Cetera Welcomes Advisor Shawn Longley And Ledgevest Financial Team With $205M In AUA

The team transitioned from Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, seeking enhanced technology and flexibility.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Cetera Financial Group announced that financial advisor Shawn Longley and his Ledgevest Financial team, overseeing approximately $205 million in assets under administration, have joined the firm from Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network. The team, based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, cited Cetera's technology offerings, advisor-first culture, and growth resources as key factors in their decision to make the move.

Why it matters

The addition of the Ledgevest Financial team demonstrates Cetera's ability to attract experienced advisor groups seeking greater independence, flexibility, and technology support. As the wealth management industry continues to evolve, Cetera's focus on empowering independent advisors positions the firm to capitalize on advisors' desire for more customized affiliation options.

The details

Shawn Longley and his two longtime partners, Brian Jones and Lynn Haefs, as well as newer team member James Taylor, spent over six months evaluating seven broker-dealers and one RIA before deciding to join Cetera. Key factors in their decision included Cetera's technology capabilities, adaptability, and cultural alignment with an advisor-first model. At Cetera, the team plans to focus on stabilizing operations while positioning the practice for long-term expansion through organic growth and potential acquisitions.

  • Longley had been affiliated with Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network for 17 years.
  • Longley transitioned to the independent advisor model within Wells Fargo Financial Network about six years ago.

The players

Shawn Longley

A financial advisor who, along with his Ledgevest Financial team, has joined Cetera Financial Group from Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network.

Brian Jones

A financial advisor and longtime partner of Shawn Longley on the Ledgevest Financial team.

Lynn Haefs

A financial advisor and longtime partner of Shawn Longley on the Ledgevest Financial team.

James Taylor

A financial advisor and newer member of the Ledgevest Financial team.

Cetera Financial Group

A wealth hub supporting independent advisors, which has welcomed the Ledgevest Financial team.

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What they’re saying

“We've spent our careers focused on building a business centered around client relationships and independence. We wanted to get away from the big-bank feeling, so as we evaluated our next chapter, we wanted a partner that would give us flexibility, strong technology and the freedom to continue evolving our practice. Cetera's technology offerings stood out to us, and that's what put them over the top. We wanted a firm that would keep pace with how quickly technology is changing and give us the flexibility to adopt new tools as they emerge. We also wanted to move away from the big-bank environment, have the freedom to make our own choices, and find a partner that truly supports independent advisors. Cetera's willingness to listen to advisors and evolve its technology offering was a major differentiator for us. We're always looking for ways to grow, whether that's helping newer advisors expand their business or potentially bringing new advisors into the team. Cetera gives us the resources and support to pursue those opportunities, and Cetera is interested in helping the advisors on our team grow.”

— Shawn Longley, Financial Advisor, Ledgevest Financial (Pulse2.com)

“Shawn and his partners bring decades of experience, deep client relationships and a strong commitment to independence. Their focus on long-term growth and advisor-driven technology aligns well with Cetera's advisor-first culture. We're proud to welcome Shawn and his team to Cetera and look forward to supporting their growth plans.”

— Tom Halloran, Advisor Channel Leader, Cetera Financial Group (Pulse2.com)

What’s next

The Ledgevest Financial team plans to focus on stabilizing operations following the transition while positioning the practice for long-term expansion through organic growth and potential acquisitions.

The takeaway

Cetera's ability to attract experienced advisor groups like Ledgevest Financial demonstrates the firm's commitment to empowering independent advisors with the technology, flexibility, and resources they need to grow their practices and better serve their clients.