Cetera Welcomes Tim O'Connell, Peter Hall and their Financial Guide Solutions Team from MML Investors Services

Connecticut-based team, overseeing approximately $210 million in AUA, cites greater independence,
expanded investment flexibility and high-net-worth planning capabilities in decision to join Cetera

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cetera welcomes financial advisors Tim O'Connell, CFP^®, and Peter Hall, MBA, and their practice, Financial Guide Solutions (FGS), overseeing approximately $210 million in AUA¹. Their team, with an office in Bethel, Connecticut, includes financial planner Zach Czaplicki, registered representative Joanne Amorosi, CFP^®, and financial planning Operations Director Benjamin Dubinski, CFP^®, along with client services associate Tiffany DiCerbo. The team joins through Cetera Wealth Partners, a unique community within the Advisor Channel at Cetera.

O'Connell began his career on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, working his way up from clerk to floor broker over more than two decades before becoming a financial advisor in 2011 as electronic trading reshaped the industry. He went on to partner with Hall, a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy who was awarded the Operation Iraqi Freedom Expeditionary Medal in 2003 for his overseas deployment. After nearly 12 years in engineering, including work in the semiconductor industry and equity research on Wall Street, Hall earned his MBA in finance and transitioned into financial services. Together, the two built FGS around a shared commitment to helping clients navigate their financial journey with a comprehensive, goals-based approach.

The team said its decision to leave its former broker-dealer, MML Investors Services, LLC, and join Cetera was driven by a desire for greater independence.

"As fiduciaries, we always have to act in our clients' best interest," O'Connell said. "We had a very good relationship with our prior firm, but there were product expectations. We sought to affiliate with a firm that would provide us with greater independence and flexibility to better serve our clients and support the evolving needs of our business."

After evaluating several broker-dealers, the team said Cetera stood out for its broader investment flexibility, including the ability to continue using the same models they relied on previously, along with continuity of clearing through Fidelity's NFS, which helped ensure a smoother transition for clients. The team also noted the added flexibility to attract advisors seeking greater independence.

"Having the independence to choose from a full range of investment options, rather than a limited set of proprietary models, was one of the most important factors for us," Hall said. "Cetera also did an excellent job telling its story, from technology and growth resources to a clear succession and exit strategy. That gave us real confidence in the move."

The team's confidence in choosing to move was reinforced by the Cetera Wealth Partners community, which the team sees as a resource for building relationships with other advisors and supporting the practice's continued growth.

"Seeing how quickly Cetera moves on technology and resources was a big factor for us," Czaplicki said. "Our practice is built on a financial planning and goals-oriented approach, and a lot of what we do comes down to understanding behavior and the decisions people make during moments of change. Having a partner that keeps pace with where the industry is headed helps us better serve clients through those moments."

In welcoming the team, Cetera Advisor Channel Leader Tom Halloran said, "Tim, Peter and their team bring decades of experience and a clear focus on helping clients see what's possible in their financial future, building and preserving wealth that can carry forward for generations. We're excited to have Financial Guide Solutions join the Cetera Wealth Partners community and we plan to support them as they continue to grow."

About Cetera
Cetera is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 financial professionals and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms.

Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice – blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth.

As of June 30, 2026, Cetera firms manage approximately $688 billion in assets under administration and $330 billion in assets under management. Its Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 50,000 advisor reviews, and over 45,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.7 out of 5 satisfaction score.

Learn more at www.cetera.com and follow Cetera on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X.

Cetera is a network of independent retail firms, including FINRA/SIPC member firms Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Wealth Services, LLC (formerly known as Cetera Advisor Networks), Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. SEC-registered investment advisers include Cetera Investment Management LLC, Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, and Cetera Planning Partners within Cetera Holdings, an affiliate of Cetera. All referenced entities are under common ownership. Cetera's principal office is located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101.

Cetera exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside businesses. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice.

¹ Value approximated based on information provided to Cetera for asset holdings as of Aug. 1, 2026.

SOURCE Cetera Financial Group