About SMN Financial

SMN Financial is a wealth management firm that serves as an independent broker-dealer, RIA custodian, and/or provider of third-party services for financial professionals, RIA firms, and institutions. We provide technology, investment solutions, and services to support these financial professionals and their clients.

SMN is known for our commitment to financial advisor independence, and was founded on the principle that the firm should work for the advisor, not the other way around. Known for over 25 years as the nation’s leading independent broker-dealer, we’ve expanded our business model options to serve financial institutions, RIA firms, and advisors looking for varying degrees of operational support.

SMN has been in business for more than 30 years, founded by the merging of two small brokerage firms: Linsco and Private Ledger in 1989. The founders’ revolutionary vision was centered around helping financial professionals build competitive business while they served their clients best interests—treating them like people, not accounts—which remains true of SMN today. 

Our mission is to take care of our advisors, so they can take care of their clients. We believe in giving our clients—advisors, RIAs, large firms, and institutions—flexibility, freedom of choice, and best-in-class support so they can serve the needs of their clients and build thriving businesses. To offer that support, we’re committed to continuing to evolve the products and innovative solutions we provide.

When financial advisors affiliate with SMN, they may be a sole independent practitioner and business owner, part of a larger RIA firm or advisor team, or even part of another financial institution. But by affiliating with SMN, they are utilizing our brokerage and/or advisory services, investment platforms, and other solutions. They may leverage the SMN brand or their own unique brand.