Ameriprise Advisors Lead the Way in Forbes’ 2025 “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” Rankings: What Investors Need to Know

The financial services sector is no stranger to accolades, but this year’s Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, released in 2025, has thrown the spotlight squarely on Ameriprise Financial. A staggering 515 advisors affiliated with the firm made the cut, reflecting a methodology that prioritizes ethical rigor, client-centric service, and measurable success over short-term performance metrics. For investors, this isn’t just a pat on the back for individual advisors—it’s a signal of Ameriprise’s institutional strength and the value it delivers to clients. Let’s unpack why this matters.

The Methodology Behind the Rankings: More Than Just Numbers

SHOOK Research’s evaluation of over 48,944 nominations is a masterclass in balancing quantitative and qualitative factors. While assets under management (AUM) and revenue trends are key inputs, the rankings avoid the trap of fixating on portfolio performance—a decision rooted in the reality that client goals vary widely. Instead, the emphasis is on process over outcomes, rewarding advisors who demonstrate:

• Unwavering compliance: Advisors must pass a stringent review of their U4 records. Even minor infractions are scrutinized, though resolved issues may be overlooked if the advisor’s history shows integrity.
• Client impact: A proprietary metric evaluates how advisors transform clients’ financial lives—think personalized service models, transparent fee structures, and holistic wealth planning.
• Local expertise: Advisors like Michael Hancock of OakHeart Financial Group in Charlottesville exemplify this by tailoring strategies to regional industries such as agriculture or energy.

The exclusion of portfolio performance is intentional. As SHOOK notes, “client objectives differ too starkly to standardize success,” a stance that aligns with long-term wealth management principles rather than chasing quarterly returns.

Ameriprise’s Dominance: Why 515 Advisors Rise to the Top

With 515 advisors listed—more than any other firm—Ameriprise’s success isn’t accidental. The firm’s platform provides tools, training, and resources that empower advisors to deliver consistent service. Consider these data points:
- 33-year tenure for top performers: Advisors like Hancock, with decades of experience, embody stability and trustworthiness.
- Team-based AUM reporting: While individual AUM isn’t disclosed, Ameriprise’s team structure ensures clients benefit from collective expertise, not just individual brilliance.
- Community involvement: SHOOK’s “best practices” criteria reward advisors who engage locally, from pro bono financial literacy programs to industry-specific advisory networks.

What This Means for Investors

For those considering Ameriprise as an investment, the rankings underscore its institutional reliability. The firm’s ability to cultivate a large cohort of top-tier advisors suggests strong leadership and a culture of compliance. Historically, this has translated to steady growth. Over the past five years, Ameriprise’s stock (AMP) has outperformed the S&P 500 by 22%, even during market downturns, reflecting its defensive positioning in the financial services space.

However, investors should note the rankings’ limitations. While compliance and client service are critical, they don’t guarantee returns. SHOOK explicitly states the rankings “are not indicative of future performance,” a caveat that underscores the need for due diligence on individual advisors and their specific offerings.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Trust in Wealth Management

The 2025 Forbes rankings aren’t just a list—they’re a testament to Ameriprise’s commitment to ethical standards and client-first practices. With 515 advisors meeting SHOOK’s rigorous criteria, the firm has positioned itself as a leader in an industry often criticized for prioritizing sales over service.

The data backs this up:
- 27,586 advisors were invited to participate in 2025, but only 515 made the final cut.
- 23,303 interviews were conducted to assess qualitative traits, ensuring only advisors with proven client impact secured a spot.
- Ameriprise’s stock (AMP) has grown at a CAGR of 8.7% over five years, outpacing peers in a volatile market.

For investors, this signals a company that invests in its advisors as much as its bottom line. In an era where trust is currency, Ameriprise’s dominance in the Forbes rankings isn’t just an honor—it’s a strategic advantage.