US-based financial services provider and ICMIF member Thrivent has announced plans to recruit 600 new financial advisors in 2026, continuing a major expansion effort that saw the organisation exceed the same hiring target in 2025.
The company said the recruitment drive is intended to help meet increasing consumer demand for purpose-based financial advice, while also addressing an industry-wide shortage of advisory talent and preparing for the anticipated “great wealth transfer”.
Nick Cecere, Executive Vice President and Chief Distribution Officer at Thrivent, said: “As the industry stares down a talent shortage, advisors are making it abundantly clear what they want: flexibility, resources, and support. Thrivent has more than 2.5 times the industry retention rate because we provide financial advisors with unrivalled support, the right capabilities and a collaborative environment. Thrivent has created a place where advisors can grow their businesses and build purposeful, long-lasting careers, regardless of where they are in their professional journey.”
Thrivent said the new roles will span a range of affiliations, including employee advisors, solo practitioners, team-based advisors and independent registered investment advisors (RIAs). The organisation said its model allows advisors to move between different affiliations during their careers while remaining within the company, supporting long-term development and succession planning.
A key part of the expansion is the continued development of Thrivent’s Virtual Advice Team, the company’s employee advisory channel. The organisation expects around one-third of new hires in 2026 to join this programme, which provides a structured pathway for individuals entering the profession.
The virtual team operates from hubs in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis and Milwaukee, and is designed to introduce new advisors to Thrivent’s culture, products and operations before they join an existing practice or launch their own.
Thrivent said its purpose-driven culture continues to play a significant role in attracting and retaining advisors. The company reports an advisor retention rate more than 2.5 times the industry average.
Founded more than 120 years ago, Thrivent emphasises purpose-based advice and supporting client generosity. In 2025, the organisation said it helped raise and donate more than USD 464 million to communities across the United States.
Thrivent has also been recognised for its ethical and corporate reputation, including being named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 14 consecutive years and appearing on the 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies list published by Fortune.
