FSI Members Reflect on 20 Years of Victories

As FSI commemorates its 20^th anniversary, we reflect on the dedication and hard work that has shaped our organization and driven significant impact in the financial services industry.

In doing so, we’ve gathered thoughts from some of the FSI members who have been instrumental in moving our organization and the industry forward. From protecting Main Street Americans’ access to affordable, professional financial advice to navigating the complex legislative landscape, they have been with us through some of our most significant challenges and triumphs.

We asked some of these members to reflect on their time with FSI and share their experiences. Here is what we heard.

Dean Harman, Founder and CEO of Harman Wealth Management and former FSI Board Chair

“I fondly look back on my eight years as an FSI board member. From testifying before Congress on behalf of financial advisors and Main Street Americans to building relationships with FINRA and the SEC, none of it would have been possible without the leadership of Dale Brown and his commitment to constructive engagement. It’s amazing to think about the doors that have opened not just for me but for the industry at large. I want to convey to all advisors just how important FSI is to our livelihood. FSI is the glue that holds together this massively fragmented industry and makes things happen. I’ve been very fortunate to be a part of an organization with such an outsized impact on not only my life but the lives of so many others. What Dale and FSI do is invaluable, and I can’t thank them enough.”

Chris Perry, President, Broadridge Financial Solutions

“As a former FSI Board member, I found serving the Financial Services Institute rewarding and impactful. Being part of an organization dedicated to representing and empowering independent financial services firms was a significant honor. FSI’s unwavering focus on Main Street investors, rather than the Wall Street titans, truly sets it apart. I witnessed firsthand the commitment of our members to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment that prioritizes the needs of everyday investors. FSI’s advocacy efforts and industry insights are pivotal in shaping policies that benefit firms and their clients. Collaborating with such passionate individuals reinforced my belief in the power of our collective OneVoice events. I am proud to have contributed to the organization’s mission, and I look forward to seeing FSI continue to advance the interests of its members and the industry as a whole.”

Emily Schlosser, Chief Operating Officer, BNY Pershing

“FSI brings together the most influential leaders and practitioners in the independent financial services space. Together, FSI members protect and advance the important work of independent financial advisors so they can secure sound financial futures for the hard-working clients they serve. FSI punches well above its weight in influencing the regulatory environment in which independent financial advisors operate. FSI also fosters an amazing support network for industry leaders, operators and advisors. It’s through deep connections with each other that we find ways to expand the availability of independent financial advice in this country. The dedication and passion I’ve seen among FSI staff and members is unparalleled, and the resulting impact of the organization is game-changing.”

Marc Squires, Head of Sales and Relationship Management, Wealth Brokerage Platform, Fidelity Investments

“As a member of the FSI board and long-standing sponsor, I’m both proud and thankful for the work FSI has done to help shape the future of wealth management. FSI’s legislative efforts, regulatory advocacy and the community it has built help us harness our collective ideas and priorities and move forward with a stronger, singular voice. As a result, our industry is better equipped to navigate the waves of change and help investors achieve their goals. I am personally excited and energized by the commitment to advocacy and change the FSI community brings to our industry.”

Tim Stinson, President of Cetera Advisor Networks and FSI Board Vice Chair

“For years, I have actively supported FSI and been a proud member. What I have learned is that Dale and his staff are invaluable industry allies, always going the extra mile to protect our profession, whether it’s fighting to save advisors’ independent contractor status, pushing back against various fiduciary rules or fending off other burdensome rules and regulations. But my admiration for the impact FSI makes was ratcheted up after I joined the Board in 2021. Were it not for FSI, there’s no telling what the industry would look like today from a regulatory perspective. Certainly, independent advisors would find it more difficult to operate and Main Street American investors would struggle to get financial advice.”