark strategic partnership with Zelniker Dorfman Private Wealth, achieving what has now become the largest wirehouse breakaway in its history. This alliance not only brings an impressive $2.4 billion in client assets to Steward Partners' platform but also marks a significant expansion of its operations across the Northeast Corridor, specifically in New York City and Connecticut, as well as Florida's East and Gulf Coasts.

A Legacy of Expertise

The partnership will be led by seasoned financial professionals Scott Zelniker and Peter Dorfman, who bring over a century of combined industry expertise to the table. The 11-member team, composed of six advisors, will now operate as Zelniker Dorfman Private Wealth within the Steward Partners framework. Their practice is noted for its multifaceted approach, catering to a diverse client base that includes business owners, multi-generational families, and professionals in entertainment and sports.

Scott Zelniker expressed the deep connection his team has cultivated with families over time, emphasizing the importance of facilitating continuity across generations. He remarked, “This continuity is not something you stumble into; it is something you build deliberately.” Zelniker noted that the diverse age range of their team members—from their 20s to 50s—reflects this careful construction and embodies their philosophy of wealth management that focuses not just on numbers but on people.

A Move Towards Independence

Partners Scott Zelniker and Peter Dorfman had kept a close watch on Steward Partners for the better part of a decade. They recognized the potential for a partnership that truly prioritizes client welfare over corporate bureaucracy. “This was not the path of least resistance,” stated Dorfman, recognizing that the decision to transition from a wirehouse to a more flexible model was purely strategic, aimed at better serving their clients' futures.

The employee-owned structure of Steward Partners allows each advisor to maintain their brand identity while leveraging the expansive resources and support system provided by the national firm. This model is particularly appealing for advisory teams looking for long-term succession planning while still retaining their own unique client relationships.

Strong Growth Momentum

The strategic partnership with Zelniker Dorfman Private Wealth serves as a strong indicator of the momentum building around Steward Partners. With a growing number of accomplished wirehouse teams seeking the independence and ownership structure that Steward uniquely provides, the firm is increasingly viewed as a top contender in the financial services industry.

Since its inception in 2013, Steward Partners has rapidly ascended to become one of the fastest-growing Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms in the industry, garnering recognition as the #9 firm in the 2025 Barron's Top 100 RIA Firms list, up from #18 in 2024. The firm likewise secured accolades as a 2025 Thrivent Employer of Choice, evidencing its commitment to inclusivity and exceptional workplace culture.

Continual Recognition

Steward’s quick ascent complements the achievements of its advisory teams, which have been recognized across various industry platforms, including Forbes' 2026 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors and Wealth Management Teams. This widespread recognition underscores both the dedication to high-quality client service and the innovative strategies that Steward implements across its operations.

Conclusion

With this strategic partnership, Steward Partners is not only reinforcing its market position but is also poised to shape the future of wealth management by focusing on relationships that span generations. This latest development illustrates Steward's commitment to exceptional service and strategic foresight within the evolving landscape of financial services. As the firm expands its influence in key regions, the potential for continued growth promises a bright future for both Steward Partners and its clients.