New York, United States – The future of wealth management is being shaped today by a new generation of advisors. Forbes, in collaboration with SHOOK Research, has released its 2025 methodology for America’s Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors, spotlighting professionals under 40 who are redefining the industry with expertise, innovation, and enduring client relationships.
First introduced in 2001 to recognize the best in wealth management, the rankings evolved in 2017 to focus on up-and-coming advisors. These individuals, often with a dozen years of experience, have successfully guided families through market cycles and earned the trust of clients spanning multiple generations. Today, many of them are appearing in rankings once reserved for veterans with decades of service.
The methodology emphasizes that these Next-Gen leaders are more than financial strategists—they are family confidants and role models. Whether advising oil entrepreneurs in Houston, tech founders in Silicon Valley, or agricultural leaders in rural America, their work is deeply embedded in local economies and tailored to clients’ specific needs.
The research process is exhaustive. SHOOK Research conducted more than 24,000 telephone interviews, 6,500 in-person meetings, and 1,500 virtual interviews to evaluate candidates. Out of nearly 50,000 nominations, only 4,653 advisors were ultimately considered for the 2025 ranking. Each candidate underwent rigorous scrutiny on revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, and industry best practices.
Importantly, portfolio performance is excluded as a ranking criterion, recognizing the diversity of client objectives and the lack of standardized audited data. Instead, SHOOK’s methodology prioritizes integrity, experience, and the ability to deliver meaningful impact to clients’ lives.
“Every interview we conduct comes down to one fundamental question,” said SHOOK’s research team. “‘Would we trust this advisor with the financial future of our own family?’ That standard is what guides our rankings.”
The Next-Gen Wealth Advisors 2025 ranking offers a preview of the industry’s future leaders—professionals who will likely shape the wealth management landscape for decades to come. Their presence reflects a generational shift, where trust, personalization, and long-term relationships define success.
Forbes and SHOOK emphasize their independence in the process, with no compensation exchanged for placement. Funded through research partnerships, conferences, and publications, SHOOK underscores that each investor must conduct due diligence in choosing the right advisor, as past performance is never a guarantee of future results.
The methodology behind the 2025 rankings highlights a simple truth: wealth management is no longer just about managing assets—it is about helping clients live more meaningful lives.
