San Diego, January 14, 2026
Forward Bank has renewed its partnership with Cetera Financial Institutions to enhance its investment program, Forward Investment Services, primarily targeting rural communities in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The collaboration aims to provide personalized financial planning and investment support. With around $350 million in client assets, Forward Investment Services has been serving rural clients for nearly 20 years. This strategic move is expected to strengthen Forward Bank’s ability to offer tailored financial solutions and support community investment.
San Diego, CA – Forward Bank has reestablished its partnership with Cetera Financial Institutions to enhance the growth and development of its investment program, Forward Investment Services. This collaboration aims to provide personalized financial planning and investment support to rural communities in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Forward Investment Services, which manages approximately $350 million in client assets, has been serving clients for nearly 20 years. The team comprises six advisors and four support professionals who work closely with clients across 15 communities in central and northern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota. The renewed partnership with Cetera reflects a shared commitment to relationship-driven advice and long-term support for these rural areas.
The decision to return to Cetera followed a thorough evaluation of Forward Bank’s long-term needs, including technology and a broker-dealer partner with deep experience supporting financial institutions. Cetera’s expertise in serving banks and credit unions was a key factor in this decision. The partnership is expected to significantly bolster the offerings of Forward Bank, enhancing their capacity to serve clients effectively.
Investment Services Overview
Forward Investment Services manages a substantial portfolio, overseeing approximately $350 million in client assets. With nearly two decades of experience, the service has developed a trusted reputation among clients in rural communities. The bank’s dedicated team enables it to focus on personalized service, providing tailored financial solutions that meet the unique needs of their clientele.
Renewed Partnership Benefits
This renewed partnership with Cetera Financial Institutions signifies not just a return to a former alliance, but also a forward-looking strategy aimed at growth and enhancing service delivery. Cetera’s proven approach to supporting financial institutions through personalized assistance and flexible models aligns well with Forward Bank’s vision.
Forward Bank’s focus remains on fostering long-term relationships with clients, enhancing community ties, and delivering high-quality investment services through innovative and effective strategies.
Cetera Financial Institutions’ Track Record
Cetera Financial Institutions has a strong history of effective partnerships with diverse financial institutions. Their model of providing personalized support and comprehensive growth solutions has been successful for banks like Peoples Bank and Trust and First Citizens State Bank. These collaborations exemplify Cetera’s ability to lift investment programs and provide robust financial solutions tailored to individual institutional needs.
Focus on Rural Communities
The primary mission of Forward Investment Services is to provide exceptional support to rural areas. This is particularly important as these communities may often face unique challenges regarding access to financial planning and investment resources. By reestablishing its partnership with Cetera, Forward Bank is better positioned to extend these vital services to underserved populations.
Future Prospects
The convergence of Forward Bank’s commitment to its investment program with Cetera’s strategic resources opens a path for broader community investment and economic development. Enhanced technology and support structures provided by Cetera will enable Forward Bank to offer more robust services, positioning the bank as a leader in community financial solutions.
Conclusion
Forward Bank’s renewed partnership with Cetera Financial Institutions represents a strategic advancement in its investment services, which are critically aimed at uplifting rural communities in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The collaboration underscores a commitment to fostering personal financial growth and community investment, ensuring that residents in these vital areas have access to quality financial planning and investment support.
Readers are encouraged to stay informed on such developments that highlight the importance of local innovation and the commitment of businesses to their communities. Supporting local financial institutions not only facilitates individual success but also contributes to the overall vitality of the San Diego County economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main focus of Forward Bank’s renewed partnership with Cetera Financial Institutions?
- The main focus is to enhance the growth and development of Forward Bank’s investment program, Forward Investment Services, by providing personalized financial planning and investment support to rural communities in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
- How much in client assets does Forward Investment Services manage?
- Forward Investment Services manages approximately $350 million in client assets.
- What is the history of Forward Bank’s affiliation with Cetera Financial Institutions?
- Forward Bank was previously affiliated with Cetera for 15 years before transitioning to Osaic Wealth for four years. The bank has now reestablished its partnership with Cetera to support its investment program’s growth.
- What other financial institutions have partnered with Cetera Financial Institutions?
- Other financial institutions that have partnered with Cetera include Peoples Bank and Trust, which oversees approximately $120 million in assets under administration, and First Citizens State Bank, which operates with approximately $465 million in assets as of September 30, 2024.
- What is Cetera Financial Institutions’ approach to supporting financial institutions?
- Cetera Financial Institutions focuses on providing personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions to financial institutions, enabling them to deliver exceptional client experiences and achieve sustainable growth.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Forward Bank’s Investment Program | Forward Investment Services manages approximately $350 million in client assets, serving clients for nearly 20 years across 15 communities in Wisconsin and Minnesota. |
| Renewed Partnership | Forward Bank has reestablished its partnership with Cetera Financial Institutions to enhance the growth and development of its investment program, focusing on personalized financial planning and investment support for rural communities. |
| Cetera’s Approach | Cetera Financial Institutions provides personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions to financial institutions, enabling them to deliver exceptional client experiences and achieve sustainable growth. |
| Other Partnerships | Other financial institutions that have partnered with Cetera include Peoples Bank and Trust, overseeing approximately $120 million in assets under administration, and First Citizens State Bank, operating with approximately $465 million in assets as of September 30, 2024. |
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