LPL Financial Welcomes Advisor Chris Stockton

Rhea-AI Summary

LPL Financial (Nasdaq: LPLA) announced that advisor Chris Stockton, CEPA, founder of Guidepost Wealth Management in Stillwater, Oklahoma, has joined LPL’s broker-dealer and RIA platform. Stockton reported serving approximately $160 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins from Edward Jones.

Guidepost Wealth Management focuses on individuals, families, business owners and retirees, emphasizing personal guidance through major life transitions. According to LPL, the firm supports more than 32,000 advisors and about $2.6 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets across approximately 8 million Americans.

News Explained

LPL’s disclosed $160 million asset figure is an approximation based on asset and holding details provided for year-end 2025; it therefore describes a historical reported amount, not a stated current measure of assets on LPL’s platform.

Market Context

Recent LPLA news included a 1.53% 24-hour reaction. That platform record provides context for this a...

Analysis

Recent LPLA news included a 1.53% 24-hour reaction. That platform record provides context for this advisor affiliation, while Net Selling in recent insider activity remains a separate risk factor to monitor.

Key Figures

Client assets served: approximately $160 million Industry experience: seven years Financial advisors supported: more than 32,000 +3 more

6 metrics

Client assets served approximately $160 million Chris Stockton's advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets

Industry experience seven years Chris Stockton's professional background

Financial advisors supported more than 32,000 LPL Financial company profile

Financial institutions supported approximately 1,100 LPL Financial company profile

Brokerage and advisory assets approximately $2.6 trillion LPL Financial company profile

Americans served approximately 8 million LPL Financial company profile

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Aug 12 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Aug 12	Platform scale conference	Positive	+1.5%	Conference emphasized AI workflows, service modernization, and advisor growth infrastructure.
Aug 12	Advisor affiliation	Positive	+1.5%	Two advisors joined LPL while reporting approximately $350 million in client assets.
Aug 11	Platform expansion	Positive	-0.2%	LPL highlighted Model Wealth Portfolios, alternatives, and private wealth capabilities.
Aug 10	Conference opening	Positive	+2.6%	Focus 2026 opened with technology, AI, cybersecurity, and advisor infrastructure updates.
Aug 06	Advisor affiliation	Positive	-0.2%	Paxel Financial Consulting joined LPL while reporting approximately $300 million in assets.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Across five recent general-news events, positive announcements aligned with positive 24-hour reactions in three cases and diverged in two.

Key Terms

broker-dealer, registered investment advisor

2 terms

broker-dealer financial

"joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) platform"

A broker-dealer is a licensed firm or individual that both executes trades on behalf of clients (acting as a broker) and buys or sells securities for its own account (acting as a dealer). Investors care because broker-dealers provide the plumbing of markets — they place orders, hold or move cash and securities, offer research or advice, and their stability and fees directly affect trade execution, costs, and the safety of client funds; think of them as a combined travel agent and taxi for your investments.

registered investment advisor financial

"broker-dealer and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) platform"

A registered investment advisor is a professional or firm that provides financial advice and manages investments for clients, operating under regulations that require them to act in their clients' best interests. This designation helps investors identify trustworthy advisors who are legally committed to providing transparent and fair guidance, much like a licensed doctor is bound to prioritize patient well-being.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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SAN DIEGO, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisor Chris Stockton, CEPA, has joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) platform. Stockton reported serving approximately $160 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from Edward Jones.

Based in Stillwater, Okla., Stockton is the founder of Guidepost Wealth Management and brings seven years of industry experience serving individuals, families, business owners and retirees. A graduate of Oklahoma State University with degrees in finance and management, Stockton built his practice around a simple philosophy: helping clients navigate life’s financial decisions with clarity, confidence and personalized guidance.

“We chose the name Guidepost because our goal is to provide clarity for the path ahead,” Stockton said. “That philosophy is rooted in the principles of Philippians 2:4, which emphasizes putting the interests of others first. Whether we’re helping clients navigate retirement, the sale of a business or another major life transition, our mission is to simplify complex financial decisions and serve people with genuine care.”

Guidepost Wealth Management serves a diverse client base, including business owners, growing families, retirees and individuals navigating significant life transitions. Stockton is particularly passionate about helping clients through complex financial and personal events, from the sale of a business to the loss of a loved one, with a focus on simplifying financial planning and providing support during times of uncertainty.

The practice also includes Administrative Assistant Ashley Mayfield. Stockton’s approach combines comprehensive financial planning with a deeply personal service model. In addition to working with clients on investment and retirement strategies, he regularly assists with broader financial decisions and financial education initiatives within the Stillwater community, including speaking to college students about financial awareness and long-term planning.

Why Chris Stockton Chose LPL

Stockton selected LPL for its combination of independence, stability, advanced technology and robust back-office support. He was particularly drawn to LPL’s scale and long-standing reputation, as well as the ability to access modern planning tools while maintaining the flexibility to serve clients according to his own vision.

“Joining LPL allows me to pair the independence my clients expect with the resources and technology needed to serve them at an even higher level,” Stockton said. “From sophisticated financial planning capabilities to estate planning resources and innovative client solutions, LPL provides the support and flexibility to help me continue growing my practice while staying focused on what matters most — serving my clients.”

"What stands out about Chris is his genuine commitment to helping clients navigate both the financial and personal milestones that shape their lives," said Marc Cohen, chief growth officer at LPL Financial. "He has built Guidepost Wealth Management on a foundation of trust, service and clarity during times of change. We are excited to welcome Chris and Guidepost Wealth Management to LPL and support their continued impact in the Stillwater community."

Related

Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

About LPL Financial

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports more than 32,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,100 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $2.6 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 8 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment adviser and broker-dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC. Guidepost Wealth Management and LPL Financial are separate entities.

Throughout this communication, the terms "financial advisors" and "advisors" are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the "Investor Relations" or "Press Releases" section of our website.

*Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2025.

Media Contact: 
Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 

Tracking #1155126

FAQ

Who is advisor Chris Stockton joining LPL Financial (NASDAQ: LPLA)?

Chris Stockton, CEPA, is a financial advisor and founder of Guidepost Wealth Management in Stillwater, Oklahoma. According to LPL Financial, he brings about seven years of industry experience serving individuals, families, business owners and retirees with advisory, brokerage and retirement planning services.

How many client assets does Chris Stockton bring to LPL Financial (LPLA)?

According to LPL Financial, Chris Stockton reported serving approximately $160 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets. This value is approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from the end of year 2025 for his Guidepost Wealth Management practice.

Why did Chris Stockton choose to affiliate with LPL Financial (LPLA)?

Chris Stockton chose LPL Financial for its independence, stability, technology and back-office support. According to LPL, he was drawn to LPL’s scale, reputation and modern planning tools, while retaining flexibility to serve clients according to his own vision and service philosophy.

What type of clients does Guidepost Wealth Management serve after joining LPL Financial?

Guidepost Wealth Management serves business owners, growing families, retirees and individuals facing major life transitions. According to LPL Financial, Stockton focuses on simplifying complex financial decisions, including retirement planning, business sale events and difficult personal transitions, with an emphasis on clarity and personalized guidance.

How large is LPL Financial’s advisor network and asset base as of this announcement?

According to LPL Financial, the firm supports more than 32,000 financial advisors and about 1,100 financial institutions. It services and custodies approximately $2.6 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of roughly 8 million Americans in the wealth management marketplace.

Is Guidepost Wealth Management a part of LPL Financial or an independent practice?

Guidepost Wealth Management is an independent practice that affiliates with LPL Financial for brokerage and advisory services. According to LPL Financial, Guidepost Wealth Management and LPL Financial are separate entities, with securities and advisory services offered through LPL, a registered investment adviser and broker-dealer.