Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Faiza Kedir, CFP®, an Investment Advisor Representative and Wealth Manager at Steward Partners, widely respected for her unwavering commitment to acting in her clients’ best interests. Grounded in the values of kindness and authenticity instilled by her late mother, she approaches wealth management with a rare blend of technical expertise, empathy, and genuine care.
Kedir’s passion for finance began early, helping manage her family’s business in Ethiopia. After moving to the United States in 1988, she earned a degree in supervision and management from Southwestern College and went on to build a successful 22-year career at Bank of America. There, she led teams, trained managers, and advised clients, gaining a deep understanding of both financial systems and human needs. She later transitioned into wealth management, where she has spent more than a decade helping individuals and families find clarity, confidence, and security in their financial lives.
Deeply passionate about financial education, Kedir is especially focused on empowering women to make informed, confident decisions about their money. She intentionally works with a select group of clients, allowing her to build meaningful, long-term relationships and provide highly personalized guidance.
A devoted mother of four, Kedir is also actively involved in her community, supporting local organizations and charitable initiatives. Her life and career reflect a consistent dedication to service, integrity, and making a lasting, positive impact on the people she serves.
Securities are offered through Steward Partners Investment Solutions, LLC ("SPIS"), registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Steward Partners Investment Advisory, LLC ("SPIA"), an SEC-registered investment adviser. SPIS, SPIA, and Steward Partners Global Advisory, LLC are affiliates and collectively referred to as Steward Partners.
In 2025, InvestmentNews completed a nationwide survey, which closed on November 28, 2025, and reviewed data from the preceding 12 months for purposes of recognizing qualifying financial planners. The survey sought nominations for financial professionals who exemplify excellence, integrity, and dedication in helping clients achieve their financial goals. Participants were asked to provide detailed information on nominees, including professional credentials, areas of expertise, and significant achievements. Additional information sought included: number of clients served, client retention rates, and total assets under management the advisor manages, Nominations required confirmation from the nominee’s compliance team to ensure authenticity and adherence to ethical standards. The IN team conducted an objective evaluation of each entry, assessing the detailed information provided. This evaluation also involved benchmarking against other submissions to determine the winners. Award announced on 4/23/2026. Neither Steward Partners, its affiliates, nor its Wealth Managers pay a fee to InvestmentNews in exchange for the ranking.
2 N Tamiami Trl # 602, Sarasota, FL 34236
941 217 7016
faiza.kedir@stewardpartners.com
linkedin.com/in/faiza-kedir
sunshineprivatewealth.com
Faiza Kedir
Managing Director and Partner
Steward Partners
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
1991–2012
2012–2023
Present
2024
2025
Bank Manager/Vice President/Premier Banker at Bank of America Merrill Lynch
1991–2012
Financial Advisor/Director of Business Development at Hightower Advisors/LBPWM
2012–2023
Managing Director and Partner at Steward Partners since 2023
Present
Led the firm’s transition to independence as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), modernizing operations and expanding a planning-first wealth management model
2024
Launched Drucker Tax, integrating tax planning and tax preparation directly into the firm’s wealth management offering to better serve high-income clients
2025
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.