The Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA), one of the most revered and respected organizations in the wealth management industry, recently revealed its list of the top 50 Under 50 Black/African American Financial Advisors and Planners in the industry. These high-flying individuals, all under the age of 50, have significantly contributed to the field of wealth management, serving as pillars of our community, creativity, and leadership.

In acknowledging these inspiring achievers, AAAA not only celebrates their individual accomplishments but also casts a spotlight on the talent, tenacity, and tremendous potential of the next generation of wealth managers. The Association hopes that this recognition will inspire others to aim high, dream big, and create a meaningful impact in our community. The 50 Under 50 Awardees are testaments that age is no barrier to achievement, and it's the audacity of dreams coupled with hard work that crafts the contours of our shared future. See the list of AAAA’s 2022 nominees below.

aaaa 2023 fifty under 50 nominees

Spirit of the V.I.S.I.O.N. Leadership Award

The spirit of the V.I.S.I.O.N. [Value. Impact. Success. Influence. Optimize. Now.] award recognizes leaders in the Wealth and Asset Management Community who have dedicated themselves to promoting ethnic diversity; specifically Black/African Americans in the industry.

Per Mr. Davis CFP®, … “to effect change, champions of diversity need to emerge from within the industry. You also need to understand the people and the culture of the people you are trying to reach.”

This award and the recognition it brings embody the vision of AAAA's founder, LeCount Davis CFP®. As part of his vision, Mr. Davis CFP® believes:

1. Black/African Americans must have significant gains in wealth in American and globally.

2. In firms across our industry, Black/African Americans should hold executive leadership positions.

3. In order for Black/African American Financial Advisors and Financial Planners to flourish, there should be an open-door recruiting and retention policy, rather than a revolving door policy that is currently established.

Qualifications to win the Spirit of the V.I.S.I.O.N. AWARD

1. Support ethnic diversity in the wealth management industry, especially by supporting Black/African Americans.

2. You must be a C-Suite Leader in a wealth Management Firm that supports the mission of the Association of African American Financial Advisors.

3. Demonstrate success in hiring, promoting, and supporting Black/African American Financial Professionals.

Top Producer Awardees

The Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA) proudly recognizes Top performing Black/African American Financial Advisors and Planners. This award celebrates the brilliance, dedication, and success of African American financial advisors who have made significant contributions to the field.

The Top Performer Awards recognize not only the business success of the awardees but also their leadership, community involvement, mentorship, and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within the financial industry. The honorees of the Top Performer Awards stand as powerful role models, inspiring the next generation of African American financial advisors.

Top Revenue Producer, Brokerage

Darric N. Boyd CFP® AAMS®, C(K)P®, CPFA

Senior Vice President, Wealth management Advisor Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Bank of America

Excellence in Community Service

Myrna Q. Wigley

Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Top Revenue Producer, Wire House

John F. Thomas, II

Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley

Top Producer RIA

William Huston

Founder and CIO Bay Street

2023 Exceptional Employer for Black/African American Professionals in the Wealth and Asset Management Industry

The heart of this recognition lies in the commitment these firms demonstrate towards creating an inclusive, supportive, and motivating work environment. They exhibit dedication towards personal and professional growth of their employees, offering opportunities for continual learning and career advancement. Furthermore, these firms understand that fostering a culture of respect and acknowledgment encourages collaboration, boosts productivity, and fuels innovation, all of which are key to their continued success in the industry.

**CAPITAL GROUP/AMERICAN FUNDS**

Capital Group/ American Funds has shown steady and consistent growth in Black/African American associates employment in the U.S.
Black/African American associate growth at Capital Group/ American Funds grew from 8.6% in 2020 to 10.5% in 2022. A 1.9% growth in 3 years while exceeding its’ set 2025 goal of 10.5%.
In its leadership ranks, Black/African American leaders grew 1.6% from 3.2% in 2020 from 4.8% in 2022.he difference.
**Congratulations** CAPITAL GROUP/AMERICAN FUNDS on being **awarded** “**2023 Exceptional Employer for Black/African American Professionals in the Wealth and Asset Management Industry.**”

AAAA's recognition program casts a wide net, encompassing a diverse spectrum of firms — from boutique practices with fewer than 20 team members to expansive companies boasting hundreds of professionals. Among the basic criteria for award qualification are high Black/African American employee engagement scores, high employee satisfaction scores from Black/African American employees, commitment to diversity and inclusivity for Black/African American professionals and opportunities for growth regardless of their size, each recognized organization shares a common commitment: the conscious investment in fostering an atmosphere and culture that not only attracts top-tier talent but also inspires excellence among its team members.

AAAA 2023 Strategic Partner of the Year Award

This award honors a strategic partner that has shown exceptional commitment to AAAA's mission; supporting the professional development of Black/African American Financial Advisors and Planners.

They have demonstrated excellence in their field and actively supported the AAAA in various capacities, sharing expertise, and fostering joint initiatives. In addition to their deep understanding of the AAAA's mission, they have made a significant contribution to its realization.

Eligibility Criteria for AAAA’s Strategic Partner of the Year Award: Alignment with AAAA’s mission and values. Partner with AAAA to make significant contributions in the Financial Services Industry. Join AAAA to invest in collaborative initiatives, have wealth management industry influence and impact and share in AAAA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

We are grateful for their unwavering support and outstanding contributions.