Our Story

Recruiting excellence since 2004

Financial Advisor Placement Services was founded in 2004 by recruiters who believed that hiring in wealth management deserved a more specialist, more discreet approach. Two decades later, that principle still guides everything we do.

We work with independent firms, national networks and private banks — and with advisors at every stage of their careers. Because we recruit only within this market, our network runs deep.

Leadership

Shawn K Smith

Founder & CEO

Shawn K. Smith is the CEO of Financial Advisor Placement Services, which he founded in 2009. With 36 years of investment-industry experience, Shawn has worked directly with financial advisors throughout his career and brings a rare depth of market knowledge to every search.

Before founding Financial Advisor Placement Services, Shawn was the Recruiting Manager for the Northeast at Ameriprise Financial. Prior to that he served as Vice President of Sales at Sun Life Financial in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and as Assistant Vice President of Sales for Pioneer Investments in Boston.  Shawn began his financial services career at North American Funds in 1992.  

Shawn holds an MBA from Bentley University and a BA in Economics from Princeton University. Financial Advisor Placement Services is a family owned and operated firm: Shawn works alongside a dedicated team of specialist recruiters who support every engagement, from market research and confidential outreach to offer negotiation and post-placement follow-up.