AZ Business magazine‘s “Excellence in Banking” feature for 2026 underscores the critical role financial institutions play in driving Arizona’s growth, highlighting innovation, stability, and community impact as essential benchmarks for industry leadership. The digital sponsor of Excellence in Banking is DSB Rock Island. Today, meet the Arizona wealth managers of the year for 2026.
Stephen Phair
Financial advisor, Edward Jones
Phair is a trusted, proactive wealth manager who blends expertise with heart. Known for simplifying complex financial topics, he guides clients with clarity, honesty and care — whether planning retirements, legacies or college savings. Beyond his office, Phair’s Rotary Club leadership and community impact earned him recognition as 2025 Man of Chandler. His passion, empathy and service make him a standout Wealth Manager of the Year.
Alejandra Paredes
Director and private wealth advisor, BMO Wealth Management
Paredes, a top-performing Private Wealth Advisor at BMO Wealth Management, brings more than 25 years of experience to guiding Arizona’s high-net-worth clients with tailored strategies from portfolio management to estate planning. A CFP® and CEPA®, she champions culturally nuanced succession planning and increased representation in finance. Ranked a top performer in 2023, Paredes empowers clients while mentoring future leaders — and even uses golf to open doors for women in business.
Jeffrey Quijano
Senior vice president, PNC Private Bank
Quijano helps clients navigate the nation’s largest wealth transfer with clarity and confidence. With 20 years in wealth management and law, he offers deep expertise in estate planning, tax strategies and succession planning. A thought leader and community advocate,Quijano also serves as board chair of the American Red Cross–Central Arizona Chapter and supports the Musical Instrument Museum.
Matthew Walker
Founder, Fortitude Family Office
Walker, founder of Fortitude Family Office, is redefining the RIA space with a one-stop solution for ultra-high-net-worth clients, integrating tax, estate planning, accounting and more. Since launching in late 2021, he’s grown the firm to over 120 clients with $893 million assets under management and $1.1 billion assets under advisement. Known for visionary leadership, Walker attracts top talent, fosters collaboration and delivers tailored solutions that set him apart as an exceptional wealth advisor.
Trevor Wilde
Co-founder and CEO, Wilde Wealth Management Group
Wilde has once again been named Arizona’s No. 1 overall advisor on Forbes’ 2025 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list — his fifth straight year in the top three. Also ranked nationally among Forbes’ “America’s Top 250 Wealth Advisors” and Barron’s Top 1,200, Wilde leads one of the nation’s most dynamic firms, offering comprehensive financial, legal, insurance and tax services.
