Financial services giant Raymond James serves more than 3 million client accounts through 7,200 financial advisors in the United States, Canada and overseas.

Raymond James has brought over a new wealth management team to its Seattle office in a bid to expand the firm's presence in the West.

Senior vice president of wealth management, Kathleen Hobart, will be joined by her team, Denise Leong, a senior financial planning associate, and Kristin Carr, senior registered client service associate. The team will operate as The Hobart Group of Raymond James.

The move to Raymond James was announced by Jeff Mallula, Pacific Northwest complex manager.

Hobart joins from Morgan Stanley, where she managed more than $165 million in client assets. She began her career with Morgan Stanley in 1987, when it was Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. She has also worked for the world's largest wealth manager, UBS, and is an accredited investment fiduciary.

Leong started out with UBS 16 years ago and worked with Hobart, before joining Hobart at Morgan Stanley in 2009.

Carr worked with Hobart at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter for three years and later joined Hobart’s team at Morgan Stanley in 2016.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Kathy and her team to the firm. Over her career, she’s remained committed to her clients, and her decision to join Raymond James while planning for the future growth of her practice is a testament to the flexibility and support of our platform,” said Mallula. “As a business owner and entrepreneur herself, and one who serves a diverse group of clients including high net worth multi-generational families and entrepreneurs in her practice, we are delighted she selected us to support her here at Raymond James.”