Firm News & Announcements

Columbia, MD — September, 2026 – BFJ Financial Group, an independent firm aligned with LPL Financial in Columbia, MD has been recognized by Forbes on the 2026 Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State ranking for their track record of success in the financial services industry. BFJ Financial Group was recognized as the 52 firm in Maryland.

The annual list, which spotlights the best up-and-coming advisors under the age of 40, is compiled by Forbes with insights from SHOOK Research. Firms are selected based on quantitative and qualitative data, and are assessed on a variety of criteria, including interviews, years of experience, compliance records and assets under management*.

“We’re proud to congratulate BFJ Financial Group on this well-earned recognition from Forbes and SHOOK Research,” said Peter Vincent, LPL’s head of advisor client success and field management. “This distinction reflects their dedication to helping clients pursue financial success and build meaningful legacies. At LPL, we’re committed to empowering firms like BFJ Financial Group with advanced technology, sophisticated solutions and strategic support to elevate the client experience.” 

We are incredibly grateful to our clients for the trust and confidence they place in our team. This recognition would not be possible without the opportunity to work alongside so many wonderful individuals and families as they pursue their financial goals. We deeply value those relationships and remain committed to providing thoughtful, personalized advice and helping each client build a better future. 

BFJ Financial Group has over 20 years of experience providing a full range of financial, tax, and accounting services for individuals, families and business owners. 

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 advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. 

BFJ Financial Group, Forbes, SHOOK Research, and LPL Financial are all 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.

The Forbes | SHOOK® Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors and Forbes | SHOOK Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors rankings are the product of SHOOK Research, LLC's independent research and due diligence and its proprietary ranking methodology. The rankings are published and distributed by Forbes. Data as of March 31, 2026. Published by Forbes (August 2026).

SHOOK Research's proprietary methodology and ranking algorithm incorporates in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor across criteria such as client impact, industry experience, client retention, review of best practices, credentials, compliance records, and firm nominations, as well as quantitative factors including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. SHOOK considered advisors born from 1987 to present with a minimum of four years of experience as an advisor.

Investment performance is not a criterion, as client objectives and risk tolerances vary and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK Research's rankings are intended to help investors identify and evaluate financial advisors and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client's experience. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The rankings are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation or endorsement to hire any specific investment advisor. SHOOK Research does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the rankings.

Neither SHOOK Research nor Forbes receives compensation in exchange for placement on the rankings, but awardees have the option to purchase rights to use the award logo or additional marketing packages. For a full description of SHOOK Research's methodology, please visit www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK® is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

Out of 53,000 nominations, 2,171 U.S. advisors received this recognition. 

Columbia, MD — February 26, 2026 — Joe Bell from BFJ Financial Group, based in Columbia, MD, announces that he has been named by LPL Financial as a new member of the LPL Ambassador Council Program. Joe is one of 60 members selected from among approximately 32,000 LPL advisors and institution leaders nationwide for one of three councils designated by the members’ affiliation with LPL.

The Ambassador Council serves as a voice for LPL’s broad advisor base and helps deepen relationships with a cross-section of highly dedicated financial professionals. These established and respected business leaders serve as valuable and well-informed extended community advocates for LPL. Ambassador Council members are important assets to LPL, closely connected to LPL’s strategic roadmap and key executives – sharing their industry experience, offering beneficial feedback and supporting peers of various affiliation types. 

Council members attend a series of in-person meetings during their tenure. They also contribute year-round through ad hoc participation supporting LPL communications, events and initiatives, and by connecting with LPL colleagues on an ongoing basis to ensure the perspectives of financial advisors and their clients are heard.

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 over 32,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodians of approximately $2.4 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 8 million Americans as of December 2025. 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 (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. BFJ Financial Group 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.