SAN FRANCISCO - Wells Fargo announced today that Leeann Markovitz has been appointed head of First Clearing, the firm's clearing and custody business serving independent broker-dealers nationwide.

Markovitz brings more than 30 years of experience in financial services and a proven track record of building strong relationships and delivering solutions that drive growth. She will focus on helping firms adopt leading technology and expand product solutions, enabling them to deliver exceptional experiences and positive outcomes for their clients.

"Leeann's deep industry knowledge, collaborative approach, and passion for supporting firms make her the ideal leader to guide First Clearing into its next chapter," said Erik Karanik, head of Independent Solutions at Wells Fargo, which includes First Clearing and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network. "Her leadership will strengthen our commitment to helping firms compete and succeed by delivering premier technology and innovative solutions that empower them to grow and serve clients more effectively."

As part of Wells Fargo & Company and closely affiliated with one of the nation's largest wealth management firms, clients gain access to an expansive network of insights, tools, and expertise. This powerful combination of resources, flexibility, and scale is designed to support a wide range of business models and client needs.

Most recently, Markovitz led relationship management efforts for First Clearing, ensuring engagement, growth, and satisfaction among our independent broker-dealer partners. Her career includes leadership roles at Wells Fargo Advisors and Wells Fargo's Consumer, Small & Business Banking organization.

Markovitz has been with the company for more than 30 years and has held a variety of roles in advisory and investment product teams. She holds FINRA Series 7, 24, and 63 registrations and is a graduate of the SIFMA Securities Industry Institute at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

This leadership transition follows the planned retirement of Al Caiazzo, who has been with the firm for more than forty years. He will remain engaged through year-end to ensure a smooth transition.

About First Clearing

First Clearing is a premier clearing and custody services business, serving broker-dealers and registered investment advisors nationwide. Through its affiliation with Wells Fargo & Company, First Clearing provides access to resources that help firms grow and deliver exceptional client experiences.

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Madison Bean Madison.Bean@wellsfargo.com

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Wells Fargo & Company published this content on October 30, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 30, 2025 at 12:02 UTC.