SAN DIEGO – Jan. 13, 2026 – Cetera Financial Institutions has partnered with Forward Bank to support the growth and evolution of its investment program, Forward Investment Services*. After four years with Osaic Wealth, Forward Bank returns to Cetera where it had previously been affiliated for 15 years. The renewed Cetera partnership reflects a shared commitment to relationship-driven advice, personalized service, and long-term support for rural communities.

Forward Investment Services, which oversees approximately $350 million in assets under administration**, has served clients for nearly 20 years and is committed to financial planning as the cornerstone of its approach. The team includes six advisors and four support professionals who work closely with clients across 15 communities in central and northern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota. Forward Bank as an institution has served markets for over 100 years and operates with a mission centered on moving its communities forward.

“Our focus has always been on relationships and financial planning, not transactions,” said Vice President of Investment Services Scott Wucherpfennig, who leads Forward Investment Services. “The people we serve in rural communities have the same goals, dreams and needs as anyone else, but they often have fewer local options. Partnering again with Cetera allows us to deliver sophisticated investment support in a way that still feels personal, local and anchored by trust.”

Forward Investment Services’ investment team works in close coordination with the bank and its insurance arm, creating a connected experience that emphasizes collaboration, referrals built on trust, and problem-solving rather than product sales. The investment team’s commitment to strong, trusting relationships includes offering clients no-fee financial planning.

“Our clients value working with people who live where they live, volunteer where they volunteer, and truly understand their communities,” said Jennifer Sobotta, VP and Marketing Director at Forward Bank. “That neighborly approach, combined with education and advice, is what allows us to make a meaningful impact in smaller towns where larger institutions and advisory firms may choose not to have a presence or might have already exited that market. In short, we’re offering world-class service at a neighborly level.”

The decision to return to Cetera followed a thorough evaluation of Forward Bank’s long-term needs, including technology and a broker-dealer partner with deep experience supporting financial institutions, so as Wucherpfennig put it, “We want to not only take you to retirement, but through retirement, while caring for your family for generations to come.”

As part of that long-term view, Wucherpfennig intentionally built a team of next-gen advisors; the six-advisor team includes three men and three women, all of whom leverage advanced tools.

“The ability for Cetera to embrace AI definitely appealed to us,” Wucherpfennig said. “Coming back to a partner that understands our business, our structure, and our communities was critical. Cetera Financial Institutions works with banks and credit unions and deeply understands that space. We didn’t necessarily feel that the last four years, so it’s definitely good coming back to a broker-dealer that truly understands us.”

In welcoming Forward Bank back to Cetera, LeAnn Rummel, President and CEO of Cetera Investment Services, said: “We are proud to welcome Forward Bank back to Cetera. Financial institutions like Forward Bank play a critical role in the communities they serve, and our team brings decades of experience supporting banks and credit unions with investment programs that are deeply relationship-driven.”

For 40 years, Cetera has provided unmatched knowledge of the financial institution space to support programs in delivering exceptional client experiences while offering a wide array of award-winning technology and tools, specifically designed for and with financial institutions in mind.

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 Sept. 30, 2025, Cetera firms manage approximately $625 billion in assets under administration and $284 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 Financial Group (Cetera) is a network of independent retail firms, including those that are members of FINRA/SIPC: Cetera Advisors LLC; Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (formerly known as Cetera Advisor Networks); Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors); and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. Entities registered as investment advisers with the Securities and Exchange Commission include Cetera Investment Management LLC and Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera’s principal office is located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101.

Avantax Planning Partners, Inc., is an SEC registered investment adviser within the Aretec Group, Inc. (dba Cetera Holdings, an affiliate of CFG). All the referenced entities are under common ownership.

Cetera exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside business. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice.

*Forward Investment Services is a marketing name of Cetera Investment Services. Securities and insurance offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera firms are under separate ownership from any other named entity.

**Value approximated based on information provided to Cetera for asset holdings as of Nov. 30, 2025.

Investments are: *Not FDIC/NCUSIF insured * May lose value * Not financial institution guaranteed * Not a deposit * Not insured by any federal government agency.

Media Contacts:

Gregory for Cetera Financial Group
CeteraPR@gregoryagency.com

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