#None #San Diego #Independent Financial Group #Chad Cristo #Kelsey Hasterlik

Independent Financial Group Expands Leadership Team

In a strategic move to bolster its business development initiatives, Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG) has promoted Chad Cristo and Kelsey Hasterlik to key leadership roles. This decision is part of IFG’s ongoing commitment to enhance its presence and efficiency in the competitive wealth management landscape.

Background of the Promotions

On September 18, 2025, the esteemed financial firm announced these crucial promotions that reflect its determined approach to foster organic growth within the financial advisor community. Chad Cristo will now serve as the Head of Business Development for the West Region, while Kelsey Hasterlik, a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®), steps into the position of Regional Business Development for the Mountain region.

These changes come on the heels of the hiring of Steven Gensler as Senior Vice President of Advisor Growth and Development and Bruce Levitus as Regional Business Development – East. Together, these appointments signal a robust strategy for expanding IFG's recruiting capabilities throughout the country.

Insights from the Leadership

David Fischer, IFG’s Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the significant qualifications that both Cristo and Hasterlik bring to their new roles. "Chad is highly respected across the industry with a remarkable 30-year history of forging strong relationships and facilitating advisor growth. Meanwhile, Kelsey has a commendable track record in helping advisors optimize performance and integrate cutting-edge product solutions," said Fischer.

Moreover, Cristo expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, sharing his commitment to enhance IFG's presence in the West. "Recruiting accomplished and independent-minded advisors is central to our growth strategy. I look forward to presenting IFG's culture of independence and community to even more professionals in this region,” Cristo noted.

For her part, Hasterlik is equally excited to deepen IFG's impact in the Mountain Region. Having joined IFG in 2018, she has accrued a wealth of experience as a Senior Regional Advisor Consultant and a Product Strategist. "I'm thrilled to continue working alongside our advisors and to lend my expertise to elevate our presence in this important market," stated Hasterlik.

Overview of Independent Financial Group

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Independent Financial Group is a privately held independent wealth management firm supporting over 600 independent financial professionals across more than 400 locations nationwide. The firm is renowned for providing a comprehensive suite of business solutions tailored to independent advisors.

In recent rankings for 2025, Financial Advisor Magazine recognized IFG as the 15th largest national independent broker-dealer, while also placing it as the 2nd largest privately held broker-dealer based on gross revenue. Additionally, Financial Planning Magazine ranked IFG as the best firm for women in terms of producing representatives and highlighted their competitive advisor payout. These accolades confirm IFG's reputation as a leader in the sector and showcase the firm’s continuous dedication to fostering an environment where its advisors can thrive.

Conclusion

The recent leadership appointments at Independent Financial Group mark a significant step toward executing their growth plan while enhancing their business development team. This desired expansion not only illustrates the firm's commitment to increasing its national footprint but also highlights its focus on sustaining the provides quality support and resources to independent financial professionals. As IFG continues to navigate the evolving wealth management landscape, their progressive leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in cultivating new opportunities and building lasting relationships.

For more information on the Independent Financial Group and their offerings, visit ifgsd.com.