Key Takeaways
- Cerity Partners ranked eighth among firms managing over $5 billion in assets and thirteenth overall in USA TODAY’s 2026 Best Financial Advisory Firms list.
- The ranking combines client/expert recommendations (30,000+ survey responses) and assets‑under‑management (AUM) growth metrics.
- The recognition was developed by Statista in partnership with USA TODAY, using publicly disclosed AUM data and an independent survey.
- CEO Kurt Miscinski highlighted that the honor reflects client trust and the firm’s commitment to disciplined, long‑term advice.
- Cerity Partners is a full‑service wealth‑management firm founded in 2009, serving high‑net‑worth individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits.
- The award disclosure stresses that it is not indicative of future performance and no fees were paid for the ranking.
- The list underscores the increasing importance of independent, data‑driven evaluations in the financial advisory industry.
Company Recognition and Ranking
Cerity Partners announced that it has been named to USA TODAY’s 2026 list of Best Financial Advisory Firms. The announcement, issued on May 5, 2026 through PRNewswire, positions the firm as one of the nation’s top independent wealth‑management companies. This acknowledgment is part of an annual ranking that evaluates Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) across the United States, highlighting organizations that demonstrate both strong client satisfaction and robust growth in assets under management. The firm’s inclusion reflects its expanding footprint in the wealth‑management sector and its ability to meet the rigorous standards set by the publication’s methodology.
Methodology Behind the Rankings
The methodology for the 2026 list was developed by Statista in collaboration with USA TODAY, emphasizing objective, third‑party data. Firms were assessed on two core pillars: (1) client and industry feedback, gathered via an independent survey of more than 30,000 respondents, including existing and former clients, financial advisors, and other industry professionals; and (2) AUM growth performance, measured using data from the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) database. Both short‑term growth (January 2025 – January 2026) and mid‑term growth over a three‑year window (2023‑2026) were analyzed to capture consistent performance across varying market conditions.
Position Within the Rankings
Within the 2026 rankings, Cerity Partners secured the eighth position among firms with assets under management exceeding $5 billion and ranked thirteenth overall among all advisory firms. This placement indicates that the firm outperformed many larger competitors in terms of growth momentum while still maintaining a strong overall standing relative to a broader set of peers. The ranking underscores the firm’s ability to combine a substantial asset base with accelerating growth rates, a combination that differentiates it within the highly competitive wealth‑management landscape.
Executive Quote and Company Values Kurt Miscinski, Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Cerity Partners, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “We are honored to be recognized by USA TODAY and Statista among top advisory firms nationwide.” He added that the accolade reflects the trust clients place in the firm and the dedication of its team to delivering thoughtful, long‑term perspective and disciplined execution. Miscinski’s remarks highlight the company’s focus on client‑centric service, rigorous analytical processes, and a culture that values sustained performance over short‑term gains.
Company Background and Services
Founded in 2009, Cerity Partners has grown into a nationally recognized full‑service wealth‑management firm. The firm serves high‑net‑worth and ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals, families, business owners, leadership teams, and nonprofit organizations. Its service portfolio includes comprehensive financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, and philanthropic advisory. By integrating personalized strategy with rigorous risk management, Cerity Partners aims to help clients preserve and grow wealth across generations, aligning financial goals with broader life objectives.
Award Disclosures and Limitations
The press release includes standard award disclosures, clarifying that the USA TODAY Best Financial Advisory Firms 2026 list was developed by Statista and relies on independent survey responses and publicly available AUM data. The ranking is not a guarantee of future performance, nor does it reflect any single client’s experience. Importantly, Cerity Partners and its employees did not pay a fee to obtain, use, or promote the ranking. These disclosures serve to maintain transparency and manage expectations regarding the nature of the recognition.
Broader Industry Context USA TODAY’s collaboration with Statista to produce the Best Financial Advisory Firms list reflects a growing industry trend toward data‑driven, independent benchmarking. As investors increasingly demand transparent and objective measures of advisory quality, such rankings offer a valuable reference point for both firms and clients. The methodology’s emphasis on both client satisfaction and measurable growth metrics sets a standard that many firms are likely to adopt to demonstrate credibility and competitive advantage.
Implications for Clients and Growth Prospects For existing and prospective clients, inclusion on the USA TODAY list serves as a third‑party validation of Cerity Partners’ service quality and growth trajectory. This external endorsement can reinforce confidence in the firm’s ability to deliver disciplined, long‑term investment strategies. Moreover, the heightened visibility may attract new business opportunities, foster strategic partnerships, and support the firm’s expansion into emerging markets or additional service lines. Ultimately, the recognition positions Cerity Partners to build on its momentum, continue delivering value‑focused advice, and strengthen its reputation within the wealth‑management community.