It takes more than good numbers to excel in the financial services sector. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the the individuals and institutions earning Excellence in Banking recognition for 2025.
MORE NEWS: 12 Arizona companies make Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America list
For a bank or credit union to excel in its industry, it must focus on delivering exceptional customer service, maintain financial stability, and demonstrate an ability to adapt to market changes. Building a solid relationship with customers is essential, as it fosters trust and loyalty. Providing personalized experiences, understanding customer needs, and offering tailored financial solutions helps create a competitive advantage. Excellence in customer service involves efficient problem resolution, accessibility, and a seamless user experience across all channels, including digital and in-branch services.
Az Business will be highlighting one Excellence in Banking category each day. Here are the individuals and institutions earning recognition as wealth management leaders of the year for 2025.
Wealth management leaders of the year for 2025
Alejandra Paredes, director private wealth advisor, BMO Wealth Management
Paredes is a multi-faceted, top-performing private wealth advisor and leverages more than 25 years of financial services experience to provide Arizonans customized banking services from portfolio management to estate planning and everything in between. Anchored in its Arizona office, which serves as the hub of operations for the region, BMO Wealth Management is dedicated to developing personalized financial strategies aligned to the nuanced regional needs of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Arizona.
Stanton Shields, senior financial advisor, Alerus
Shields is a senior financial advisor and leads wealth management activities for Alerus clients in Arizona. With more than 15 years of financial industry experience, he provides clients with a highly sophisticated approach to financial planning, while making it simple for them to understand, and delivers customized solutions to meet each client’s unique financial needs. Shields holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Arizona State University and a certificate of finance from Stanford University.
Robert VanAllen, director of wealth management, TruWest Credit Union
For more than seven decades, TruWest has been dedicated to serving its membership base across Arizona and Texas. TruWest’s comprehensive wealth management services ensure its members have access to tailored financial strategies and solutions to help them achieve their long-term financial goals. In 2023, TruWest achieved the distinction of topping the prestigious Forbes list of America’s Best Credit Unions, securing the coveted No. 1 position in the state of Arizona.
Matthew Walker, founder and CEO, Fortitude Family Office
Walker has demonstrated an impressive entrepreneurial spirit and significant accomplishments in the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) space. His visionary approach to combining a comprehensive suite of financial services — including tax, estate planning, accounting and bill pay — into a one-stop solution for ultra-high-net-worth individuals has driven his rapid success. Since launching Fortitude Family Office in November 2021, he has grown the firm from a few initial clients to more than 50.
Trevor Wilde, CEO, Wilde Wealth Management Group
Forbes named Wilde to its 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list. Only 175 advisors from across Arizona were named to the prestigious list, with Wilde being named the No. 2 overall advisor statewide. The honor comes on the heels of Wilde being named to Barron’s top 1,200 advisors nationwide in recent weeks, coming in at No. 2 overall in Arizona. It was Wilde’s 16th consecutive year being honored.
