Quick Facts
Revenue, growth and (for ranks 1–15) rep and asset figures: Financial Planning IBD Elite 2026, self-reported by firms. Other figures as noted.
About J.W. Cole Financial
J.W. Cole is a Tampa-based independent broker-dealer that nearly doubled in size with its 2016 acquisition of Financial Advisers of America and now operates dual home offices in Tampa and San Diego.
Services Offered
J.W. Cole offers general securities, investment products and insurance through its broker-dealer, fee-based advisory services through J.W. Cole Advisors, and training through JWCollege. Clearing is through National Financial Services.
Leadership
R.J. Wood, founding principal; John Carlson, principal.
J.W. Cole Financial in the News
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Aug. 2026
J.W. Cole ranked No. 7 among the fastest-growing independent brokerages in Financial Planning's IBD Elite 2026 study, with revenue up 17.2%, and No. 8 for payout growth.
Source: Financial Planning
Verify J.W. Cole Financial on FINRA BrokerCheck
Before working with any advisor affiliated with J.W. Cole Financial, review the firm's and the individual advisor's registration history and disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck.