Firstrust Financial Resources, LLC (FFR), a Philadelphia-based financial services provider focused on wealth management and corporate benefits for individuals, businesses and nonprofit entities, is pleased to announce its association with AXA Advisors, LLC.
Through the association, FFR principals and industry leaders David Fleisher, Andrew H. McIlhenny and Paul Markowich plan to leverage AXA Advisors’ renowned platform, technologies and national scale to support the financial professionals and the industry-leading services they provide to their growing client base.
FFR has nearly doubled in size over the last five years and will work with its new partners as it continues on this strong growth trajectory. Among the firm’s growth strategies, expanding its Corporate Financial Education Program and scaling its qualified and nonqualified retirement plans for small businesses are top priorities. These strategies are in addition to the firm’s robust asset management and retirement income planning businesses.
“At a time of rapid change in the industry, it’s vital to provide a superior experience for our clients. AXA Advisors has the scope, platform and leadership that enable us to deliver on our promise to provide the best services possible,” says Fleisher, President and CEO of FFR. “Our team is excited to join AXA Advisors and become part of leadership at the firm’s Philadelphia branch, Karr Barth Associates, Inc., which has been an industry leader for decades.” As part of the association, Fleisher will also be named Vice Chairman and Co-Branch Manager of Karr Barth Associates, Inc.
Andrew H. McIlhenny, AIF, a 26-year industry veteran and FFR Co-Founder, specializes in working with closely held businesses to address their retirement and succession planning needs. “In today’s environment, business owners seek competitive and cost-effective strategies for their businesses and their employees. I’m pleased to deliver an even higher level of service to my clients through our new AXA Advisors association. Our added tools and resources are a game-changer,” he adds.
Paul Markowich, CFP, AIF, FFR Executive Vice President and Partner, is an innovator in workplace financial education in addition to his individual retirement planning and corporate benefits practice. He explains, “Executives and employees alike look to their workplace as an educational resource. I look forward to the rapid growth of our financial education initiative and leading our effort to financially educate thousands of employees throughout the region and beyond.”
FFR was previously associated with AXA Advisors from 2006 to 2011, and the two firms’ shared history and aligned company cultures will ensure a seamless and stable transition for FFR clients. FFR joined MetLife Premier Client Group from 2011 to 2016, separating amicably.
“Philadelphia has long been one of our leading markets,” explains David Karr, Chairman of AXA Advisors. “FFR is a natural fit, and our partnership serves as a great launching point as we look more strategically at bringing larger firms into the AXA Advisors family.”
Fleisher, McIlhenny and Markowich head a team of 40 professionals. FFR is a wholly owned subsidiary of Firstrust Bank, one of the region’s oldest and most respected financial institutions.
“For over 80 years, Firstrust has taken great care in choosing its associations wisely,” says Richard J. Green, Chairman and CEO of Firstrust Bank. “We look forward to our renewed association with AXA Advisors and, in our own right, continuing to provide outstanding wealth management services to our valued individual and corporate clients.”
Firstrust Financial Resources, LLC
Firstrust Financial Resources, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firstrust Bank, is headquartered in Philadelphia. The firm specializes in wealth management and corporate benefits for individuals, businesses and nonprofit entities. The company is made up of approximately 40 employees with diverse tax, legal, financial and business backgrounds. Previously known as Progress Financial Resources, the firm joined Firstrust Bank, one of the region’s oldest and most respected financial institutions, in 2006.
Associates of Firstrust Financial Resources, LLC offer securities through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC and offer annuity and insurance products, including those issued by AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (AXA Equitable), (NY, NY), through AXA Network, LLC (AXA Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC; AXA Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC; AXA Network of Puerto Rico, Inc.) AXA Advisors, AXA Network and AXA Equitable are affiliated companies and do not provide bank services or tax or legal advice. Insurance, annuities, and investment products are not FDIC insured, are not deposits or other obligations of or guaranteed by any bank, and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of the principal invested. Firstrust Financial Resources and Karr Barth Associates are not owned or operated by AXA Advisors or its affiliates. AXA Advisors and its affiliates are not affiliated with Firstrust Bank.
Founded in 1934 and currently in its third generation of family ownership, Firstrust is a privately held bank with assets of $2.9 billion. Safe and Sound for more than 80 years, Firstrust is a Small Business Administration (SBA) preferred lender and provides both retail and commercial services through its 18 banking offices located in Bucks, Burlington, Lehigh, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Continuing to meet the needs of its customers, Firstrust offers a wide variety of deposit products, consumer and business loan options, residential and commercial real estate mortgages, and cash management products. For more information, visit firstrust.com or call 800-220-BANK. Member FDIC.
