VETERAN FINANCIAL LEADER JIM HAYS JOINS IFC WEALTH MANAGEMENT AS EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Hays
IFC Wealth Management, parent company of IFC Advisors, has appointed James “Jim” Hays as its new executive chairman, a move that underscores the firm’s ambitions to expand nationally while deepening its focus on purpose-driven wealth planning.
Hays, a veteran of the financial services industry with more than three decades of experience, previously served as president and CEO of Wells Fargo Advisors, where he also led the company’s Wealth and Investment Management Client Relationship Group. Hays is widely regarded as an analytical thinker with a strong track record of guiding large organizations through complex transitions.
At IFC Advisors, Hays is expected to play a significant role in shaping the company’s long-term growth strategy and reinforcing its distinctive approach to wealth management, which blends traditional financial planning with an emphasis on philanthropy and social impact.
From Wells Fargo to IFC Advisors
Hays’ move comes after years of leadership at one of the country’s largest advisory firms. During his tenure, he oversaw thousands of financial professionals and helped steer the organization through both industry shifts and heightened client expectations. In recent years, Hays has also been active in advising technology companies and financial services firms working at the forefront of wealth management innovation.
“I’m excited to join a firm that has created a model that intentionally embeds impact into the DNA of wealth management,” Hays said in a statement. “With our wealth management process, Purpose Architecture™, IFC is building an approach that integrates financial success with philanthropic benefits.”
A Distinctive Planning Model
At the heart of IFC’s strategy is Purpose Architecture™, a framework designed to combine financial goals with clients’ personal values. The model is positioned as an alternative to traditional wealth management by weaving charitable giving, community involvement, and long-term legacy planning directly into financial decision-making.
Industry analysts say this type of purpose-driven planning is gaining traction among high-net-worth individuals and families, particularly as younger generations of investors prioritize social responsibility alongside financial outcomes.
Growth Through Expansion and Partnerships
IFC Advisors is also in growth mode. The firm has been expanding its footprint across the United States, both by building its advisor base organically and by pursuing selective partnerships.
This strategy has positioned the group as a rising competitor in an increasingly crowded wealth management marketplace. While many large firms focus on scale, IFC Advisors has sought to differentiate itself by offering a values-aligned approach that appeals to clients seeking more personalized guidance.
Ackerman
“As executive chairman, Jim brings a highly unique combination of talents, experience, wisdom and discernment which will help guide our long-term strategy and focus on our purpose of positively impacting individuals, families and communities,” said Marc Ackerman, managing partner of IFC Advisors.
What It Means for Clients
For clients, IFC Advisors’ moves signal a few key shifts. First, the addition of Hays suggests the firm is serious about investing in their platform, technology and the human capital aimed at providing positive impacts and outcomes for their clients. Second, its emphasis on Purpose Architecture™ highlights a commitment to integrating wealth and values — a message that resonates with investors who want their money to work harder, not just for them, but for their communities, too.
Finally, the firm’s national expansion means greater access to resources and advisors for clients across the country. For many, it represents the opportunity to collaborate with a firm that combines expertise with a mission-driven ethos.
Looking Ahead
As the wealth management industry continues to evolve, firms are under pressure to prove they can deliver both financial results and meaningful impact. IFC Advisors is betting that its approach will set it apart.
For clients, the message is clear: wealth is no longer about numbers on a balance sheet. It’s about building a future that reflects personal goals, family legacies, and contributions to the greater good.
About IFC Wealth Management
IFC Wealth Management is the parent company of IFC Advisors.
For more information about IFC Advisors please visit
www.ifcadvisors.com
