Moors & Cabot Deepens Phoenix Roots with Strategic Advisor Hires

PHOENIX, AZ – April 24, 2026 – In a significant move underscoring the growing importance of the Southwest financial corridor, Boston-based investment firm Moors & Cabot has announced a strategic expansion of its Phoenix office. The firm, with a storied 135-year history, has welcomed two new Vice Presidents of Investments, Tanner Welch and Ian Amberson, MBA, CFA®, CFP®, along with two experienced Registered Client Associates, Brian Zehnpfennig and Chris Koszitzki.

This expansion is more than a routine personnel announcement; it represents a deliberate investment in a region experiencing robust economic and demographic growth. As companies and high-net-worth individuals continue to flock to Arizona, the demand for sophisticated wealth management and specialized financial advice has surged, transforming Phoenix into a key battleground for national advisory firms.

A Strategic Play in a Booming Market

Moors & Cabot's decision to bolster its Phoenix team reflects a broader trend of legacy financial institutions planting deeper flags in high-growth markets outside of traditional hubs like New York and Boston. With over 20 branches nationwide and $3.1 billion in assets under management, the firm's calculated expansion highlights its commitment to a localized service model.

David A. Robbins, CFP®, ChFC®, the firm's Phoenix Branch Manager, framed the new hires as a cornerstone of a long-term vision for the region. "By welcoming Ian Amberson and Tanner Welch, we're reinforcing our commitment to long-term growth and local impact," Robbins stated in the announcement. "Their decision to join us underscores Moors & Cabot's reputation as a firm that values integrity and provides the robust resources necessary for advisor success."

The firm's strategy appears to be one of targeted talent acquisition. Rather than simply adding headcount, they are bringing in professionals with distinct, high-demand specializations. This approach allows the firm to cater to an increasingly diverse client base in Arizona, from established families to professionals in specific, complex career fields.

The Power of Specialized Expertise

The profiles of the new Vice Presidents reveal a focus on both broad, holistic planning and deep, niche expertise. Ian Amberson brings a formidable set of credentials to the table, including an MBA and the coveted CFA and CFP designations. His focus is on providing comprehensive, fully integrated wealth management—a holistic approach designed to align a client's entire financial life, from investments and retirement planning to insurance and estate considerations. This high-level, strategic guidance is critical for individuals and families navigating complex financial landscapes.

In contrast, Tanner Welch, who joined the firm in December 2025, brings a highly specialized focus on a vital and often underserved demographic: federal government employees. A graduate of Arizona State University's finance program, Welch's practice is built on addressing the unique financial intricacies of public sector careers. Federal employees face a labyrinth of specific benefits, including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and complex insurance options. These are not standard 401(k) and private pension plans; they come with unique rules, election windows, and potential pitfalls. Missteps in managing these benefits can lead to significant and often irreversible financial consequences.

Advisors specializing in this area help clients optimize TSP contributions, make informed pension election choices, and coordinate federal benefits with Social Security and Medicare. Welch's expertise provides a crucial service to a large employee base in Arizona, demonstrating Moors & Cabot's commitment to offering tailored, rather than one-size-fits-all, advice.

The addition of experienced Registered Client Associates Brian Zehnpfennig and Chris Koszitzki further reinforces the team-based approach, ensuring that the new advisors have the operational support needed to provide a high level of client service from day one.

A Legacy Firm Navigates a Modern World

For a firm founded in 1890, success in the 21st century requires a delicate balance between leveraging a reputation built on trust and longevity and adapting to a rapidly changing financial world. Moors & Cabot's recent history shows a firm actively engaged in this evolution. In 2022, the firm underwent a management buy-out, placing ownership in the hands of its current executive leadership, a move often intended to foster agility and a long-term strategic focus.

This evolution is also visible in its service offerings. In late 2024, the firm introduced its "M&C Complete" service model, bundling financial planning, investment management, and advice into a more integrated package. This was followed in 2025 by the launch of a dedicated Risk Mitigation & Income Solutions Team, responding to client needs in a volatile market environment. The firm has also navigated the complex modern regulatory environment, including resolving a 2023 settlement with the SEC concerning disclosures—a challenge not uncommon for established firms operating at a national scale.

Against this backdrop, the Phoenix expansion is not just about geography; it's about talent and capability. By attracting highly credentialed advisors like Amberson and specialists like Welch, Moors & Cabot is actively ensuring its 135-year-old brand remains synonymous with relevant, expert guidance. This infusion of new talent is critical for serving the next generation of investors and maintaining a competitive edge in dynamic markets like Phoenix, ensuring the firm's legacy continues to evolve with the needs of its clients.