BAR Financial’s roots trace back to the founding of Financial Network Investment Corporation (FNIC), one of the early pioneers of the independent advisor model. John Kassab, grandfather of BAR Financial’s current Chief Marketing Officer, Brianna Romanoff, was one of FNIC’s original founders. BAR Financial Founder, John Brackett, began his career as an early representative at FNIC. He later became a Regional Director, acquiring one of the network’s regions in 1987.

BAR Financial was formally established when John Brackett partnered with Anthony Tarantino, CFO of BAR Financial, and Eric Huck, Financial Partner, both of whom led a highly successful bank and credit union broker-dealer operation on the East Coast. Combining their regional and professionals strengths, they expanded the firm's reach and influence across the independent advisor space.

FNIC’s innovative model — empowering independent advisors with strong regional support — laid the groundwork for what would later become Cetera Advisor Networks. As part of this evolution, BAR Financial’s leadership played a critical role in shaping the foundation and spirit that drives Cetera today.

Over the years, BAR Financial became one of the most prominent regions within Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, ultimately leading to Cetera's acquisition of BAR Financial, LLC in 2021. The acquisition formalized BAR’s role as a critical arm of Cetera’s national growth and robust advisor support strategy. Today, BAR Financial continues to be a leader in supporting financial professionals across the nation, operating out of regional offices in 5 states, with 270 affiliated individuals, and 13.91 billion in AUA.