In the Press

2/24/2026

Elite Qualifier Stephen Carlton to Attend Independent Financial Group's 2026 Elite Advisor Conference in Rome, Italy

Bloomington, MN – February 24, 2026 — Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), an independent wealth management provider headquartered in San Diego, California, announced that Stephen Carlton has qualified for the firm's prestigious 2026 Elite Advisor Conference, an exclusive recognition awarded to IFG's top-producing advisors nationwide. This year's conference will take place in Rome, Italy, bringing together IFG's highest achievers for a week of recognition, collaboration, and celebration.

Steve earned Elite Advisor status through outstanding performance, client commitment, and professional excellence during 2025. This accomplishment places him among an elite group of just 76 advisors nationwide who qualified for this distinction.

"Qualifying for the Elite Advisor Conference reflects an exceptional level of dedication and success," said David Fischer, Co-founder and CMO of IFG. "Advisors like Steve exemplify the values of professionalism, integrity, and client-first service that define IFG. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments in such an inspiring global setting."

The IFG Elite Advisor Conference is held annually in select international and luxury destinations and serves as a platform to honor top advisors while fostering meaningful connections and strategic conversations. The 2026 conference in Rome will feature business sessions, networking opportunities, and curated experiences designed to reflect the spirit of *la dolce vita*.

About Stephen Carlton and Carlton Investment Services Group, LLC

Founded in 1979, Carlton Investment Services Group is an independent wealth management firm that has more than four decades of experience helping clients make confident, well-informed financial decisions. Steve and his firm work with high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and retirees, providing long-term investment planning and hands-on guidance through complex financial situations. Known for his personalized approach and strong client relationships, Steve delivers objective advice and customized strategies to help clients grow, protect, and manage their wealth over time.

About Independent Financial Group

Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG) is a privately held independent wealth management provider based in San Diego, California. Founded in 2003, IFG supports more than 600 independent financial professionals in over 400 offices nationwide with a comprehensive suite of business solutions. IFG has been widely recognized as a leading independent broker-dealer. In 2025, Financial Advisor Magazine ranked IFG as the 15th largest national independent broker-dealer and #2 among privately held broker-dealers, both based on gross revenue, as well as 7th for highest average production per representative. Financial Planning Magazine ranked IFG 1st for women as a percentage of producing representatives in 2025. InvestmentNews ranked the firm among the top 10 for payout and account assets in 2024 and named IFG runner-up for Broker-Dealer of the Year in 2025. IFG is an eight-time winner of the Inc. 5000 list of "Fastest Growing Private Companies in the US" and the San Diego Business Journal ranked IFG #7 among the Largest Private Companies in San Diego in 2022 and 2023.

To learn more about IFG, visit ifgsd.com.

1/16/2026

Stephen Carlton, President & CEO, Carlton Investment Services Group, Appointed to Independent Financial Group's President's Advisory Council

Bloomington, MN, Jan. 16, 2026 – Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG) – a privately held independent wealth management provider supporting more than 600 financial professionals across more than 400 locations nationwide – congratulates Steve Carlton, President & CEO of Carlton Investment Services Group, on his appointment to IFG President's Advisory Council (PAC).

"I am honored to be included in Independent Financial Group's first President's Advisory Council," said Carlton. "IFG is an important partner to my practice, providing back-office support, value-added tools and other critical resources that allow us to spend more time taking care of our clients. It's an honor to represent not only my own unique perspective, but that of my advisor peers, as we work together to ensure we have access to the technology, investment solutions and operational excellence to serve the complex needs of our clients and help them build multi-generational wealth."

The mission of the PAC is to strengthen the partnership between affiliated advisors and IFG leadership to advance and accelerate key priorities by providing real-time, direct advisor insights to refine initiatives and speed up their implementation. The PAC will serve as a trusted sounding board for IFG leadership, offering an advisor's perspective on strategic initiatives and ensuring firm strategies closely align with what advisors need to continually improve service and offerings to clients.

"As we launch our inaugural IFG President's Advisory Council, we are thrilled that Steve accepted our invitation to join this prestigious group of financial advisors," said Kevin Keefe, President & COO of IFG. "Through open dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy, the Council will help ensure IFG's initiatives reflect what our affiliated advisors are telling us they need to serve their clients with distinction in an evolving wealth management industry."

Scott Heising, the founder & CEO of IFG, added, "I congratulate Steve on his inclusion in this select group of highly respected professionals and thank him for committing his valuable time to this important initiative that will have a far-reaching and positive impact on his clients and the firm."

About Carlton Investment Services Group, LLC

Founded in 1979, Carlton Investment Services Group is an independent wealth management firm that has more than four decades of experience helping clients make confident, well-informed financial decisions. The firm works with high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and retirees, providing long-term investment planning and hands-on guidance through complex financial situations. Known for its personalized approach and strong client relationships, CISG delivers objective advice and customized strategies to help clients grow, protect, and manage their wealth over time.

About Independent Financial Group

Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG) is a privately held independent wealth management provider based in San Diego, California. Founded in 2003, IFG supports more than 600 independent financial professionals in over 400 offices nationwide with a comprehensive suite of business solutions. IFG has been widely recognized as a leading independent broker-dealer. In 2025, Financial Advisor Magazine listed IFG as the 15th largest national independent broker-dealer and #2 for privately held broker-dealers based on gross revenue. Financial Planning Magazine ranked IFG 1st for women as a percentage of producing representatives in 2025 and 7th for financial advisor payout in 2024. InvestmentNews ranked the firm in the top 10 for payout and account assets in 2024. IFG is an eight-time winner of the Inc. 5000 list of "Fastest Growing Private Companies in the US" and the San Diego Business Journal ranked IFG #7 among the Largest Private Companies in San Diego in 2022 and 2023.