FAIRFIELD, IA – October 29, 2026 — Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (“Cambridge”) is pleased to announce that four individuals associated with the firm have been named to this year’s InvestmentNews Rising Stars list, which recognizes top financial services leaders under the age of 40. Three advisors were selected for their significant contributions to the industry, including Christian Richards III, Hannah Varnado, and Lindsey Haefemeyer. Cambridge associate Kristen Civin, Assistant Vice President of Practice Management, was also named a Rising Star. All four individuals were profiled in the 2026 Rising Stars report on InvestmentNews.com.

Formerly the InvestmentNews 40 Under 40 Awards, the Rising Stars report recognizes industry leaders under the age of 40 who are making a measurable impact in financial services. All Rising Star award recipients were selected by an independent judging panel that evaluated nominees based on current role and responsibilities, key career achievements, and contributions to the industry at large. Learn more about these four Cambridge Rising Stars:

Christian Richards III is Co-Founder, President, and Senior Wealth Advisor at Richards, Lathrop & Associates, a wealth management firm based in Irvine, California. A former professional football player, he draws on his experiences in college athletics and the NFL to help expand access to financial advice and education. In 2026, he co-founded the firm with a commitment to personalized service and no account minimums, serving clients across a broad range of financial circumstances. Under his leadership, the firm has grown to more than $110 million in assets under management in its first year while maintaining a focus on personal relationships and consistent client service. Read more about Christian’s story on InvestmentNews.com

Hannah Varnado is Owner and President of Wood Opal Financial Advisors, where she provides personalized financial planning and investment guidance to individuals, families, and business owners. Her approach centers on understanding each client’s needs and long-term goals, then developing and monitoring strategies tailored to their financial circumstances. She helps clients navigate decisions ranging from debt management and college savings to retirement preparation and estate planning, with an emphasis on financial education and clear guidance. Varnado holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® certification and Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor^℠ designation, along with a Master of Science in Finance.

Lindsey Haefemeyer is a Partner and Registered Principal at Klinkhammer Financial, a family-founded financial services firm based in Northfield, Minnesota, and Founder of Independent Legacy Network (ILN). As part of Klinkhammer Financial’s second generation of leadership, she has helped modernize the firm’s technology and strengthen the client experience while preserving its focus on personal relationships. In 2025, she founded ILN to help independent advisors and family-founded firms grow their businesses and prepare for future leadership transitions. Through educational workshops, advisor study groups, and mentorship, she equips advisors with practical resources for technology adoption, practice management, and continuity planning. Haefemeyer also serves on Cambridge’s Technology Advisory Council and volunteers with Meals on Wheels. She holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary^® and Chartered Financial Consultant^® designations. Read more about Lindsey’s story on InvestmentNews.com.

Kristen Civin is Assistant Vice President of Practice Management at Cambridge, where she helps develop coaching programs and resources that support advisors in building stronger, more sustainable businesses. One focus of her work is Cambridge’s Real Practice Management (RPM) program, which connects advisors with business coaches to pursue professional and personal goals. She has also helped develop the firm’s Next Generation Coaching and Training Program, creating a structured path for new advisors through foundational education, mentorship, and peer support. Civin serves as Chair-Elect of Cambridge’s Financial Professional Engagement Committee and is a member of its New Century Council. She holds FINRA Series 7, 24, and 66 licenses, is a Registered Corporate Coach^™, and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. Read more about Kristen’s story on InvestmentNews.com.

About Cambridge
Cambridge is a financial solutions firm focused on serving independent advisors and their clients while preserving its internal control. Cambridge offers a broad range of choices for independent advisors regarding solutions for advice, growth, technology, and independence. Cambridge’s national reach includes: Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. – a large corporate RIA; and Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. – an independent broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, that is among the largest internally controlled independent broker-dealers in the country. Learn more at JoinCambridge.com.

About InvestmentNews
InvestmentNews is a leading source for news, analysis and information essential to the financial advisory community. Since 1998, the publication has educated, informed, and engaged financial advisors across the country using its weekly newspaper, website, newsletters, research, events, social media, videos and webcasts. InvestmentNews provides exclusive and up-to-the-minute news, as well as actionable intelligence, that empowers financial advisors to serve their clients and run their businesses more effectively.

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Donald C. Cutler
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Brandon Blackwell
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424-317-4868

InvestmentNews 2026 Rising Stars (formerly 40 Under 40). Nominees had to be aged 40 or under (as of October 1, 2026) and be committed to a career in wealth management with a clear passion for the industry. Finalists were chosen based on nominations and winners were selected by an independent judging panel. Award received October 2026.

Cambridge is not affiliated with Klinkhammer Financial, Independent Legacy Network, Richards, Lathrop & Associates, or Wood Opal Financial Advisors.