In a time when trust in financial institutions is under increasing scrutiny, Devin J. Garofalo, AIF®, is leading a quiet revolution—putting integrity, transparency, and responsibility back at the core of financial advice.
As the CEO of Colonial River Wealth Management, Devin isn’t just managing portfolios—he’s redefining what it means to serve as a fiduciary in today’s complex financial environment. With over 18 years of experience, multiple FINRA certifications, and licensure across 45 states, Devin has built a model of advisory that blends elite technical expertise with values-led client care.
What Does “Fiduciary” Really Mean?
The term fiduciary is often misunderstood in the financial world. At its core, it means putting the client’s best interest first—always. While not all financial professionals are held to this standard, Devin has made it his baseline.
As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), Devin adheres to a strict code of ethics that goes beyond minimum industry requirements. This includes the duty of loyalty, full transparency, and avoiding conflicts of interest. In his words:
“Being a fiduciary isn’t a feature of my service—it’s the foundation.”
Bringing Ethics Back into Finance
Devin J Garofalo’s approach challenges the transactional mindset that still exists in parts of the financial industry. He believes clients deserve more than vague promises and hidden fees—they deserve clarity, honesty, and full accountability.
His firm, Colonial River Wealth Management, doesn’t just offer customised wealth strategies—it offers peace of mind. Clients know they’re getting advice tailored to their needs, not commissions. This ethical stance has earned him national recognition and deep client loyalty.
In 2023, Colonial River was recognised by SmartAsset as the top advisory practice in Midlothian, VA—an accolade that reflects both performance and principle.
A Voice on Capitol Hill
Redefining fiduciary standards doesn’t stop at the office door. Devin is a vocal advocate for investor protections at the policy level. As a member of LPL Financial’s government relations team, he regularly engages with lawmakers to shape legislation that holds the financial industry to higher ethical benchmarks.
This includes advocating for stronger disclosure requirements, improved retirement policy, and protections that prioritise everyday investors.
“We can’t afford a system that rewards opacity and punishes trust,” Devin explains. “Fiduciary responsibility should be the rule, not the exception.”
Educating the Next Generation of Advisors
Devin also recognises the long game. To truly shift the standard, he mentors upcoming financial advisors—encouraging a mindset built around service, not sales. Through speaking engagements, team leadership, and coaching, he cultivates a culture of purpose-first advising.
He often reminds his team:
"If you wouldn’t recommend it to your own family, don’t recommend it to a client."
That principle, though simple, has become a cornerstone of his success.
Fiduciary in Action: What Clients See
To Devin’s clients, this fiduciary-first mindset isn’t a philosophy—it’s a daily experience. Every recommendation, investment strategy, or financial plan is backed by research, aligned with goals, and delivered with complete transparency.
Whether working with retirees, business owners, or young professionals, Devin ensures each individual feels heard, respected, and confident in their decisions. His firm offers ongoing education, frequent strategy reviews, and personalised advice that evolves with each client’s journey.
Redefining Standards, One Relationship at a Time
Devin J. Garofalo’s leadership shows that fiduciary excellence isn’t just about compliance—it’s about conviction. He is setting a new benchmark in finance where relationships come before revenue and trust is the most valuable asset of all.
Final Thoughts
Devin J. Garofalo is more than a top-tier financial advisor—he’s a driving force for change. By placing ethics, education, and client outcomes at the centre of his practice, he is redefining fiduciary standards not just for his firm, but for the industry at large.
As conversations around financial responsibility evolve, leaders like Devin are showing that doing the right thing is not only possible—it’s powerful.
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