In Surprise, Helck to Retire From Raymond James

"Chet's contributions to the firm go beyond his leadership with our Private Client Group, including as a key contributor to the development of the firm's technology, wealth solutions and marketing efforts," said James, now executive chairman, in a statement.

"Prior to his broader PCG leadership role, Chet was one of a small management team that made Investment Management & Research and its successor, Raymond James Financial Services, a leader in the independent contractor brokerage business," James added.

Raymond James, which acquired Morgan Keegan in 2012, now has some 6,200 financial advisors with client assets of roughly $441 billion, and independent advisors seem to be ripe for recruiting in 2014.

Raymond James said in early January that advisors Terry Wiles and Ryan Smith moved from LPL to its independent broker-dealer with close to $150 million in client assets. The team, which does business as Stonegate Financial in Cary, N.C., has produced yearly fees and commissions of $1.1 million.

"It's a pleasure to welcome Terry and Ryan and their staff to our independent channel," said Scott Whitley, regional director for Raymond James Financial Services, in a press release. "We look forward to supporting them, their practice and their clients."

Wiles entered the business in 1999. In addition to LPL, he has been an advisor with Federated Securities and Edward Jones.

"We spent more than a year looking at a number of firms, conducting exhaustive research and due diligence so we could see for ourselves if the technology and support met our expectations," said Wiles, branch manager and president of Stonegate, in a statement. "Raymond James clearly provided the best fit by exceeding our expectations with a positive and conducive culture."

Smith started his career in financial services in 2005. Prior to his affiliation with LPL, he worked with Securian Financial Services.

The team says its services include financial planning, investment management, retirement strategies, income planning and advice related to life transitions.