AdvisorHub Features Sierra Ridge Advisor Group & James Slaughter
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group’s Move to Cetera Draws Continued Industry Attention
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group’s recent move to Cetera continues to draw attention across the wealth management industry, with AdvisorHub reporting on the firm’s decision and the considerations that ultimately shaped the transition.
For James Slaughter, President and Founder of Sierra Ridge Advisor Group, the decision followed an extensive due diligence process focused not simply on finding a new wealth management partner, but on identifying the right environment for Sierra Ridge’s advisors, clients, and long-term growth.
That process also came at a time of significant consolidation across the wealth management industry. As broker-dealers and wealth management firms continue to grow through acquisitions and integration, independent financial advisors are increasingly evaluating how those changes affect flexibility, technology, service, and their ability to build their businesses on their own terms.
For Sierra Ridge, that environment helped clarify what the firm was ultimately looking for.
“We spent a tremendous amount of time evaluating what we needed for the next stage of Sierra Ridge,” said Slaughter. “Going through that process gave us a much clearer understanding of what matters most to us—flexibility, open architecture, access to leadership, and the ability to continue building around the needs of our advisors and their clients.”
Building for Sierra Ridge’s Next Stage
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group has grown to approximately 40 affiliated financial advisors overseeing approximately $2.1 billion in assets under administration across a growing national footprint.
As the firm has expanded, so have the requirements of the advisors it supports. Sierra Ridge sought an environment that could provide the scale and resources of a large wealth management organization while preserving the flexibility to develop its own technology, service model, investment resources, and advisor experience.
The move to Cetera is intended to provide that foundation while allowing Sierra Ridge to continue investing in the infrastructure supporting its affiliated financial advisors.
“Our goal is to give advisors the resources of a large organization without losing the independence and personal support that attracted many of them to this business in the first place,” Slaughter said. “We believe advisors should have the ability to build the practice they want while having a team behind them that understands their business.”
A Changing Landscape for Independent Financial Advisors
The AdvisorHub coverage comes as consolidation continues to reshape the independent wealth management industry.
For advisors evaluating their own firms and affiliations, Slaughter believes the conversation increasingly extends beyond payout or transition economics. Technology, investment flexibility, operational support, succession planning, practice growth, access to decision-makers, and the ability to maintain control over the client experience can all play important roles in determining the right long-term fit.
Sierra Ridge’s own transition reinforced that perspective.
“Every advisor’s situation is different,” Slaughter said. “But one of the biggest lessons from our own due diligence was the importance of understanding not only what a platform offers today, but whether it gives you the flexibility to build where you want to go tomorrow.”
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group supports financial advisors and their clients from offices in California and across its expanding national network, including the greater Sacramento region, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and Roseville.
WealthManagement.com: $2.1B Sierra Ridge Advisor Group Joins Cetera From LPL
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group Featured in WealthManagement.com Following $2.1 Billion Move to Cetera
August 31, 2026
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group was recently featured by WealthManagement.com following the firm’s move to Cetera Networks.
The article highlights Sierra Ridge’s approximately $2.1 billion in assets under administration, its network of approximately 40 financial advisors, and the firm’s plans for continued national expansion.
It also discusses Sierra Ridge’s plans to establish its own registered investment advisor through Cetera’s Blueprint platform, providing greater flexibility and open architecture as the firm continues to grow.
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group Featured in Barron’s Following $2.1 Billion Move to Cetera
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group was featured in Barron’s following the firm’s move to Cetera Financial Group and the announcement of its next phase of national expansion.
In the article, Barron’s reports on Sierra Ridge’s approximately $2.1 billion in assets under administration and approximately 40 affiliated financial advisors, as well as the firm’s decision to partner with Cetera as Sierra Ridge continues expanding its national footprint.
Led by co-founders James Slaughter and Giancarlo Foti, Sierra Ridge plans to continue adding financial advisor teams and expanding into new markets across the country. The firm also plans to establish its own registered investment adviser on Cetera’s Blueprint platform while maintaining the flexibility of its hybrid model.
The Barron’s coverage examines Sierra Ridge’s move within the broader evolution of the independent wealth management industry and Cetera’s continued investment in supporting large advisor enterprises.
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group Selects Cetera to Help Fuel National Expansion
August 31, 2026
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group, a California-based investment practice overseeing approximately $2.1 billion in assets under administration, has selected Cetera to support its next phase of national growth. Led by co-founders James Slaughter and Giancarlo Foti, Sierra Ridge brings approximately 40 affiliated financial advisors across six offices to the Cetera Networks community within Cetera’s Large Enterprise channel.
The move supports Sierra Ridge’s plans to expand nationally, onboard additional advisor teams, open new offices in the Midwest and on the East Coast, and ultimately establish an independent registered investment adviser on Cetera’s Blueprint platform.
Official Press Release
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group with Approximately $2.1 Billion in AUA Selects Cetera to Help Fuel its National Expansion
After only 13 months with LPL, the OSJ’s co-founders decided Cetera was best suited to help solidify their next phase of growth, including plans to launch their own RIA on Cetera’s Blueprint platform
SAN DIEGO – Aug. 31, 2026 – Sierra Ridge Advisor Group (Sierra Ridge), a California-based investment practice overseeing approximately $2.1 billion in AUA¹, has selected Cetera to support its next phase of growth. Led by co-founders James Slaughter and Giancarlo Foti, Sierra Ridge joins Cetera from LPL, bringing approximately 40 affiliated advisors to the Cetera Networks community within Cetera’s Large Enterprise channel.
Sierra Ridge plans to expand nationally, adding to the six offices it currently has in California, Missouri, Oregon, and Wisconsin. The firm was built to offer independent-minded advisors a partner that can absorb the operational weight of running a practice – including compliance, staffing, technology and marketing – so advisors can focus on clients and growth. The firm’s support model includes a dedicated transition team, an in-house investment program built and run by its own investment committee, and a client-service staff that handles everything from account paperwork to personalized client gifting on an advisor’s behalf.
Slaughter said he’s excited to work with Cetera to support independent advisors, especially those wanting to join a community with the responsive leadership, support, coaching and mentoring they need to grow their practice.
As part of the new relationship, Sierra Ridge and its advisors can leverage Cetera’s growth resources, including:
• Growth360, Cetera’s business-planning approach, with firm- and advisor-level diagnostics.
• GrowthLine, Cetera’s proprietary advisor growth engine.
• Cetera’s Regional Growth Team approach, which offers advisors one dedicated team that knows the advisor’s practice intimately, while serving as their conduit into Cetera’s full centralized resources.
“I know there are so many outstanding advisors who want to grow their practices while being client-focused but they’re not getting what they need from their broker-dealer or OSJ, and honestly, they feel abandoned on an island,” Slaughter said. “There’s so much to be excited about with Cetera, and at the top of that list is coupling Sierra Ridge’s marketing capabilities with the amazing growth resources at Cetera. Together, Sierra Ridge and Cetera can be the perfect place for independent advisors who want to be part of a team that cares about their growth as much as they do.”
As co-founders, Slaughter and Foti decided to leave LPL after only 13 months because they realized they needed a partner whose platform, resources, and leadership alignment could support Sierra Ridge’s next phase of national growth.
“We made a change because we believe that Cetera is the partner that will help us to continue to grow and provide open architecture for our advisors without limiting us, while positioning us for continued success,” Foti said. “As we searched for a new broker-dealer, GrowthLine really stood out to us because that overall growth platform complements marketing services we offer our advisors. What also struck us during due diligence was the involvement of Cetera’s executive team – they made clear they intend to be a genuine partner to us as a large enterprise focused on building a national footprint. That kind of access and a platform that doesn’t limit how we serve advisors is exactly what we were looking for.”
Sierra Ridge’s growth plans include expanding with new offices in the Midwest and on the East Coast, onboarding additional advisor teams, and standing up an independent registered investment adviser (RIAs) on Cetera’s Blueprint platform, Cetera’s integrated technology and services platform, purpose-built for independent RIAs. Blueprint delivers RIA-level autonomy, multi-custodial flexibility, and modular middle-office infrastructure, enabling advisory firms to scale efficiently without having to build that infrastructure on their own.
Blueprint is not a rigid, one-size-fits-all system – it’s intentionally shaped around the firms operating on it, with access to multiple custody and clearing options. Slaughter said Sierra Ridge plans to maintain a hybrid model to ensure maximum flexibility in serving advisors in both brokerage and advisory.
“We’re excited to join Cetera because while other broker-dealers are leaning away from supporting OSJs, Cetera is clearly leaning in with more investments to support the OSJ business model, so we know we’re important to Cetera and its executive team,” Slaughter said. “Partnering with Cetera gives us the resources and the runway to bring the Sierra Ridge approach to advisors nationally, and we’re just getting started.”
Welcoming the Sierra Ridge team, Tim Stinson, President and leader of Cetera’s Large Enterprise channel, said, “James and Giancarlo have already accomplished remarkable things, not only in the size and scale of Sierra Ridge Advisor Group, but in the truly special services they provide advisors, including their hands-on transition team. They’re a natural fit for Cetera’s Large Enterprise channel – we’re proud to welcome them and my team is eager to support Sierra Ridge’s next chapter of growth.”
For more about Sierra Ridge Advisor Group, please visit sierraridgeadvisorgroup.com.
About Cetera
Cetera is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 financial professionals and institutions, Cetera’s multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms.
Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice – blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera’s five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth.
As of June 30, 2026, Cetera firms manage approximately $688 billion in assets under administration and $330 billion in assets under management. Its Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 50,000 advisor reviews, and over 45,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.7 out of 5 satisfaction score.
Learn more at www.cetera.com and follow Cetera on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X.
Cetera is a network of independent retail firms, including those that are members of FINRA/SIPC: Cetera Advisors LLC; Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (formerly known as Cetera Advisor Networks); Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors); and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. Entities registered as investment advisers with the Securities and Exchange Commission include Cetera Investment Management LLC and Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera’s principal office is located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101.
Avantax Planning Partners, Inc. (APP) and The Retirement Planning Group, LLC (TRPG), doing business as Cetera Planning Partners (CPP), are SEC registered investment advisers within the Aretec Group, Inc. (dba Cetera Holdings, an affiliate of Cetera). All referenced entities are under common ownership.
Cetera exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside businesses. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice.
¹ Value approximated based on information provided to Cetera for asset holdings as of June 30, 2026.
Media Contacts:
Gregory for Cetera Financial Group
CeteraPR@gregoryagency.com
Tony Katsulos
Director, External Communications
Cetera Financial Group
tony.katsulos@cetera.com
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group Welcomes Lindsey Cameron, FPQP
We are excited to welcome Lindsey Cameron, FPQP, to Sierra Ridge Advisor Group as our newest Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional.
Lindsey joins our growing team through Lighthouse Financial Planners & Advisors and brings a strong commitment to delivering exceptional client service and supporting advisors through thoughtful financial planning. Her attention to detail, professionalism, and dedication to helping clients achieve their financial goals make her an outstanding addition to our organization.
At Sierra Ridge Advisor Group, we continue to invest in talented professionals who share our mission of providing comprehensive wealth management and personalized financial guidance. Lindsey’s expertise strengthens our ability to serve clients while supporting the continued growth of both Lighthouse Financial Planners & Advisors and the Sierra Ridge Advisor Group family.
Please join us in welcoming Lindsey to the team. We look forward to the positive impact she will make for our advisors, clients, and organization.
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group Welcomes Joshua Caro, Planning Assistant
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group is pleased to welcome Joshua Caro as our newest Planning Assistant.
Joshua joins Sierra Ridge with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional client service and supporting advisors in every aspect of the financial planning process. His attention to detail, professionalism, and dedication to helping clients achieve their financial goals make him an excellent addition to our growing team.
In his role, Joshua will work closely with our advisors to support comprehensive financial planning, enhance the client experience, and help ensure our advisors have the resources they need to continue providing outstanding service.
As Sierra Ridge Advisor Group continues to expand across the country, we remain committed to investing in talented professionals who share our passion for serving advisors and their clients. Joshua’s addition reflects our ongoing commitment to building a first-class team dedicated to excellence.
Please join us in welcoming Joshua Caro to the Sierra Ridge Advisor Group family. We look forward to the many contributions he will make as we continue growing together.
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group Welcomes Financial Advisor Michal Caro, MBA, CFP®
Roseville, Calif. — Sierra Ridge Advisor Group is pleased to announce that Michal Caro, MBA, CFP®, has joined the firm as a Financial Advisor, further strengthening the firm’s commitment to delivering personalized wealth management and financial planning services to individuals, families, and business owners.
Michal brings extensive experience in comprehensive financial planning, retirement strategies, investment management, and helping clients navigate life’s most important financial decisions. Her client-first philosophy and dedication to building long-term relationships align perfectly with Sierra Ridge Advisor Group’s mission of helping clients confidently pursue their financial goals.
“We are excited to welcome Michal to Sierra Ridge Advisor Group,” said James Slaughter, President & Founder. “Her experience, professionalism, and passion for serving clients make her an outstanding addition to our growing team. We are committed to bringing together advisors who share our values of integrity, personalized service, and excellence, and Michal exemplifies those qualities.”
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and MBA graduate, Michal provides thoughtful, comprehensive guidance designed to help clients build, preserve, and transfer wealth through customized financial strategies.
Her addition reflects Sierra Ridge Advisor Group’s continued growth and investment in attracting experienced financial professionals who are dedicated to delivering exceptional client experiences.
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group remains focused on expanding its team of talented advisors while continuing to provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, and wealth preservation strategies to clients throughout California and across the country.
About Sierra Ridge Advisor Group
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group is an independent wealth management firm dedicated to helping individuals, families, and business owners pursue financial confidence through personalized planning, investment management, and ongoing guidance. The firm’s experienced advisors work closely with clients to develop customized strategies that evolve with their changing needs and long-term goals.
For more information about Sierra Ridge Advisor Group, visit SierraRidgeAdvisorGroup.com or call 916-900-1869.
Third Quarter 2026 Market Commentary: Stablecoins – An Old Tale with a New Chapter
As digital assets continue to evolve, stablecoins are emerging as one of the most important developments in modern finance. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, stablecoins are typically backed by U.S. Treasury securities or other dollar-denominated assets, offering greater price stability while introducing new possibilities for payments and financial markets.
In this quarter’s commentary, Portfolio Manager Joseph Bonacci, CFA, explores:
- The difference between stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)
- How stablecoins could influence demand for U.S. Treasury securities and interest rates
- The current state of stablecoin adoption and where the technology may be headed
- Why investors should look beyond the headlines when evaluating digital assets
While stablecoins have generated significant attention from policymakers, financial institutions, and investors, their long-term impact will ultimately depend on practical real-world applications and continued regulatory development.
At Sierra Ridge Wealth Management, we believe understanding emerging trends is essential to making informed investment decisions. We invite you to read our full Third Quarter 2026 Market Commentary for a deeper look at one of today’s most talked-about innovations in finance.
Download the full Third Quarter 2026 Market Commentary below.
This version is SEO-friendly, professional, and serves as a strong introduction that encourages visitors to download and read the complete PDF rather than repeating all of its content.
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group Welcomes Austin Buhtz, Financial Advisor
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group is proud to welcome Austin Buhtz to our growing advisor community.
Austin joins our team as a Financial Advisor and will play an important role in supporting the continued growth and expansion of the Northridge, California branch alongside Sallie DeYoung, CFP®. We are excited to have him as part of the Sierra Ridge family and look forward to the impact he will make for clients and the broader advisor community.
Austin brings a strong commitment to helping individuals and families work toward their financial goals through personalized guidance, meaningful relationships, and a client-first approach to wealth management. His addition reflects Sierra Ridge Advisor Group’s continued investment in building strong local teams that can provide exceptional service while creating opportunities for long-term growth.
At Sierra Ridge Advisor Group, we are committed to helping entrepreneurial financial advisors grow stronger businesses while maintaining the independence and flexibility needed to best serve their clients. Our platform is designed to provide advisors with collaborative leadership, operational support, advanced resources, marketing guidance, and access to a community focused on long-term success.
As the wealth management industry continues to evolve, more advisors are seeking partnership models that combine independence with scale, culture, and strategic support. Sierra Ridge Advisor Group was built specifically to meet that need.
We believe advisors perform best when they are surrounded by:
• A collaborative and growth-oriented community
• Experienced leadership and operational support
• Resources designed to help them scale efficiently
• Flexibility to build their business their own way
• A culture centered around relationships and long-term success
Austin’s addition reflects the continued momentum and growth of Sierra Ridge Advisor Group as we expand our presence and continue attracting high-quality advisors committed to delivering exceptional service and building lasting client relationships.
We are excited for what’s ahead and proud to welcome Austin to the Sierra Ridge family as we continue growing our presence in Northridge and beyond.
Sierra Ridge Advisor Group is proud to welcome Dennis DeYoung CFP® to our growing advisor community.
Dennis brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to helping clients pursue their financial goals through personalized planning, trusted relationships, and a client-first approach to wealth management. We are excited to support his continued growth and look forward to the value he will bring to both clients and our advisor network.
At Sierra Ridge Advisor Group, we are committed to helping entrepreneurial financial advisors grow stronger businesses while maintaining the independence and flexibility needed to best serve their clients. Our platform is designed to provide advisors with collaborative leadership, operational support, advanced resources, marketing guidance, and access to a community focused on long-term success.
As the wealth management industry continues to evolve, more advisors are seeking partnership models that combine independence with scale, culture, and strategic support. Sierra Ridge Advisor Group was built specifically to meet that need.
We believe advisors perform best when they are surrounded by:
• A collaborative and growth-oriented community
• Experienced leadership and operational support
• Resources designed to help them scale efficiently
• Flexibility to build their business their own way
• A culture centered around relationships and long-term success
Dennis’ addition reflects the continued momentum and growth of Sierra Ridge Advisor Group as we expand our presence and continue attracting high-quality advisors committed to delivering exceptional service and building lasting client relationships.
We are excited for what’s ahead and proud to welcome Dennis to the Sierra Ridge family.