Steward Partners' Women Advisors Garner Forbes Recognition Amid RIA Growth
Event summary
- Steward Partners had three advisors – Alicia Fuller, Amy Sabin, and Leah Schwarz – recognized on the 2026 Forbes/SHOOK Best-In-State Top Women Wealth Advisors list.
- The firm ranked #9 on the 2025 Barron's Top 100 RIA Firms list, a significant increase from #18 in 2024.
- Steward Partners was also named a 2025 Thrivent Employer of Choice by InvestmentNews.
- As of December 2025, Steward Partners managed approximately $50 billion in client assets.
The big picture
Steward Partners' consistent recognition, particularly its rise in the Barron's rankings and the accolades for its female advisors, highlights the increasing importance of talent acquisition and retention in the competitive RIA landscape. The firm’s employee-owned structure and focus on culture appear to be contributing to its success, but rapid growth can also strain operational infrastructure and risk diluting the firm’s unique value proposition. The recognition of women advisors underscores the industry's broader effort to diversify leadership and cater to evolving client demographics.
What we're watching
- Talent Retention
- The firm's ability to retain these recognized advisors will be key to sustaining its growth trajectory and client relationships.
- Growth Sustainability
- Whether Steward Partners can maintain its rapid growth rate, particularly given the competitive landscape for RIA talent, warrants close observation.
- Culture Impact
- The impact of Steward Partners’ stated commitment to a collaborative culture on advisor productivity and client satisfaction should be monitored.
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