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Eric Schwartz
Co-Chairman of the Board
Eric Schwartz is Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors at Cambridge and has been a driving force in the independent financial services industry for more than four decades. Guided by a commitment to innovation and the needs of independent financial professionals, he helped shape Cambridge's flexible business model and championed solutions that support advisor choice, business continuity, and succession planning. Schwartz has remained focused on building a strong leadership foundation while staying true to Cambridge's core values of integrity, commitment, flexibility, and kindness. His vision and leadership continue to influence Cambridge and the independent advice industry.
Eric Schwartz
Co-Chairman of the Board
Cambridge: Driving Growth Through Innovation and Advisor Success
With innovation at the center of its growth strategy, Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Cambridge) delivered one of the strongest years in its 45-year history1 in 2025, surpassing $2 billion in total revenue for the first time — a nearly 12% year-over-year increase. Driven by a disciplined strategy centered on organic growth, recruiting, and M&A, assets under advisement (AUA) also climbed 41%, reaching a new high of $265 billion at year-end 2025.
Each pillar fueled record performance. Recruiting generated $169 million in new annualized revenue — a single-year record for the firm — while Cambridge completed eight acquisitions, including six full ownership transactions. The firm also facilitated approximately 180 advisor succession and acquisition transactions across its network, representing more than $20.6 billion in AUA.
As the industry prepares for a significant wave of advisor retirements, Cambridge has established itself as a leader in succession planning. According to Cerulli Associates, nearly 40% of advisors are expected to retire within the next decade, with many lacking formal transition plans. Through its Succession and Acquisition Solutions team, Cambridge provides valuations, buyer matching, financing, and transition planning that help advisors preserve the value of their practices while ensuring continuity for clients.
In 2025, Cambridge launched its Agentic AI-Driven Account Opening tool, reducing a process that previously required days of manual effort to approximately 17 minutes. The firm also introduced Indy, its proprietary AI-powered chat assistant for advisors, which answered more than 13,500 questions during the year. Combined with a new partnership with iCapital®2, these investments improved advisor efficiency while expanding access to alternative investment solutions.
Cambridge continued investing in advisor development and long-term success. Advisors participating in its Real Practice Management coaching program achieved growth rates 8% higher than their peers, while more than 75% of participants over the past 15 years remain affiliated with the firm. These trends demonstrate the lasting impact of its coaching and business development programs.
The firm's performance earned broad industry recognition. In 2026, Amy Webber was named CEO of the Year3, while Cambridge received Broker-Dealer of the Year4 honors from InvestmentNews. The firm also earned its first Top Workplace Arizona5 award, adding to its 15 Top Workplace Iowa and five USA TODAY Top Workplace honors6. Cambridge's Community of Women mentorship program received a WealthManagement.com Wealthies Award7 and its Ignite Giving Back initiative surpassed $1 million in charitable giving.
By combining disciplined growth, strategic acquisitions, AI-driven innovation, advisor development, and a nationally recognized culture, Cambridge continues to strengthen its position as one of the industry's leading independent financial solutions firms.
1Cambridge and its predecessor broker-dealer
2iCapital, Inc. and its affiliates (together, “iCapital”)
3InvestmentNews Awards The Park Avenue Securities Award for CEO of the Year 2026 is based on the following criteria: CEO's vision, leadership engagement of workforce commitment to the wealth management industry and their industry reputation; CEO's commitment to corporate values and positive impact on the industry as a whole; and corporate growth, achievements, recognition and performance, reflective of their leadership. Nominees must be a CEO/President/equivalent of an advisory network, advisory firm, fund company, or service provider to advisors. Winners announced on June 24, 2026. For more information, please see https://investmentnewsawards.com/
4InvestmentNews Awards Broker-Dealer of the Year 2026 winner nominations can be from any wealth management professional or organization and is determined by the InvestmentNews Awards team, who conduct research and draw on the knowledge and information gained through InvestmentNews. Winners announced on June 24, 2026. For more information, please see https://investmentnewsawards.com/
5The Top Workplace Arizona (2026) recognition is determined by associate feedback through an anonymous survey conducted by Energage, an independent research company. More information on the methodology to qualify can be found at https://topworkplaces.com/resources/national-top-workplaces-methodology/
6 The Top Workplace Iowa (2011-2025); USA TODAY Top Workplace (2020-2025); and Top Workplace Arizona (2026) recognitions are determined by associate feedback through an anonymous survey conducted by Energage, an independent research company. More information on the methodology to qualify can be found at https://topworkplaces.com/resources/national-top-workplaces-methodology/
7WealthManagement.com, Wealthies Awards, 2025. Winners are chosen based on nominations from industry peers in the following category: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Community of Women Program. Winners announced September 4, 2025. Learn more at https://informaconnect.com/wealth-management-industry-awards/
Amy Webber
CEO and Co-Chairman of the Board
Colleen Bell
President, Innovation and Experience
Jeff Vivacqua
President, Growth and Development
Amy Webber is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman of the Board at Cambridge Investment Group, where she leads the firm's strategic vision and long-term growth. Since joining Cambridge in 1998 as the firm's 22nd associate, she has held a variety of leadership roles before becoming only the second CEO in the company's history. Webber is passionate about developing people and fostering an inclusive culture, helping establish initiatives including Cambridge's Community of Women, New Century Council, and The Next Step® internship program. She also hosts the biweekly Cambridge Stronger podcast, sharing leadership insights and conversations that inspire growth and connection.
Amy Webber
CEO and Co-Chairman of the Board
Colleen Bell is President of Cambridge's Innovation and Experience division, where she leads teams focused on technology solutions, service experience, strategy and innovation, education, and executive administration. Since joining Cambridge in 2006, she has played a key role in shaping the firm's service model and driving initiatives that enhance the experience for both financial professionals and associates. Drawing on her background in regulation and operations, Bell is passionate about solving complex challenges, fostering innovation, and delivering meaningful improvements across the organization. She is also an Executive Sponsor of Cambridge's Community of Women initiatives.
Colleen Bell
President, Innovation and Experience
Jeff Vivacqua is President of Cambridge's Growth and Development division, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on organic growth, recruiting, acquisitions, relationship management, and business development. With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, he oversees teams spanning marketing, consulting services, investment products and research, client solutions, sponsor relations, and strategic acquisitions. Vivacqua played a key role in developing BridgePort Financial Solutions, expanding Cambridge's succession and continuity offerings for independent financial professionals. He is passionate about helping advisors grow their businesses through innovative strategies, strong partnerships, and forward-thinking solutions.
Jeff Vivacqua
President, Growth and Development
Read on
WINNER: Broker-Dealer of the Year
Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.
Seth Miller
President, Advocacy and Administration
Seth Miller is President of Cambridge's Advocacy and Administration division, where he leads teams focused on legal, compliance, supervision, and human resources. Since joining Cambridge in 2008, he has helped guide the firm's approach to risk management, governance, and regulatory strategy while fostering an environment where associates and financial professionals can succeed. With a background in securities law and corporate governance, Miller works closely with industry organizations and policymakers on issues affecting independent financial professionals. He is committed to balancing strong oversight with practical solutions that support Cambridge's long-term growth, culture, and commitment to serving advisors.
Seth Miller
President, Advocacy and Administration