Kestra Financial Marks a Year of Momentum at ASCEND 2026
AUSTIN, Texas – February 9, 2026 — Kestra Financial, an industry-leading wealth management platform, recently concluded its annual ASCEND advisor conference, centered on the theme “Next Is Now,” empowering advisors to move their firms forward by putting today’s tools and technology to work with immediate clarity and confidence. Held February 3–6 in Austin, Texas, ASCEND 2026 brought together more than 800 advisors, partners and firm leaders from across the Kestra ecosystem, including Kestra Holdings, Kestra Financial, Kestra Private Wealth Services, Bluespring Wealth Partners, Kestra Investment Management, Arden Trust Company and Kestra Insurance Planning.
ASCEND 2026 reflected a shift from vision-setting to execution, highlighting how Kestra’s recent strategic investments are already delivering real impact for advisors. This year’s event focused on enabling advisors to act with confidence today through the practical application of new strategies coupled with existing solutions and resources.
The four-day conference delivered targeted programming designed to help advisors apply modern tools, technology and leadership strategies to drive stronger client outcomes. Sessions addressed topics like applied artificial intelligence, actions to take while navigating generational wealth transfer, addressing the evolving needs of high-net worth households, and improving operational efficiency through modernized technology.
On the main stage, executives addressed how advisors can turn major demographic shifts into opportunities for growth in their businesses, including the trend of women earning and inheriting wealth at unprecedented rates. With more women driving financial decision-making, the industry’s ability to support and elevate female advisors has never been more important. In that spirit, Kestra also celebrated the launch of its refreshed women’s community group, the Kestra Women’s Collective. The mission of the Kestra Women’s Collective is simple yet essential: to build and sustain a strong community of women financial professionals, creating a network where they can share insights, develop as leaders, and better serve the growing population of women investors.
“Discussions held during our ASCEND conference this year reflect our focus on execution — helping advisors drive measurable growth today while continuing to shape the future of independent wealth management,” said John Amore, President of Kestra Financial. “That future includes supporting the evolving needs of both advisors and investors, which is why initiatives like the Kestra Women’s Collective matter. The solutions advisors need to move their firms forward are already here, and the firms that use these resources with focus and discipline will separate themselves quickly, turning our shared vision into measurable success.”
Attendees left the 2026 ASCEND conference with clear, actionable takeaways they could put into practice immediately. The spirit of collective momentum was apparent across the event, and the Kestra team looks forward to continuing these conversations at ASCEND 2027, returning to Austin in February of next year.
About Kestra Financial
Kestra Financial is a leading independent wealth management platform headquartered in Austin, Texas. A division of Kestra Holdings and established in 1997, the firm empowers independent financial professionals and wealth management firms – including traditional and hybrid RIAs – by offering personalized support, integrated business management technology, and access to a collaborative community of like-minded financial professionals. With a culture rich in reinvention, Kestra Financial has developed integrated business management technology that, combined with its personalized consulting services, offers exceptional scale and efficiency.
The Kestra Financial division includes affiliates of Kestra Private Wealth Services, LLC (Kestra PWS), Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS) and Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through registered representatives of Kestra IS. Investment advisory services offered through appropriately licensed representatives of Kestra AS or Kestra PWS. Other companies referenced in this publication are not affiliated with the Kestra companies referenced above. For more information about Kestra Financial, please visit www.kestrafinancial.com.
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