Independent Financial Group Executes Growth Plan with Enhancement of Business Development Team

Chad Cristo and Kelsey Hasterlik to lead efforts in West and Mountain regions, respectively.

Appointments follow the recent hires of Stephen Gensler and Bruce Levitus, underscoring IFG's commitment to organic growth and expanding its national recruiting footprint

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG) – a privately held independent wealth management provider supporting more than 600 financial professionals across more than 400 locations nationwide – today announced the promotions of Chad Cristo (Head of Business Development – West Region) and Kelsey Hasterlik, CFP® (Regional Business Development – Mountain).

The dual promotions follow the firm's recent appointment of Steven Gensler as Senior Vice President of Advisor Growth and Development, and Bruce Levitus as Regional Business Development – East. Collectively, these moves highlight IFG's strategic focus on organic growth for its existing advisors and expanding its business development capabilities across the country.

"Both Chad and Kelsey bring tremendous experience, relationships and leadership to their new roles," said David Fischer, IFG Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer. "Chad is highly respected across the industry, with a 30-year track record of building strong relationships and driving advisor growth while Kelsey has spent her career helping advisors expand efficiency, optimize outcomes and integrate advanced product solutions. Their promotions, along with the other enhancements we have made to our leadership team in recent weeks, reflect our commitment to recruiting accomplished, independent-minded advisors and expanding IFG's reach across key regions as we continue to grow with intention."

In his new role, Cristo will oversee advisor recruiting across the Western United States. He will report to Fischer. Cristo joined IFG in 2022 as Senior Vice President of National Sales and Marketing. In that position, he helped shape product strategy and supported advisors in expanding their practices.

"I am honored to take on this new role and excited to build on IFG's already strong presence and momentum in the West," Cristo said. "Recruiting accomplished, independent-minded advisors is central to our growth strategy, and I look forward to sharing IFG's culture of independence, autonomy and community with more professionals across the region."

Hasterlik, who joined IFG in 2018, steps into the role of Regional Business Development – Mountain. She has held key positions as Senior Regional Advisor Consultant and Product Strategist. Her 15-year career spans advisor consulting, asset management, trading, and alternative investments, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today's independent advisor. She will also report to Fischer.

"I'm thrilled to continue working alongside our advisors in the Mountain Region and to deepen IFG's presence in this key market," Hasterlik said. "Our culture is truly unique, and I look forward to helping more advisors experience the independence and support that sets IFG apart."

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 15^th largest national independent broker-dealer and #2 for privately held broker-dealers based on gross revenue. Financial Planning Magazine ranked IFG 1^st for women as a percentage of producing representatives in 2025 and 7^th 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.

To learn more about IFG, visit ifgsd.com.

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SOURCE Independent Financial Group