Cetera Financial Group Welcomes Paul Polese as New Community Leader

Cetera Financial Group Appoints Paul Polese as Community Leader

Cetera Financial Group, a pivotal player in the financial services landscape, has recently announced the appointment of Paul Polese as the Community Leader of their RIA Blueprint. This strategic move is poised to significantly bolster Cetera’s growth strategy and enhance the support provided to independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs).

About Paul Polese

With nearly 30 years in the financial industry, Paul Polese brings an extensive background and a wealth of experience to Cetera. Before his new role, he founded BCA Consultants, which focused on aiding financial advisors in their transition to independence. Paul has also held senior positions in sales and relationship management at major firms including Pershing, Charles Schwab, and Fidelity. His diversified expertise positions him uniquely to lead the RIA Blueprint platform, which forms an integral part of Cetera's multi-affiliation model.

Goals of the RIA Blueprint

In his new position, Polese will spearhead initiatives aimed at accelerating the growth of RIA Blueprint, a dedicated community designed to support independent financial advisors within Cetera’s network. The RIA Blueprint operates within the Cetera RIA Branches Channel, a recently launched platform that supports RIAs, owned W-2 businesses, and hybrid advisory models. Aimed at providing comprehensive resources, this initiative seeks to empower advisors by delivering exceptional service and proven growth strategies tailored to their specific needs.

Jen Hanau, the RIA Branches Channel Leader at Cetera, highlighted Polese's appointment as a crucial step in evolving their offerings to better serve a community of advisors seeking the flexibility of an independent RIA model. She expressed confidence that Paul’s vast experience will enhance the advisory landscape, helping RIA owners thrive within the Cetera community.

Commitment to Independent Advisors

Polese himself has expressed enthusiasm about his new role, emphasizing his belief in the flexibility and benefits that the independent RIA model offers advisors. He stated that Cetera stands at the forefront of industry leadership in this domain, providing an essential framework for financial professionals.

Using the RIA Blueprint as a foundation, Polese aims to offer tailored solutions that align with the various needs and ambitions of advisors striving for business success. His commitment to nurturing advisor relationships and driving growth echoes Cetera's overarching mission of empowering independent advisors to operate on their own terms.

The Cetera Ecosystem

Cetera is renowned for its multi-channel ecosystem, which comprises approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions. Unlike traditional Independent Broker-Dealers (IBDs), Cetera emphasizes genuine choice, combining modern technology with integrated wealth solutions, thereby fostering a community-driven environment. This approach not only enhances advisor satisfaction but also establishes a scalable blueprint for enduring growth. As of June 30, 2025, Cetera's firms manage an impressive $590 billion in assets under administration, highlighting the trust advisors and clients place in their network.

The addition of Paul Polese as Community Leader aligns seamlessly with Cetera’s commitment to providing advisors with the resources they need to succeed and excel in a competitive financial landscape. As RIA Blueprint continues to unfold under his guidance, the future looks promising for both the advisors within the Cetera network and the clients they serve.

For more detailed insights about Cetera and their offerings, you can visit their official website at www.cetera.com or follow them on various social media platforms to stay updated with their latest developments.