Ameriprise Financial Inc. (NYSE: AMP) has expanded its advisory network with the addition of Lee Winters III and Chris McClure, who bring $160 million in client assets from Wells Fargo Clearing Services. The advisors, based in Columbia, South Carolina, are supported by client service associate Darragh James and local leadership including Branch Manager Tor Bennstrom and Regional Vice President Michael Rearden.

Drivers for Transition

Winters and McClure cited Ameriprise’s technology platform, culture, and resources as primary factors in their decision to transition. The advisors noted that the firm’s integration of AI tools across CRM systems and client-facing capabilities offers a more seamless experience.

Key differentiators identified by the team include:

• Technology and AI Capabilities: Enhanced efficiency through integrated AI tools designed to streamline advisor workflows.
• Signature Wealth Program: A modern, unified managed account approach aimed at improving value delivery and relationship building.
• Collaborative Culture: A firm-wide emphasis on supporting advisor success and client-centric service.

Broader Acquisition Context

This addition aligns with Ameriprise’s broader strategy to attract experienced talent. The firm reported that approximately 1,700 financial advisors have joined over the last five years, according to its 2025 10-K filing. The Ultimate Advisor Partnership program continues to serve as a key mechanism for scaling advisor businesses and deepening client relationships.

What the Numbers Show

The acquisition of $160 million in assets by a two-advisor team highlights the significant asset density of experienced financial advisors transitioning between platforms. This figure underscores the strategic importance of advisor recruitment in driving asset growth for wealth management firms, where individual practitioner portfolios can represent substantial incremental capital.

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP) today announced it has awarded more than $2 million in grants to 83 nonprofits across the U.S. as part of its first-round 2026 grant program, supporting organizations that help meet essential needs and strengthen communities. The company has also contributed an additional $1 million through its global gift matching programs, doubling the impact of employee and advisor donations. These efforts are part of Ameriprise's broader commitment to building stronger communities through grantmaking, volunteerism and long-standing relationships with nonprofit organizations.

"At Ameriprise, we’re committed to making a meaningful difference in communities where our teams live and work," said Jennifer Jones, Head of Community Relations at Ameriprise. "Community impact requires more than financial support alone. By combining grant funding with our strong long-standing grantee relationships and the passion of our employees and advisors, we’re able to help meet essential needs, strengthen communities and expand access to the arts."

Highlights from Ameriprise's First-Round Grantees

Ameriprise's approach combines grantmaking, volunteer engagement and long-term relationships with nonprofits to help drive meaningful community outcomes. Examples during the first half of the year include:

• This spring, a $100,000 Ameriprise matching grant helped the Second Harvest Heartland 24-Hour Harvest campaign raise more than $1.14 million, attract more than 1,000 new donors and provide nearly 3.5 million meals.
• Reflecting its longstanding commitment to veterans and service members, including being honored as a 2026 Military Friendly Employer by VIQTORY, Ameriprise recently provided an additional $100,000 grant to American Red Cross for Services to the Armed Forces, which offers rehabilitation programs, mental health resources, caregiver assistance and financial support to service members and their families. Ameriprise is also a Disaster Responder partner of the American Red Cross.
• In June, Ameriprise served as a bronze sponsor of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which brought together more than 2,800 athletes competing in 16 sports. Employees and advisors contributed approximately 1,400 volunteer hours and wrote 860 cards of encouragement for participating athletes. This activation built on decades of volunteer engagement and funding support for Special Olympics Minnesota.
• Ameriprise supported 21 arts organizations, including funding for the Walker Art Center's Free First Saturday in Minnesota, which provides free arts experiences for more than 16,000 visitors annually, creating opportunities for people of all ages to explore, learn and be inspired through the arts. The firm also supports arts organizations in key markets where the firm has employee centers: The Boston Ballet, Smith Performing Center for the Arts in Las Vegas and The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

Amplifying impact of employee and advisor giving and volunteerism

Ameriprise employees and advisors contributed more than 18,200 volunteer hours during the first half of 2026, reflecting the firm's longstanding commitment to communities. To support volunteerism and charitable giving, Ameriprise offers employees eight hours of paid volunteer time annually, a global gift-matching program and a quarterly volunteer rewards program that provides charitable donations to eligible nonprofits selected by employees and advisors. Together, these efforts help expand the reach of nonprofit organizations, strengthen local communities and create lasting change for the causes employees and advisors care about most.

About Ameriprise Financial Community Relations

Ameriprise Financial is dedicated to utilizing the firm’s resources and talents to improve the lives of individuals and build strong communities. The firm was recently recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Charitable Companies of 2026. Through grants, volunteerism and employee and advisor gift matching programs, the company supports more than 8,000 nonprofits globally.