Cetera Financial Group Welcomes Edward Duffy and Team with $608 Million in Assets

Cetera Financial Group Welcomes Edward Duffy and Team

Cetera Financial Group is excited to announce the affiliation of Edward J. Duffy, a seasoned financial advisor, and his Lexington Financial, Inc. team. With approximately $608 million in assets under administration, this experienced group marks a significant addition to Cetera, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Edward Duffy, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), brings to the table over 42 years of industry expertise. Joining him are his dedicated team members, which include John F. Walsh and William A. Creesy, who have each spent over 30 years in the field, ensuring continuity for clients—a core value of the Lexington Financial practice. Notably, Duffy's family is also involved in the business, with his son Michael G. Duffy serving as an Investment Coordinator and his daughter Megan Duffy fulfilling the role of Client Service Coordinator. Elizabeth McMahon is the Director of Operations, and John F. Walsh Jr. supports the team as a Client Service Associate.

For three decades, Duffy and his team were affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network, a partnership built on shared values and a commitment to service excellence. However, following the acquisition of Commonwealth by LPL, the team faced a tough decision. Feeling compelled to seek a new home that aligned with their service standards, they decided to explore options in the independent broker-dealer space. The ultimate goal was to maintain a seamless experience for their clientele, who had come to appreciate their high-caliber services.

Key to their decision was the potential for continued access to Fidelity’s National Financial Services (NFS), a critical component in their operations. Cetera's ability to offer this service reassured Duffy and his team. “Leaving Commonwealth was not a decision we took lightly,” Duffy said. “We were committed to preserving our clients’ experience, and Cetera demonstrated a strong alignment with our operational needs.”

One of the standout features that attracted Duffy to Cetera was the company’s leadership accessibility. Duffy mentioned Tom Halloran, the Cetera Advisor Channel Leader, who personally engaged with them throughout the transition process. “When you can directly reach the leaders of a firm, it says a lot about that firm’s dedication to service,” noted Duffy, emphasizing how Halloran's direct involvement smoothed the often-complex transition to their new affiliation.

In welcoming the Lexington Financial team, Halloran stated, “Ed and his team embody the client-centric focus that Cetera champions. Their loyalty to Commonwealth exemplified the high standards we support, and their decision to join Cetera reaffirms our mission to provide exceptional service and support.”

Cetera prides itself on being an innovative Wealth Hub, designed to empower independent advisors and institutions. As home to around 12,000 financial professionals, Cetera offers a unique blend of personalized support and flexibility in their affiliation models. Their ecosystem enables advisors to grow and navigate their businesses according to their personalized needs, unlike traditional models that might impose rigid structures.

As of March 31, 2026, Cetera firms manage nearly $630 billion in assets under administration and around $296 billion in managed assets. Feedback from its advisor reviews confirms a high level of satisfaction, reflected in its impressive ratings. Cetera’s dedication to advisor support stems from a commitment to long-term value—making it an ideal environment for seasoned advisors like Duffy and his team.

In conclusion, the transition of Edward Duffy and his Lexington Financial team to Cetera signifies a promising step forward for both parties. It highlights a dedication to continuity and high standards, ensuring that clients continue to receive quality financial expertise. With Duffy at the helm, coupled with Cetera's robust resources, the future looks bright for both the Lexington Financial team and the clients they serve.