Core Insights - LPL Financial LLC has welcomed financial advisors Stephen Carleton and Tom Niles to its employee advisor channel, Linsco by LPL Financial, where they will launch Paddock and Pine Wealth Partners, managing approximately $330 million in advisory, brokerage, and retirement plan assets [1][12] Group 1: Team Background and Expertise - The team, based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., has nearly 55 years of combined experience and has collaborated for 10 years, focusing on delivering tailored financial strategies [2] - Carleton specializes in serving high-net-worth individuals and families, while Niles focuses on pre-retirees and wealth growth strategies, providing comprehensive advice on pensions and long-term financial planning [2][3] Group 2: Reasons for Joining LPL Financial - Carleton and Niles sought more autonomy and flexibility in their business operations, prompting their move to LPL Financial's Linsco model [4] - LPL's integrated wealth management platform and robust business resources, including dedicated marketing and specialized service teams, were significant factors in their decision [5][6] Group 3: Advisor Independence and Support - Niles emphasized LPL's considerable size and broad scope, which provide extensive technology and resources to support advisors, aligning with his vision for Paddock and Pine Wealth Partners [6] - Carleton was attracted to LPL's commitment to advisor independence and its focus on aligning client interests with financial goals, avoiding conflicts of interest [7][8] Group 4: LPL Financial Overview - LPL Financial Holdings Inc. is one of the fastest-growing wealth management firms in the U.S., supporting over 29,000 financial advisors and managing approximately $1.9 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets for around 7 million Americans [9][10]