If we've got this right, you don't know all, or even any, of the names on this list.

But we think that individuals here, in different ways and at different scales, are building companies or pushing forward new initiatives that will have a major impact on the financial advisory business over the next few years. Every bear looks at what they are at the forefront of trends that will affect every advisor.

If this is a list of “not quite popular yet,” here's what it isn't: It's not based on age or career status. Some of these individuals are seasoned industry veterans, but working in new territory; some are barely out of graduate school. It is not a list based on social media activity, self-promotion, marketing campaigns or advisor popularity. There was no way to apply or nominate an individual. Voting, polls or survey responses were not used in the creation of this list. We freely admit that it is subjective. It is based solely on the whims and interests of the editorial team, drawn from their daily coverage and conversations with each other and their regular contacts in the wider industry.

Time will tell if we are right. Feel free to tell us how we missed the point. Or, more importantly, who do you think we should be watching and why.