Strategic Named Forbes Top RIA Firm for 2025
Utica, NY, October 2025 – Strategic Financial Services, Inc. (“Strategic”), an independent wealth management firm based in Central New York, is proud to announce its recognition as one of America’s Top Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) Firms of 2025 by Forbes.
This prestigious honor reflects Strategic’s continued commitment to delivering an industry-leading experience for both clients and team members.
“We are honored to be recognized nationally by Forbes as a top RIA firm,” said Alan Leist, III, CEO of Strategic Financial Services. “This ranking reflects the extraordinary dedication of our team and trusted partnership of our clients. Strategic’s uniquely simple combination of good people, consistent service, and a straightforward approach has been a powerful formula for over 45 years—and one that continues to help our clients live a great life. In 2025, we reached a major milestone of $2.5 billion in assets under management (AUM) and welcomed five new team members to our growing organization. These achievements are a testament to Strategic’s service model and reinforce our commitment to thoughtful growth in the years ahead.”
RIA firms—legally bound by a fiduciary standard to act in their clients’ best interests—are leading the charge in helping Americans build and protect wealth. At Strategic, we believe deeply in the importance of the fiduciary standard—not only for the people we serve, but for the integrity of the industry as a whole. We are proud to be recognized within this category, standing alongside other top RIA firms across the country.
The Forbes | SHOOK Top RIA Firms list is compiled through rigorous due diligence, including in-person, virtual, and telephone interviews. The ranking algorithm evaluates best practices, client retention, industry experience, and compliance records. This year’s 250 firms collectively oversee more than $1.9 trillion in assets. Advisors do not pay a fee for placement on the Forbes Top RIA Firms ranking, which is independently determined by SHOOK Research. Rankings are based on the analysis of SHOOK Research, LLC and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. For full ranking methodology, visit: Methodology: America’s Top RIA Firms 2025
About Strategic Financial Services
Founded in 1979, Strategic is home to over 42 wealth management professionals, serving more than 1,200 clients and managing $2.7 billion in assets. The firm specializes in Investment Management, Financial Planning, Institutional Asset Management, and Corporate Retirement Plans.
Headquartered in Utica, NY, with satellite offices in Rochester, Syracuse, Rome, Little Falls, and West Palm Beach, FL, Strategic continues to expand its geographic footprint and influence across the Northeast and throughout the United States.
For more information, visit: https://www.investstrategic.com.
Disclosure:
The Forbes ranking of America’s Top RIA Firms, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. The algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.
Rankings are reflective of certain criteria as of the award date and should not be construed as endorsements or as assurances of future success. Rankings are not indicative of an advisory firm’s performance, nor do they account for the unique goals, constraints, or risk profiles of individual clients. Investors should carefully consider the specific methodology of any ranking or award when evaluating its relevance to their financial situation.
Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience.
