IBD Strengthens Recruitment Efforts with a Strategic Hire

Securities America, an independent broker-dealer (IBD) with over 1,800 financial advisors, recently hired an industry executive to lead advisor recruitment efforts in the south central region. Elizabeth Morris, a 20-year financial services veteran, will work with advisors, branches, and large offices in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

“I’ve seen the industry from all sides, including as an advisor and in the wholesale environment. Now, I am eager to get started on this new challenge of recruiting,” Morris said.

Most recently, Morris served as a Divisional Vice President for AIG Financial Distributors and spent the prior 8 years with MetLife Investors as a Regional Sales VP covering the same south central region.

“To me it is about maintaining relationships and letting advisors find a broker-dealer that enables them to provide the highest level of service to clients and build the business they want,” added Morris.

“We have an accomplished recruiting team in place and Elizabeth’s experience and network adds strength and depth to the group,” said Gregg Johnson, executive vice president of branch office development and acquisitions at Securities America. “Her diverse industry experience will be an asset as we continue managing a robust pipeline of advisors, branches and producer groups seeking a broker-dealer that best supports their practice.”

The Ladenburg Thalmann owned IBD has been busy growing through recruitment efforts and acquisitions. In November, Securities America hired Gary Bender as National Director of Recruitment and in July, the company acquired an Indiana-based IBD with about 60 advisors.