Branden Sears, AAMS®, CFP®

Portfolio Technician, IFS

Financial Advisor, RJFS

Branden has been a key member of Independent Financial Services (IFS) since 2013. His career has advanced from Paraplanner to Financial Advisor to Portfolio Technician. Branden’s professional registrations include the Series 7 and Series 66, as well as Florida Life, Health, and Variable Annuity insurance licenses.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional since 2021, Branden understands the complex intricacies of retirement planning, estate planning and portfolio analysis. CFP® professionals meet rigorous education, training and ethical standards, and are committed to serving their clients’ best interests today to prepare them for a more secure tomorrow.

In addition, he holds the AAMS® (Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠) designation, awarded by the College for Financial Planning. AAMS® designees distinguish themselves by identifying opportunities not only in investment planning, but also by making comprehensive recommendations to meet a broad range of financial goals.

Branden also has the CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst®) certification allowing him to Integrate practical knowledge with investment theory, with deep dives into advanced portfolio construction, accounting and risk management.

As our Portfolio Technician, Branden creates and rebalances all our customized strategies and designs asset allocation models to help make sure our recommendations are tailored to our clients’ needs. Branden is a key member of our Investment Policy Committee which reviews and analyzes all of our clients’ holdings on a bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

Branden was born in Merritt Island, Florida and raised in Brandon, Florida. After graduating from Stetson University with a bachelor’s degree in business management, he quickly found a spot here at IFS. 

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks. 

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Independent Financial Services is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.