Marshall Gifford included on AdvisorHub’s 2026 Advisors to Watch list
MINNEAPOLIS—June 16, 2026—AdvisorHub today announced its Advisors to Watch list, including Marshall Gifford, CLU®, ChFC®, CLTC®, founder and senior partner at Gifford Financial, a division of North Star Resource Group, who ranked No. 77 on the Advisors to Watch (Under $1B) category.
This annual list includes the top financial professionals across the nation who lead practices devoted to offering a high level of service, dedication and innovative financial solutions to their clients.
“It is such an honor to be included on this list,” Gifford commented. “I am fortunate to have found a career, firm, and team that help me make a positive impact in our clients’ lives. It is humbling to have clients place their trust in me and in what we do. Sharing in their financial journey and success is one of my greatest joys.”
Gifford received this honor after previously ranking on the Advisors to Watch (Under $1B) list in 2025 and ranking No. 75 on the 100 Fast-Growing Advisors to Watch list from AdvisorHub in 2024. He started with North Star in 1993 and founded Gifford Financial, a division of North Star Resource Group, in 2017. Gifford Financial is a group of financial advisors who specialize in the financial needs of physicians and dentists, though they provide tailored financial planning services to a wide client base.
Additionally, Gifford is a co-author of “Real Life Financial Planning for the Young Dental Professional” and “Real Life Financial Planning for the New Physician” and has contributed articles for “Medical Economics Magazine” and “Dental Products Report,” showcasing his expertise in financial planning for medical clients. He also serves as a member of the North Star Medical Division, a specialized group of North Star advisors who work with members of the medical community at all stages of their careers.
Gifford is also a frequent speaker at medical and dental conferences nationwide. His perspective and wisdom have been featured via guest spots on local news stations, and his past speaking engagements include The American Urological Association, the University of Minnesota Dental and Medical Schools, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Illinois Chicago and several others.
Finally, Gifford’s contributions to the financial services profession have been recognized through honors such as the Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals list (2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026) and the Forbes/SHOOK Minnesota’s Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list (2024, 2025 and 2026).
The AdvisorHub Advisors to Watch rankings were determined based on each advisor’s score in three categories related to their financial practice: scale, growth and professionalism. Scale represents the size and profitability of the advisor’s business, with growth and professionalism representing business growth and the advisor’s regulatory record and community involvement, respectively.
To learn more about AdvisorHub’s Advisors to Watch list or to view the rankings for the Under $1B category, visit www.advisorhub.com/advisors-to-watch-under-1b-2026.
About AdvisorHub
AdvisorHub aims to be the financial advisors’ advocate and voice by providing a definitive source for breaking news, relevant products and services, critical compensation data and a safe forum to share best practices and growth strategies. To learn more about AdvisorHub, visit www.advisorhub.com.
About North Star Resource Group
North Star Resource Group is a Minneapolis-based financial services firm that provides both individuals and businesses with the resources to help create, preserve and protect their wealth. North Star has more than 200 full-time advisors and over 218 employees. In a network of 43 offices in over 17 states, they have contributed to the financial security and well-being of over 150,000 individuals and small businesses.* To learn more about North Star Resource Group, visit www.northstarfinancial.com.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Ian Rich at 612.617.6076 or email him at ian.rich@northstarfinancial.com.
Author: Marshall W. Gifford, CLU®, ChFC®, CLTC®
Marshall Gifford is a founder of Gifford Financial and a senior partner at North Star Resource Group, where he helped create the North Star Medical Division. He specializes in consulting with physicians and dentists in regard to their personal and business financial goals and concerns.
*Data as of 12/2025
Marshall is a Financial Advisor offering securities through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. 2701 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 617-6000
2026 Advisors to Watch issued by AdvisorHub. Requirements at least $150m in AUM, 7 years experience, 2 years at current firm and in good standing, clean regulatory record (2 or fewer complaints and no significant judgements). Methodology, advisors are ranked on a 100-pt scale in three categories. SCALE: relative size of assets, production and quality of service; GROWTH: relative year-over-year change in assets, clients and production; PROFESSIONALISM: regulatory record, community involvement, mentorship and team makeup. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the financial professional by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.
The Forbes: America’s Top Financial Security Professionals Award, developed by SHOOK™ Research, is based on last year’s data. The algorithm is designed to fairly compare the business practices of a large group of financial service professionals (FSPs) based on quantitative and qualitative elements. Data is weighted to ensure priorities are given to dynamics such as best practices, business models, recent business activity, among others. Each variable is graded and represents a certain value for each measured component. The algorithm measures thousands of FSPs against one another. The listing is prepared by SHOOK™ Research and is based primarily on commissions and premiums generated from insurance products and other criteria relative to years of experience, credentials, client retention and servicing, business model, community involvement, financial professional and peer interviews, and compliance background. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the financial professional by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.
The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors with a minimum of seven years’ experience and weighing factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience, and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings. Research summary as of 6/30/23, 44,900 nominations received, based on thresholds – 23,876 invited to complete online survey – 20,412 telephone interviews – 1,507 total virtual interviews – 4,926 in-person interviews at Advisor’s location. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.