Mitlin Financial’s Lawrence Sprung Named Finalist in Two 2026 Wealth Management Industry Awards Categories

Lawrence Sprung, the founder and wealth advisor of Mitlin Financial, has been recognized as a finalist in two categories for the 2026 Wealth Management Industry Awards. Sprung is a contender for the Individual RIA Firm Leaders: Thought Leader of the Year, while his YouTube initiative, The JOYful Money Journey, is a finalist in the Investor-Focused Podcast category. These nominations highlight a shift in the wealth management sector toward personalized, JOY-driven financial planning that prioritizes client values over traditional metrics.

Lawrence Sprung, CFP®, the founder of Hauppauge, NY-based Mitlin Financial, Inc., has secured dual recognition in the 12th annual Wealth Management Industry Awards, commonly referred to as the “Wealthies.” Sprung is a finalist for Thought Leader of the Year within the Individual RIA Firm Leaders category, a nod to his philosophy that financial planning should center on the moments and activities that bring clients joy. Additionally, his YouTube-based project, The JOYful Money Journey, has been named a finalist in the Investor-Focused Podcast category, marking the second consecutive year a Mitlin media initiative has been honored following a 2025 finalist spot for the Mitlin Money Mindset.

The nominations underscore Sprung’s JOY-driven methodology, which encourages wealth advisors to look beyond balance sheets to understand the personal motivations of the families they serve. Sprung emphasizes that by leading with the question, “What did you do today that brought you joy?”, advisors can create more impactful and meaningful financial plans that are better connected to the lives clients wish to build. This approach aims to make financial discussions more accessible and personal, reflecting a broader trend in the industry toward the growing sophistication of advisor communication and the personalization of advice.

The Wealth Management Industry Awards are overseen by a panel of industry experts led by David Armstrong, Managing Director of Editorial and Content Strategies for the Wealth Management Group at Informa. The program evaluates organizations and individuals based on their ability to bring innovations to market that support advisor success across technology, asset management, and practice management. Winners for the 2026 cycle will be announced during a gala ceremony in New York City on September 10, 2026, celebrating firms that are pushing the wealth management ecosystem forward through sustainable business practices and enhanced client service.