DALLAS - 1st Global, the business development and resource partner of choice to hundreds of leading wealth management firms, received the 2008 Financial Planning Award of Excellence from CPA Wealth Provider magazine for the fifth consecutive year. This award symbolizes 1st Global's commitment to leadership in the financial services industry, as well as its dedication to innovation, efficiency and service excellence.

"We are honored to be named one of the top broker/dealers by CPA Wealth Provider magazine again in 2008," said 1st Global CEO Tony Batman. "We are acknowledged as an industry leader for providing world-class support to wealth management professionals through practice management support, innovative tools and cutting-edge technology. We strive to be the best wealth management partner for financial professionals who are committed to helping their clients with comprehensive financial services."

1st Global was recognized for excellence and innovation in several key areas, including the significant enhancements made to the Investment Management Solutions (IMS) fee-based platform. 1st Global's IMS platform offers access to a wide range of investment options that advisors and their clients' need to help preserve and grow wealth, while managing for acceptable levels of risk. In addition, 1st Global held more educational events than ever before including two Investment Planning Symposiums. The symposiums focused on helping advisors and firms understand how to keep their clients on the right track to building long-term wealth by recognizing and preventing the key behavioral mistakes investors make.