SAN DIEGO – October 2, 2025 – Cetera has named RIA industry veteran Paul Polese as the new Community Leader of RIA Blueprint. In this role, Polese will lead a comprehensive growth strategy for RIA Blueprint, a core component of Cetera’s multi-affiliation model and dedicated community within Cetera’s RIA & Branches Channel.

Polese has nearly three decades of experience serving independent financial advisors. Previously, Polese founded BCA Consultants to help advisors transition to independence and held senior-level sales and relationship management roles at Pershing, Charles Schwab and Fidelity throughout his career.

“Paul is a natural fit in the evolution of our team and offerings as we scale RIA Blueprint to serve more advisors seeking an independent RIA model,” said Jen Hanau, RIA & Branches Channel Leader at Cetera. “With a deep and diverse background, his experience will empower advisors across the RIA landscape – driving long-term success for RIA owners. Paul is uniquely qualified to help advisors thrive in the Cetera network and I look forward to his contributions and leadership.”

“I’m a firm believer in the choice and flexibility the independent RIA model offers advisors, and in Cetera’s industry leadership in this area," said Polese. “Cetera's RIA Blueprint provides optionality for advisors to adopt an RIA model in a way that matches their needs. I’m excited to support advisors in achieving business goals by delivering the exceptional service and proven growth strategies that define Cetera’s commitment to their success.”

Polese’s appointment expands Cetera’s RIA & Branches channel, which launched in June 2025 as Cetera’s fifth and newest dedicated channel to support independent RIAs, its owned W-2 RIA businesses, and the supported independence branches model. RIA Blueprint – part of Cetera's connected ecosystem – delivers infrastructure, modern technology, custodial and compliance solutions for advisors seeking to launch or grow their own RIA.

About Cetera
Cetera Financial Group (Cetera) is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms.

Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice – blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth.

As of June 30, 2025, Cetera firms manage more than $590 billion in assets under administration and $263 billion in assets under management. Its award-winning Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 40,000 advisor reviews, with over 35,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction score.

Learn more at www.cetera.com and follow Cetera on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X.

Cetera refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, those that are members FINRA/SIPC: Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (f/k/a Cetera Advisor Networks), Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC; and a Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment adviser: Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101.

Media Contact:
Tony Katsulos
Director, External Communications
Cetera Financial Group
tony.katsulos@cetera.com