Cassaday & Company, Inc.’s Chairman, Founder & CEO Steve Cassaday was named a Barron’s Top 100 Independent Financial Advisor for 2025. This is the 18th consecutive year Cassaday has made this list.

One of the first financial advisors in the industry to become independent, Cassaday left his senior management position with a major New York Stock Exchange firm to launch Cassaday & Co. in 1993. His vision of providing objective, client-focused advice free from corporate agendas and interests has been the firm’s guiding principle since its founding. 

“I attribute all of our success to our outstanding employees who are our greatest resource,” said Cassaday. “We pride ourselves on working together to maintain a culture of excellence and integrity by adhering to the highest standards and acting in the best interest of our clients, 100 percent of the time,” continued Cassaday. “We are grateful that our clients recognize what differentiates us and they continue to place their trust in Cassaday & Company, Inc.” 

About This Award 

The independent advisory space has been growing at a breakneck pace over the last quarter century. According to Barrons, the number of registered investment advisor firms—known as RIAs—more than doubled between 2000 and 2024, increasing from 6,949 to 15,870. With this level of growth, investors find themselves with a plethora of options, with firms varying based on the type of client they’re best serving, the suite of services they offer, their investment strategies, their fee structures, and more.  

The goal of The Barron’s Top 100 Independent Advisor ranking is to shine a spotlight on the nation’s best financial advisors, with an eye toward raising standards in the industry. This ranking serves as a tool for investors as they navigate this process of finding financial guidance. 

The Top 100 Independent Financial Advisors ranking is determined by a rigorous assessment process, with firms from all 50 states and the District of Columbia undergoing examination. The volume of assets overseen by advisors and their teams, revenues generated by the firms, and the quality of advisors’ practices – including investment philosophy, business practices, and contributions to the community – are all evaluated. Investment returns are not a component of the rankings, as returns are largely dictated by the risk tolerance and goals of clients. To read more about the award methodology, click here.  

Ranking History 

Cassaday is honored to have been recognized by Barron’s as a Top 100 Independent Financial Advisor annually from 2008 to 2025. 

To see the full Barron’s 2025 Top 100 Independent Advisors list, click here. 

Award Disclosures:

Barron’s Top 100 Independent Financial Advisors List (2007–2025) – The Top 100 Independent Financial Advisors ranking issued by Barron’s in September 2025 is based on data submitted covering a trailing 12-month period ending June 30. Advisors considered for the list have a minimum of seven years of financial services experience and have been employed at their current firm for at least one year. Rankings were determined using quantitative and qualitative measures, including client assets, return on assets, client satisfaction/retention, compliance records, and community involvement. Barron’s does not receive compensation from advisors, participating firms and their affiliates, or the media in exchange for rankings.