Crestwood Advisors: Consistency and Growth Earn Top National Ranking

BOSTON, MA – April 17, 2026 – Crestwood Advisors, a Boston-based wealth management firm, has once again secured a coveted spot on the USA TODAY list of the Best Financial Advisory Firms for 2026. This repeat national recognition underscores the firm’s sustained performance and client-centric approach in an increasingly competitive industry. For a boutique firm founded in 2003, this honor places it among the nation's elite Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), validating a long-term strategy built on consistency and trust.

The award is not merely a plaque on the wall; it represents a data-driven acknowledgment of the firm's success. Developed in partnership with the market research firm Statista, the USA TODAY list is a rigorous evaluation of the top 1,000 RIAs across the United States.

The Anatomy of an Elite Ranking

Understanding the methodology behind the USA TODAY award reveals why this recognition is so significant. The ranking process is multifaceted, relying on objective performance metrics rather than subjective opinion alone. Firms are evaluated on two primary pillars: the development of their assets under management (AUM) and the volume of positive recommendations from clients and peers.

The AUM component, which accounts for a substantial 80% of the final score, is broken down into both short-term (12-month) and long-term (five-year) growth. This dual focus ensures that ranked firms demonstrate not just recent success but also a pattern of sustainable expansion over time. The remaining 20% of the score is derived from an independent survey of over 30,000 individuals, including clients and financial industry experts, who recommend firms based on their direct experience.

To even be considered, firms must meet stringent eligibility criteria. They must be registered with the SEC, maintain a clean disciplinary record, and manage at least $300 million in AUM. Crestwood, like all others on the list, did not pay a fee for its inclusion, reinforcing the award's impartiality. This rigorous, multi-layered evaluation process separates top performers from the rest, making a consistent presence on the list a powerful indicator of industry leadership.

Charting a Path of Impressive Growth

Crestwood's inclusion in the highest AUM category—firms with over $5 billion—is a testament to its remarkable growth trajectory. As of December 31, 2025, the firm managed approximately $8.02 billion in assets. This figure represents a more than doubling of its AUM from the end of 2020, when it stood at approximately $3.96 billion. This expansion significantly outpaces industry averages. For context, reports from Schwab Advisor Services show that the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for RIAs between 2019 and 2024 was 12.6%. Crestwood's performance clearly indicates a strategy that is capturing both market share and client trust at an accelerated rate.

This growth has been fueled by a combination of organic expansion and strategic moves, such as its 2023 merger with Endurance Wealth Management. The firm's ability to successfully integrate new teams and clients while maintaining its core service philosophy has been a key driver of its ascent.

“To be recognized by USA TODAY once again is especially meaningful,” said Crestwood President and Managing Partner Leah R. Sciabarrasi, CFP®. “Consistency matters in our business – not just in performance, but in how we show up for clients. This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to building long-term relationships, navigating complexity alongside our clients, and delivering advice that adapts as their lives and priorities evolve.”

Boutique Brilliance in a Competitive Landscape

Operating from its headquarters in Boston, with additional offices in Connecticut and Rhode Island, Crestwood has proven that a boutique firm can achieve national prominence. The New England wealth management market is notoriously competitive, home to global financial giants and long-established private banks. Firms like Kayne Anderson Rudnick and William Blair have a significant presence, creating a high bar for excellence.

In this environment, Crestwood has carved out a distinct identity. As an independent, fee-only RIA, its structure is designed to align its interests directly with those of its clients—high-net-worth individuals and families. This model eliminates the conflicts of interest often associated with commission-based sales, allowing advisors to focus solely on providing objective financial planning and investment management. The firm's success suggests that a growing number of affluent clients are seeking this transparent, personalized approach over the one-size-fits-all offerings of larger institutions.

By remaining grounded in its regional roots while delivering a level of service and performance that garners national acclaim, Crestwood exemplifies the "the boutique brilliance" that allows specialized firms to thrive. Its focus on helping clients achieve financially secure and purposeful lives has resonated deeply within its target market.

A Vision of Leadership and Client-Centricity

Driving this success is a stable and forward-thinking leadership team, helmed by President and Managing Partner Leah R. Sciabarrasi. A founding member of the firm since 2003, Sciabarrasi’s promotion to President in January 2024 was a natural step in her long career of guiding Crestwood’s strategic direction. Her vision emphasizes a client-first philosophy rooted in the firm's core values of authenticity, empathy, and collaboration.

This ethos is about more than just managing money; it’s about building genuine partnerships. The firm’s stated mission is to provide clients with clarity and confidence, a goal achieved through thoughtful planning and disciplined investing. Sciabarrasi's leadership extends beyond the boardroom into active community involvement with organizations like PSC Partners Seeking a Cure and the Harvard Digestive Diseases Center, reflecting a broader commitment to social responsibility that permeates the firm's culture.

This commitment to integrity and clarity has also been crucial in navigating the modern digital landscape. The firm has had to actively distinguish its reputable wealth management services from unrelated fraudulent entities using a similar name, reinforcing the importance of trust and transparency in all its communications. For Crestwood Advisors, repeated national recognition is not the end goal, but rather a byproduct of a deeply ingrained culture focused on consistent performance and unwavering dedication to client well-being.