The study, which surveyed 1,000 high-net-worth investors, highlights a significant shift in how individuals select financial advisors. Data indicates that among those with at least $5 million in investable assets, half secure their advisors without relying on referrals, while only 31% cite referrals as their primary method. This trend toward multi-channel discovery, particularly among younger and affluent demographics, suggests that advisory firms must pivot their growth strategies away from legacy assumptions.

Ficomm’s recognition arrives in the Advisory Support Products & Services categories for both consultant and advisor education excellence. CEO Megan Carpenter emphasized that the firm’s objective is to provide actionable intelligence that replaces outdated industry myths with data-driven growth tactics. The final winners are scheduled to be announced during an awards ceremony at the New York Hilton Midtown on December 3, 2026.