FSI Advocacy Circle of Excellence

The FSI Advocacy Circle of Excellence recognizes financial advisors, industry professionals, and firms from across FSI’s membership that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to advancing our advocacy priorities.

Through meaningful engagement with policymakers, participation in advocacy initiatives, and ongoing support of FSI’s mission, these leaders help advance policies that protect and strengthen the independent financial services industry. View the 2025honorees here.

Advocacy Circle of Excellence

The Advocacy Circle of Excellence honors individual financial advisors and industry professionals who have shown outstanding dedication to advocacy throughout the year. 

FSI members earn engagement points for participating in advocacy activities, including: 

• Meeting with legislators and regulators
• Hosting a congressional event for FSI members
• Providing hearing testimony
• Responding to calls to action
• Attending FSI Events
• Submitting an op-ed supporting an FSI advocacy issue

These individuals exemplify leadership in policy engagement and play a critical role in advancing FSI’s advocacy priorities. 

Firm Excellence Award

The Firm Excellence Award – new in 2026 – recognizes an FSI member firm that demonstrates strong, firm-wide commitment to advancing the industry and promoting access to financial advice. 

This award reflects high-level engagement across the firm, including participation from employees and affiliated financial advisors in FSI advocacy efforts. 

Firm engagement may include: 

• Participation in meetings with legislators and regulators
• Involvement in FSI advocacy initiatives and events
• Engagement in grassroots campaigns and calls to action
• A demonstrated culture that prioritizes advocacy across the organization

FSI Stephen R. Kareta Excellence in Advocacy Award

The Stephen R. Kareta Excellence in Advocacy Award is awarded to those in the Advocacy Circle of Excellence who have truly gone above and beyond in the past year. The recipients are visible in their communities and in Washington, D.C., building relationships with their elected officials and working to engage other FSI members.

The award is named after Stephen Kareta who was a model FSI member and powerful advocate throughout his long career in the independent financial services industry. He served as Chair of FSI’s Marketing, Growth & Development Council, and enthusiastically championed FSI’s financial literacy efforts and broader advocacy mission at every opportunity.