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Home / Library /
Blockchain & Digital Assets

March 28, 2024

The Surprising Way Africans are Achieving Financial Freedom

Bitcoin mining and trading provide new economic pathways across the continent

Ric Edelman: It's Thursday, March 28th. On today's show, how Bitcoin is creating financial freedom in Africa. One morning last November, the people of Malawi discovered that their currency was devalued by 44% in a single day. This affected 20 million people. Merchants closed for the day to reprice their goods. 85% of Malawians are unbanked. So the government's devaluation essentially stole money from the population. Over the past 20 years, their currency, the kwacha, has lost 95% of its value against the dollar. Per capita income there is 33 cents an hour, and for people in remote areas, it's 5 cents an hour. 

And suddenly, when the government devalued the currency, they were now able to buy only half as much as they could the day before. Not only do a billion Africans lack a solid currency, 600 million of them lack electricity. Consider the city of Blanchard. It's about an hour from Mozambique. Only 15% of the people there have electricity. Residents cut down trees to make fire. They use paraffin lamps to light their homes at night. And those fires, those lamps, they create noxious gases. The leading cause of death in Africa is respiratory disease.  

One big reason so few people have electricity is that they get power from a small hydroelectric plant that charges 90 cents per kilowatt hour. We pay about 10 cents here in the US. But last year, a Bitcoin data center was launched. All the excess power that it generates is sold to the Bitcoin network, delivering not just a high-quality peer to peer currency to the power generators, it lowers prices for consumers and raises their profits. 

Compare Bitcoin mining to AI farming. An AI chip costs $30,000, and it uses 1,200 watts of power. Bitcoin chips only cost $1,200 and uses 3,500 watts. So it makes no economic sense to build an AI data center in Africa compared to a Bitcoin mine, and AI processes can't be turned on and off like Bitcoin mining can. 

If you do that to an AI data center, you cause massive disruption. But you can turn a Bitcoin miner off with no harm. AI computers can't be used to balance the electric grid, but Bitcoin computers can. When a grid needs to deploy electricity elsewhere, Bitcoin miners can turn off easily. Bitcoin miners in Texas do this all the time, whenever there's bad weather. 

One more benefit from Bitcoin mining? Heat. A miner is, in essence, a space heater. And a really efficient one. For the past three years, in Congo's Virunga National Park, rangers there have been mining Bitcoin with hydropower. Heat from the mining is used to dry cocoa beans, instead of laying them out to roast under the sun. 

Drying the beans with heat from the miners dries the cocoa faster, at minimal cost, compared to leaving the cocoa beans outside, where they can be destroyed by the weather, or get stolen, or even eaten by animals. Or consider the Great Rift Valley. It's 3,500 miles long with massive seismic and volcanic activity. The geothermal energy there is completely untapped. There's a 1.4 megawatt geothermal plant in Kenya. It pushes lake water into fields where flowers are grown and sold to supermarkets throughout Europe. Kenya is the world's largest exporter of flowers, and all those fields need irrigation, and all that irrigation needs power. 

Geothermal power is the best source for Bitcoin mining because it's 100% clean. Two-thirds of the people in Malawi between 18 and 30 own a smartphone. That lets them trade their currency into Bitcoin using just their phone number. It's Bitcoin with no internet. If Bitcoin becomes a bigger and bigger piece of the global economy, African nations will be able to transform their energy into a global reserve currency without asking permission from any government or any bank. 

Today, Africa has 45 currencies. 80% of all inter-African payments are processed by a European company or an American company. But in a Bitcoin world, Africans could trade with each other without any interference or involvement from Europe or America. So while you look at Bitcoin from an American investor lens, remember that this technology is global. 

We here in the US might regard Bitcoin as optional, but in other parts of the world, Bitcoin is essential, and it's going to transform billions of lives over the next couple of decades. And if that's not a sound basis for an investment for affluent American investors, I don't know what is.  

We're off tomorrow to celebrate Good Friday. Happy Easter, and we'll see you on Monday when we talk about what young people are doing in a desperate effort to pay off their college debts. 

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Michael Greenwald

Global Head, Financial Innovation and Digital Assets - Head, Global Executive Relations | Amazon Web Services

 

Michael is a seasoned executive who has spearheaded transformative, global initiatives in both the public and private sector. In his various roles he has overseen complex projects; managed diverse stakeholders; shaped strategic, revenue-driving initiatives; and forged strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships that earn trust.

Michael is the Global Head of Financial Innovation and Digital Assets at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He also heads up Global Executive Relations pioneering the international business expansion and driving the company’s artificial intelligence innovation narrative for the Worldwide Public Sector Business. He is responsible for working with the U.S. Government (USG) and international governments to incorporate cloud computing into their systems as well as drive responsible technology innovation and implementation within the public sector market. With his expertise in global economies from his time in government, Michael has successfully deepened Amazon’s global reach by helping to shape AWS’ business strategy in target overseas markets such as Europe, Middle East, Latin America, and Australia driving significant international growth and engagement for its growing $13 billion business. Michael was appointed by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to represent Amazon on the CFTC’s Technology Advisory Committee.

Before joining Amazon, Michael made significant contributions to the growth of global asset management firm AlTi Global. As Chief Geopolitical Risk Officer, he helped oversee the growth of the firm from $12 billion to $50 billion assets under management. Prior to AlTi Global, Michael worked for the U.S. Treasury Department for almost a decade. Michael made significant national security contributions to the U.S. Treasury, where he served in senior diplomatic, policy and intelligence roles in Europe, Africa, and Middle East under two presidential administrations and three Treasury Secretaries culminating with becoming the first U.S. Treasury attaché to Qatar and Kuwait. Michael built the first U.S. Treasury office in Qatar and Kuwait acting as the principal financial diplomat to the banking sectors in those nations.

He is affiliated with the Atlantic Council, Center for New American Security, the Trilateral Commission, the Bretton Woods Committee, the Wharton Cypher Accelerator, Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue University, French-American Foundation, and Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center. He has held adjunct teaching roles at the Columbia University School of International Affairs (SIPA) and at the Boston University Pardee School of Global Studies. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School, has a Juris Doctor graduate from Boston University School of Law, a Master’s graduate from Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, and a B.A. from George Washington University. Raised in Brookline, Massachusetts, he lives in Palm Beach, Florida with his wife Nolan and served on the Board of The Town of Palm Beach Investment Committee. He was honored by Palm Beach Illustrated as one of the city’s 100 most influential business leaders in 2021.

Michael Greenwald

Global Head, Financial Innovation and Digital Assets - Head, Global Executive Relations | Amazon Web Services

 

Michael is a seasoned executive who has spearheaded transformative, global initiatives in both the public and private sector. In his various roles he has overseen complex projects; managed diverse stakeholders; shaped strategic, revenue-driving initiatives; and forged strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships that earn trust.

Michael is the Global Head of Financial Innovation and Digital Assets at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He also heads up Global Executive Relations pioneering the international business expansion and driving the company’s artificial intelligence innovation narrative for the Worldwide Public Sector Business. He is responsible for working with the U.S. Government (USG) and international governments to incorporate cloud computing into their systems as well as drive responsible technology innovation and implementation within the public sector market. With his expertise in global economies from his time in government, Michael has successfully deepened Amazon’s global reach by helping to shape AWS’ business strategy in target overseas markets such as Europe, Middle East, Latin America, and Australia driving significant international growth and engagement for its growing $13 billion business. Michael was appointed by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to represent Amazon on the CFTC’s Technology Advisory Committee.

Before joining Amazon, Michael made significant contributions to the growth of global asset management firm AlTi Global. As Chief Geopolitical Risk Officer, he helped oversee the growth of the firm from $12 billion to $50 billion assets under management. Prior to AlTi Global, Michael worked for the U.S. Treasury Department for almost a decade. Michael made significant national security contributions to the U.S. Treasury, where he served in senior diplomatic, policy and intelligence roles in Europe, Africa, and Middle East under two presidential administrations and three Treasury Secretaries culminating with becoming the first U.S. Treasury attaché to Qatar and Kuwait. Michael built the first U.S. Treasury office in Qatar and Kuwait acting as the principal financial diplomat to the banking sectors in those nations.

He is affiliated with the Atlantic Council, Center for New American Security, the Trilateral Commission, the Bretton Woods Committee, the Wharton Cypher Accelerator, Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue University, French-American Foundation, and Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center. He has held adjunct teaching roles at the Columbia University School of International Affairs (SIPA) and at the Boston University Pardee School of Global Studies. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School, has a Juris Doctor graduate from Boston University School of Law, a Master’s graduate from Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, and a B.A. from George Washington University. Raised in Brookline, Massachusetts, he lives in Palm Beach, Florida with his wife Nolan and served on the Board of The Town of Palm Beach Investment Committee. He was honored by Palm Beach Illustrated as one of the city’s 100 most influential business leaders in 2021.

Michael Greenwald

Global Head, Financial Innovation and Digital Assets - Head, Global Executive Relations | Amazon Web Services

 

Michael is a seasoned executive who has spearheaded transformative, global initiatives in both the public and private sector. In his various roles he has overseen complex projects; managed diverse stakeholders; shaped strategic, revenue-driving initiatives; and forged strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships that earn trust.

Michael is the Global Head of Financial Innovation and Digital Assets at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He also heads up Global Executive Relations pioneering the international business expansion and driving the company’s artificial intelligence innovation narrative for the Worldwide Public Sector Business. He is responsible for working with the U.S. Government (USG) and international governments to incorporate cloud computing into their systems as well as drive responsible technology innovation and implementation within the public sector market. With his expertise in global economies from his time in government, Michael has successfully deepened Amazon’s global reach by helping to shape AWS’ business strategy in target overseas markets such as Europe, Middle East, Latin America, and Australia driving significant international growth and engagement for its growing $13 billion business. Michael was appointed by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to represent Amazon on the CFTC’s Technology Advisory Committee.

Before joining Amazon, Michael made significant contributions to the growth of global asset management firm AlTi Global. As Chief Geopolitical Risk Officer, he helped oversee the growth of the firm from $12 billion to $50 billion assets under management. Prior to AlTi Global, Michael worked for the U.S. Treasury Department for almost a decade. Michael made significant national security contributions to the U.S. Treasury, where he served in senior diplomatic, policy and intelligence roles in Europe, Africa, and Middle East under two presidential administrations and three Treasury Secretaries culminating with becoming the first U.S. Treasury attaché to Qatar and Kuwait. Michael built the first U.S. Treasury office in Qatar and Kuwait acting as the principal financial diplomat to the banking sectors in those nations.

He is affiliated with the Atlantic Council, Center for New American Security, the Trilateral Commission, the Bretton Woods Committee, the Wharton Cypher Accelerator, Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue University, French-American Foundation, and Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center. He has held adjunct teaching roles at the Columbia University School of International Affairs (SIPA) and at the Boston University Pardee School of Global Studies. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School, has a Juris Doctor graduate from Boston University School of Law, a Master’s graduate from Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, and a B.A. from George Washington University. Raised in Brookline, Massachusetts, he lives in Palm Beach, Florida with his wife Nolan and served on the Board of The Town of Palm Beach Investment Committee. He was honored by Palm Beach Illustrated as one of the city’s 100 most influential business leaders in 2021.

Rob Barcelona

Senior Financial Advisor | Fiduciary Financial Advisors

 

I am a Senior Financial Advisor at Fiduciary Financial Advisors.

Since my first savings account as a child to buying my first stock at 17, I have been fascinated by financial markets. Helping others navigate these markets by setting and achieving financial goals is my calling.

Having worked at various financial firms along with founding my own independent practice in 2019, I believe strongly in a fiduciary relationship with all clients.

As a level III CFA candidate, I follow the CFA institutes Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Click here to find out more about the CFA Institute.

Family is number one for me. My wife Katie and I live in East Grand Rapids with our son’s Atticus and Lincoln and our dog Norman. You’ll find us all walking together around Reeds Lake or into town for an evening ice cream. To keep my mind focused and clear I enjoy running or cycling around the Grand Rapids area. Throughout the year I follow Formula 1 while flying a Ferrari flag on race Sunday. Come autumn I very rarely miss watching a Michigan football game win or lose.

Rob Barcelona

Senior Financial Advisor | Fiduciary Financial Advisors

 

I am a Senior Financial Advisor at Fiduciary Financial Advisors.

Since my first savings account as a child to buying my first stock at 17, I have been fascinated by financial markets. Helping others navigate these markets by setting and achieving financial goals is my calling.

Having worked at various financial firms along with founding my own independent practice in 2019, I believe strongly in a fiduciary relationship with all clients.

As a level III CFA candidate, I follow the CFA institutes Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Click here to find out more about the CFA Institute.

Family is number one for me. My wife Katie and I live in East Grand Rapids with our son’s Atticus and Lincoln and our dog Norman. You’ll find us all walking together around Reeds Lake or into town for an evening ice cream. To keep my mind focused and clear I enjoy running or cycling around the Grand Rapids area. Throughout the year I follow Formula 1 while flying a Ferrari flag on race Sunday. Come autumn I very rarely miss watching a Michigan football game win or lose.

Rob Barcelona

Senior Financial Advisor | Fiduciary Financial Advisors

 

I am a Senior Financial Advisor at Fiduciary Financial Advisors.

Since my first savings account as a child to buying my first stock at 17, I have been fascinated by financial markets. Helping others navigate these markets by setting and achieving financial goals is my calling.

Having worked at various financial firms along with founding my own independent practice in 2019, I believe strongly in a fiduciary relationship with all clients.

As a level III CFA candidate, I follow the CFA institutes Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Click here to find out more about the CFA Institute.

Family is number one for me. My wife Katie and I live in East Grand Rapids with our son’s Atticus and Lincoln and our dog Norman. You’ll find us all walking together around Reeds Lake or into town for an evening ice cream. To keep my mind focused and clear I enjoy running or cycling around the Grand Rapids area. Throughout the year I follow Formula 1 while flying a Ferrari flag on race Sunday. Come autumn I very rarely miss watching a Michigan football game win or lose.

Rob Ossers

Head of Wealth Planning | Shufro Rose & Co.

 

Rob serves as Vice President, Financial Advisor and Head of Wealth Planning for Shufro Rose. With over 12 years of experience in the financial services industry, Rob has cultivated a deep expertise in developing and implementing advanced wealth strategies. His goals-based approach integrates comprehensive financial planning with a specialized focus on estate and tax planning. 





Rob has over 12 years of experience in the financial services field and worked for UBS Financial Services and Procyon Partners before joining Shufro Rose. Rob received his BA in Finance from Western Connecticut State University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional.

Rob Ossers

Head of Wealth Planning | Shufro Rose & Co.

 

Rob serves as Vice President, Financial Advisor and Head of Wealth Planning for Shufro Rose. With over 12 years of experience in the financial services industry, Rob has cultivated a deep expertise in developing and implementing advanced wealth strategies. His goals-based approach integrates comprehensive financial planning with a specialized focus on estate and tax planning. 





Rob has over 12 years of experience in the financial services field and worked for UBS Financial Services and Procyon Partners before joining Shufro Rose. Rob received his BA in Finance from Western Connecticut State University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional.

Rob Ossers

Head of Wealth Planning | Shufro Rose & Co.

 

Rob serves as Vice President, Financial Advisor and Head of Wealth Planning for Shufro Rose. With over 12 years of experience in the financial services industry, Rob has cultivated a deep expertise in developing and implementing advanced wealth strategies. His goals-based approach integrates comprehensive financial planning with a specialized focus on estate and tax planning. 





Rob has over 12 years of experience in the financial services field and worked for UBS Financial Services and Procyon Partners before joining Shufro Rose. Rob received his BA in Finance from Western Connecticut State University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional.

Rick Kent

CEO & Founder | CFP®, AEP®, RFC® | Merit Financial Advisors

 

Rick is an entrepreneur and visionary leader who founded Merit on a servant-leadership philosophy and a commitment to helping individuals reach their financial goals while supporting fellow advisors and entrepreneurs in meeting their professional goals. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to the industry, including being ranked among the Forbes Top 10 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors List in Georgia for 2 consecutive years. Rick has a clear vision for Merit’s growth, designing a program that allows advisors to align with Merit in a number of ways. Rick is well versed in the industry and is striving to change it for the better.

Rick delivers high-energy presentations that challenge audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most at work and in life. Audiences appreciate his practical strategies they can apply directly to their business model. Rick offers his insight to business owners, advisors, and executives. Having been a key player in multiple mergers and acquisitions over the past four years, Rick is well versed in the industry and is striving to change it for the better.

Earning many awards for his financial services capabilities, his team, and his vision have further highlighted Rick’s journey towards excellence. This perspective motivated him to coach, develop, inspire, and mentor fellow advisors as they strive to keep up with the ever-changing financial services industry. He brings this same dedication to his work with business leaders to empower their teams and achieve greater success. Being a successful entrepreneur, Rick started multiple companies making him a diverse leader willing to share his recipes for success with others. Best Places to Work for Financial Advisors 2018, 2019, 2020, & 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. Recognized firms were required to be a registered investment advisor (RIA) that has been in business at least one year and having a minimum of 15 full-time/part-time employees. The assessment consisted of a questionnaire on benefits and policies completed by human resources staff along with an engagement & satisfaction survey completed by a minimum of 40% of staff. 50 firms were selected for this award from an undisclosed list of submissions. There was no charge to be included in this award listing.

Barron’s 2023 Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams, the teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, their regulatory records and credentials of their members, and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The rankings are meant as a starting point for clients looking for an advisor—a first-pass vetting that can help investors narrow a search. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services. InvestmentNews RIA Firm of the Year 2024 - The InvestmentNews Awards team will conduct research and draw on knowledge and information gained through InvestmentNews to support and supplement nominations received.

Barron’s 2023 Top RIA Firms, Data is verified with the advisors’ firms and with regulatory databases in three major categories of calculations: Assets, revenue, and quality of practice. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services.

The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor 2023 ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings.

2017, 2018, 2020 Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers evaluates SEC registered investment advisers that reported at least $300 million in assets under management and were selected based on the following criteria: adviser AUM, asset growth, the company’s age, industry certifications of key employees, SEC compliance record and online accessibility.

RIA Intel’s 2022 RIA of the Year - More Than $1 Billion AUM award, was based on the quantitative as well as qualitative criteria: an impressive RIA that has grown beyond a practice and into a complex business for the betterment of clients and its employees.

The Forbes ranking of America’s Top RIA Firms 2022, 2023 developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. The algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.

Rick Kent

CEO & Founder | CFP®, AEP®, RFC® | Merit Financial Advisors

 

Rick is an entrepreneur and visionary leader who founded Merit on a servant-leadership philosophy and a commitment to helping individuals reach their financial goals while supporting fellow advisors and entrepreneurs in meeting their professional goals. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to the industry, including being ranked among the Forbes Top 10 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors List in Georgia for 2 consecutive years. Rick has a clear vision for Merit’s growth, designing a program that allows advisors to align with Merit in a number of ways. Rick is well versed in the industry and is striving to change it for the better.

Rick delivers high-energy presentations that challenge audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most at work and in life. Audiences appreciate his practical strategies they can apply directly to their business model. Rick offers his insight to business owners, advisors, and executives. Having been a key player in multiple mergers and acquisitions over the past four years, Rick is well versed in the industry and is striving to change it for the better.

Earning many awards for his financial services capabilities, his team, and his vision have further highlighted Rick’s journey towards excellence. This perspective motivated him to coach, develop, inspire, and mentor fellow advisors as they strive to keep up with the ever-changing financial services industry. He brings this same dedication to his work with business leaders to empower their teams and achieve greater success. Being a successful entrepreneur, Rick started multiple companies making him a diverse leader willing to share his recipes for success with others. Best Places to Work for Financial Advisors 2018, 2019, 2020, & 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. Recognized firms were required to be a registered investment advisor (RIA) that has been in business at least one year and having a minimum of 15 full-time/part-time employees. The assessment consisted of a questionnaire on benefits and policies completed by human resources staff along with an engagement & satisfaction survey completed by a minimum of 40% of staff. 50 firms were selected for this award from an undisclosed list of submissions. There was no charge to be included in this award listing.

Barron’s 2023 Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams, the teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, their regulatory records and credentials of their members, and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The rankings are meant as a starting point for clients looking for an advisor—a first-pass vetting that can help investors narrow a search. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services. InvestmentNews RIA Firm of the Year 2024 - The InvestmentNews Awards team will conduct research and draw on knowledge and information gained through InvestmentNews to support and supplement nominations received.

Barron’s 2023 Top RIA Firms, Data is verified with the advisors’ firms and with regulatory databases in three major categories of calculations: Assets, revenue, and quality of practice. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services.

The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor 2023 ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings.

2017, 2018, 2020 Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers evaluates SEC registered investment advisers that reported at least $300 million in assets under management and were selected based on the following criteria: adviser AUM, asset growth, the company’s age, industry certifications of key employees, SEC compliance record and online accessibility.

RIA Intel’s 2022 RIA of the Year - More Than $1 Billion AUM award, was based on the quantitative as well as qualitative criteria: an impressive RIA that has grown beyond a practice and into a complex business for the betterment of clients and its employees.

The Forbes ranking of America’s Top RIA Firms 2022, 2023 developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. The algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.

Rick Kent

CEO & Founder | CFP®, AEP®, RFC® | Merit Financial Advisors

 

Rick is an entrepreneur and visionary leader who founded Merit on a servant-leadership philosophy and a commitment to helping individuals reach their financial goals while supporting fellow advisors and entrepreneurs in meeting their professional goals. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to the industry, including being ranked among the Forbes Top 10 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors List in Georgia for 2 consecutive years. Rick has a clear vision for Merit’s growth, designing a program that allows advisors to align with Merit in a number of ways. Rick is well versed in the industry and is striving to change it for the better.

Rick delivers high-energy presentations that challenge audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most at work and in life. Audiences appreciate his practical strategies they can apply directly to their business model. Rick offers his insight to business owners, advisors, and executives. Having been a key player in multiple mergers and acquisitions over the past four years, Rick is well versed in the industry and is striving to change it for the better.

Earning many awards for his financial services capabilities, his team, and his vision have further highlighted Rick’s journey towards excellence. This perspective motivated him to coach, develop, inspire, and mentor fellow advisors as they strive to keep up with the ever-changing financial services industry. He brings this same dedication to his work with business leaders to empower their teams and achieve greater success. Being a successful entrepreneur, Rick started multiple companies making him a diverse leader willing to share his recipes for success with others. Best Places to Work for Financial Advisors 2018, 2019, 2020, & 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. Recognized firms were required to be a registered investment advisor (RIA) that has been in business at least one year and having a minimum of 15 full-time/part-time employees. The assessment consisted of a questionnaire on benefits and policies completed by human resources staff along with an engagement & satisfaction survey completed by a minimum of 40% of staff. 50 firms were selected for this award from an undisclosed list of submissions. There was no charge to be included in this award listing.

Barron’s 2023 Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams, the teams are ranked on a variety of factors, including their size and shape, their regulatory records and credentials of their members, and the resources they have at their disposal to serve their client bases. The rankings are meant as a starting point for clients looking for an advisor—a first-pass vetting that can help investors narrow a search. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services. InvestmentNews RIA Firm of the Year 2024 - The InvestmentNews Awards team will conduct research and draw on knowledge and information gained through InvestmentNews to support and supplement nominations received.

Barron’s 2023 Top RIA Firms, Data is verified with the advisors’ firms and with regulatory databases in three major categories of calculations: Assets, revenue, and quality of practice. Every advisor will have his or her own approach to investing, financial planning, and other services.

The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor 2023 ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings.

2017, 2018, 2020 Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers evaluates SEC registered investment advisers that reported at least $300 million in assets under management and were selected based on the following criteria: adviser AUM, asset growth, the company’s age, industry certifications of key employees, SEC compliance record and online accessibility.

RIA Intel’s 2022 RIA of the Year - More Than $1 Billion AUM award, was based on the quantitative as well as qualitative criteria: an impressive RIA that has grown beyond a practice and into a complex business for the betterment of clients and its employees.

The Forbes ranking of America’s Top RIA Firms 2022, 2023 developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. The algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.

Patrick Runyen, CPA/PFS, CFP

Principal & Director of Client Experience | Modera Wealth Management, LLC

 

Pat is a Principal, Wealth Manager and Director of Client Experience at Modera Wealth Management. Pat oversees the advice delivery model for Modera, and is also responsible for the organic growth initiatives of the firm. Pat is also a Wealth Manager that works with individuals, families and non-profit clients.

Pat is a Certified Financial Planner®, a Certified Public Accountant, and a Personal Financial Specialist. He lives in Downingtown, PA with his wife and two sons

Patrick Runyen, CPA/PFS, CFP

Principal & Director of Client Experience | Modera Wealth Management, LLC

 

Pat is a Principal, Wealth Manager and Director of Client Experience at Modera Wealth Management. Pat oversees the advice delivery model for Modera, and is also responsible for the organic growth initiatives of the firm. Pat is also a Wealth Manager that works with individuals, families and non-profit clients.

Pat is a Certified Financial Planner®, a Certified Public Accountant, and a Personal Financial Specialist. He lives in Downingtown, PA with his wife and two sons

Patrick Runyen, CPA/PFS, CFP

Principal & Director of Client Experience | Modera Wealth Management, LLC

 

Pat is a Principal, Wealth Manager and Director of Client Experience at Modera Wealth Management. Pat oversees the advice delivery model for Modera, and is also responsible for the organic growth initiatives of the firm. Pat is also a Wealth Manager that works with individuals, families and non-profit clients.

Pat is a Certified Financial Planner®, a Certified Public Accountant, and a Personal Financial Specialist. He lives in Downingtown, PA with his wife and two sons

Michael Crook

Chief Investment Officer | Mill Creek Capital Advisors

 

Michael serves as the Chief Investment Officer at Mill Creek Capital Advisors, LLC, and the Chairperson of the firm’s Investment Committee. In his role, Michael leads the firm’s Investment Strategy and Communications business units. He is responsible for managing the investment team, overseeing manager due diligence, and asset allocation decisions.

Before joining Mill Creek, Michael was a Managing Director at UBS, where he headed the Investment Strategy team and was responsible for providing asset allocation and market advice to the firm’s clients. Michael is a frequent commentator and invited speaker in TV and print financial media, including Bloomberg, CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Barron’s, and Business Insider. He has also served as an adjunct professor of economics and actively publishes his research in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Wealth Management, the Journal of Investing, and the Journal of Index Investing.

Michael received an M.S. in Economics from New York University and a B.S. from the University of Georgia. He is a Chartered Alternative Investment AnalystSM. He currently volunteers as a mentor for veterans and college students.

Michael Crook

Chief Investment Officer | Mill Creek Capital Advisors

 

Michael serves as the Chief Investment Officer at Mill Creek Capital Advisors, LLC, and the Chairperson of the firm’s Investment Committee. In his role, Michael leads the firm’s Investment Strategy and Communications business units. He is responsible for managing the investment team, overseeing manager due diligence, and asset allocation decisions.

Before joining Mill Creek, Michael was a Managing Director at UBS, where he headed the Investment Strategy team and was responsible for providing asset allocation and market advice to the firm’s clients. Michael is a frequent commentator and invited speaker in TV and print financial media, including Bloomberg, CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Barron’s, and Business Insider. He has also served as an adjunct professor of economics and actively publishes his research in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Wealth Management, the Journal of Investing, and the Journal of Index Investing.

Michael received an M.S. in Economics from New York University and a B.S. from the University of Georgia. He is a Chartered Alternative Investment AnalystSM. He currently volunteers as a mentor for veterans and college students.

Michael Crook

Chief Investment Officer | Mill Creek Capital Advisors

 

Michael serves as the Chief Investment Officer at Mill Creek Capital Advisors, LLC, and the Chairperson of the firm’s Investment Committee. In his role, Michael leads the firm’s Investment Strategy and Communications business units. He is responsible for managing the investment team, overseeing manager due diligence, and asset allocation decisions.

Before joining Mill Creek, Michael was a Managing Director at UBS, where he headed the Investment Strategy team and was responsible for providing asset allocation and market advice to the firm’s clients. Michael is a frequent commentator and invited speaker in TV and print financial media, including Bloomberg, CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Barron’s, and Business Insider. He has also served as an adjunct professor of economics and actively publishes his research in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Wealth Management, the Journal of Investing, and the Journal of Index Investing.

Michael received an M.S. in Economics from New York University and a B.S. from the University of Georgia. He is a Chartered Alternative Investment AnalystSM. He currently volunteers as a mentor for veterans and college students.

John K. Mell III, CFA, CFP®

Wealth Manager & Employee Owner | Laird Norton Wetherby (LNW)

 

John’s primary role is to advise clients on customized investment strategies, portfolio construction, as well as complex retirement, trust and estate planning. What he loves about his work is that it combines logic and problem-solving skills with a focus on helping people. John leads our New York office and takes pride in being able to share our firm’s story with people unfamiliar with our uniquely client-centric and service-oriented approach.

John began his career as an associate with LNW in its San Francisco office in 2004 where he worked with a variety of individual and non-profit clients. He was promoted to Wealth Manager in 2007 and has led our New York office since 2010.

John K. Mell III, CFA, CFP®

Wealth Manager & Employee Owner | Laird Norton Wetherby (LNW)

 

John’s primary role is to advise clients on customized investment strategies, portfolio construction, as well as complex retirement, trust and estate planning. What he loves about his work is that it combines logic and problem-solving skills with a focus on helping people. John leads our New York office and takes pride in being able to share our firm’s story with people unfamiliar with our uniquely client-centric and service-oriented approach.

John began his career as an associate with LNW in its San Francisco office in 2004 where he worked with a variety of individual and non-profit clients. He was promoted to Wealth Manager in 2007 and has led our New York office since 2010.

John K. Mell III, CFA, CFP®

Wealth Manager & Employee Owner | Laird Norton Wetherby (LNW)

 

John’s primary role is to advise clients on customized investment strategies, portfolio construction, as well as complex retirement, trust and estate planning. What he loves about his work is that it combines logic and problem-solving skills with a focus on helping people. John leads our New York office and takes pride in being able to share our firm’s story with people unfamiliar with our uniquely client-centric and service-oriented approach.

John began his career as an associate with LNW in its San Francisco office in 2004 where he worked with a variety of individual and non-profit clients. He was promoted to Wealth Manager in 2007 and has led our New York office since 2010.

Jennifer Leary, CPA

Chief Executive Officer and Board Member | CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

 

Jennifer (Jen) Leary is the CEO of CLA, one of the largest accounting and professional services firms in the U.S. with operations in more than 130 markets from coast-to-coast and an extended global reach through the newly launched CLA Global network.

CLA provides a range of professional services in five distinct areas: assurance, tax, outsourcing, wealth advisory, and digital. With nearly 9,000 talented professionals in the U.S., CLA is one of the fastest-growing firms in the country, with anticipated revenue exceeding $2 billion by the end of 2023.

Jen has more than 25 years of experience in the accounting and finance professions. Before taking on the role of CEO, she held several strategic positions at CLA, including Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Principal of the Carolinas and Georgia. A CPA by training, Jen has served clients in the United States and Europe in a wide variety of roles, from assurance, consulting, mergers and acquisitions, and global concierge services.

A visionary and an advocate for the future of the profession, Jen speaks regularly about the power of a career in accounting and finance. She is actively involved with numerous strategic partnerships to ensure that CLA continues to build a robust talent pipeline. Through her entrepreneurial spirit that is part of the firm’s DNA, Jen is passionate about developing digital technology to best serve CLA's 200,000+ clients now and long into the future.

Jen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and management information systems from the University of Delaware. She is a member Wall Street Journal CEO Council, the North Carolina Association of CPAs (where she is also a member of the board of directors), the American Institute of CPAs, and serves on the boards of the CLA Global Network, CLA Foundation, and CLA Wealth. She is also a contributor to the World Bank and a sought-after speaker on leadership, strategy, and expansion.

Jennifer Leary, CPA

Chief Executive Officer and Board Member | CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

 

Jennifer (Jen) Leary is the CEO of CLA, one of the largest accounting and professional services firms in the U.S. with operations in more than 130 markets from coast-to-coast and an extended global reach through the newly launched CLA Global network.

CLA provides a range of professional services in five distinct areas: assurance, tax, outsourcing, wealth advisory, and digital. With nearly 9,000 talented professionals in the U.S., CLA is one of the fastest-growing firms in the country, with anticipated revenue exceeding $2 billion by the end of 2023.

Jen has more than 25 years of experience in the accounting and finance professions. Before taking on the role of CEO, she held several strategic positions at CLA, including Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Principal of the Carolinas and Georgia. A CPA by training, Jen has served clients in the United States and Europe in a wide variety of roles, from assurance, consulting, mergers and acquisitions, and global concierge services.

A visionary and an advocate for the future of the profession, Jen speaks regularly about the power of a career in accounting and finance. She is actively involved with numerous strategic partnerships to ensure that CLA continues to build a robust talent pipeline. Through her entrepreneurial spirit that is part of the firm’s DNA, Jen is passionate about developing digital technology to best serve CLA's 200,000+ clients now and long into the future.

Jen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and management information systems from the University of Delaware. She is a member Wall Street Journal CEO Council, the North Carolina Association of CPAs (where she is also a member of the board of directors), the American Institute of CPAs, and serves on the boards of the CLA Global Network, CLA Foundation, and CLA Wealth. She is also a contributor to the World Bank and a sought-after speaker on leadership, strategy, and expansion.

Jennifer Leary, CPA

Chief Executive Officer and Board Member | CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

 

Jennifer (Jen) Leary is the CEO of CLA, one of the largest accounting and professional services firms in the U.S. with operations in more than 130 markets from coast-to-coast and an extended global reach through the newly launched CLA Global network.

CLA provides a range of professional services in five distinct areas: assurance, tax, outsourcing, wealth advisory, and digital. With nearly 9,000 talented professionals in the U.S., CLA is one of the fastest-growing firms in the country, with anticipated revenue exceeding $2 billion by the end of 2023.

Jen has more than 25 years of experience in the accounting and finance professions. Before taking on the role of CEO, she held several strategic positions at CLA, including Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Principal of the Carolinas and Georgia. A CPA by training, Jen has served clients in the United States and Europe in a wide variety of roles, from assurance, consulting, mergers and acquisitions, and global concierge services.

A visionary and an advocate for the future of the profession, Jen speaks regularly about the power of a career in accounting and finance. She is actively involved with numerous strategic partnerships to ensure that CLA continues to build a robust talent pipeline. Through her entrepreneurial spirit that is part of the firm’s DNA, Jen is passionate about developing digital technology to best serve CLA's 200,000+ clients now and long into the future.

Jen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and management information systems from the University of Delaware. She is a member Wall Street Journal CEO Council, the North Carolina Association of CPAs (where she is also a member of the board of directors), the American Institute of CPAs, and serves on the boards of the CLA Global Network, CLA Foundation, and CLA Wealth. She is also a contributor to the World Bank and a sought-after speaker on leadership, strategy, and expansion.

Donald Calcagni

Chief Investment Officer | Mercer Advisors

 

As Chief Investment Officer, Donald is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the firm’s investment offering, chairing the firm's investment committee, and the prudent stewardship of over $45 billion in assets under management. As a member of the executive leadership team, he also participates in M&A due diligence, oversees platform integration for new acquisitions, and provides ongoing advice regarding the firm's overall strategic direction to the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer.

Don's expertise is in the areas of fiduciary oversight, financial mathematics, corporate finance, capital markets, portfolio management, ESG, fintech, digital assets, and taxation. He also serves on the boards of the Lock Haven University Foundation, Widener University's Finance-Accounting Board, and Institutional Investor's RIA Academy. Don also serves on advisory boards at Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) and CAIS. He is a member of CFA Institute and has served as an Adjunct Professor at Widener University and as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Under his leadership, Mercer Advisors became the first independently owned RIA in the United Stated to become a signatory to the UN’s Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI). He’s a frequent commentator for Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, CNN Business, MarketWatch, and US News & World Report.

Don earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his Masters in Taxation from Widener University. He's also earned various professional designations and certifications including the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation from the CFP Board of Standards; the Qualified Plan Administrator (QPA) designation from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries; the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies (Fi360); the Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets from the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals; and the Enrolled Retirement Agent (ERPA) designation from the Internal Revenue Service.

Donald Calcagni

Chief Investment Officer | Mercer Advisors

 

As Chief Investment Officer, Donald is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the firm’s investment offering, chairing the firm's investment committee, and the prudent stewardship of over $45 billion in assets under management. As a member of the executive leadership team, he also participates in M&A due diligence, oversees platform integration for new acquisitions, and provides ongoing advice regarding the firm's overall strategic direction to the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer.

Don's expertise is in the areas of fiduciary oversight, financial mathematics, corporate finance, capital markets, portfolio management, ESG, fintech, digital assets, and taxation. He also serves on the boards of the Lock Haven University Foundation, Widener University's Finance-Accounting Board, and Institutional Investor's RIA Academy. Don also serves on advisory boards at Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) and CAIS. He is a member of CFA Institute and has served as an Adjunct Professor at Widener University and as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Under his leadership, Mercer Advisors became the first independently owned RIA in the United Stated to become a signatory to the UN’s Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI). He’s a frequent commentator for Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, CNN Business, MarketWatch, and US News & World Report.

Don earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his Masters in Taxation from Widener University. He's also earned various professional designations and certifications including the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation from the CFP Board of Standards; the Qualified Plan Administrator (QPA) designation from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries; the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies (Fi360); the Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets from the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals; and the Enrolled Retirement Agent (ERPA) designation from the Internal Revenue Service.

Donald Calcagni

Chief Investment Officer | Mercer Advisors

 

As Chief Investment Officer, Donald is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the firm’s investment offering, chairing the firm's investment committee, and the prudent stewardship of over $45 billion in assets under management. As a member of the executive leadership team, he also participates in M&A due diligence, oversees platform integration for new acquisitions, and provides ongoing advice regarding the firm's overall strategic direction to the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer.

Don's expertise is in the areas of fiduciary oversight, financial mathematics, corporate finance, capital markets, portfolio management, ESG, fintech, digital assets, and taxation. He also serves on the boards of the Lock Haven University Foundation, Widener University's Finance-Accounting Board, and Institutional Investor's RIA Academy. Don also serves on advisory boards at Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) and CAIS. He is a member of CFA Institute and has served as an Adjunct Professor at Widener University and as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Under his leadership, Mercer Advisors became the first independently owned RIA in the United Stated to become a signatory to the UN’s Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI). He’s a frequent commentator for Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, CNN Business, MarketWatch, and US News & World Report.

Don earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his Masters in Taxation from Widener University. He's also earned various professional designations and certifications including the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation from the CFP Board of Standards; the Qualified Plan Administrator (QPA) designation from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries; the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies (Fi360); the Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets from the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals; and the Enrolled Retirement Agent (ERPA) designation from the Internal Revenue Service.

Avy Stein

Founder and Co-Chairman | Cresset Capital

 

Avy Stein is Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Cresset, an award-winning multi-family office with over $55+ billion assets under management¹. Avy leads Cresset’s vision to reinvent the wealth experience and promotes expanded access to an ecosystem of ideas, solutions, and talent. A longtime investor and entrepreneur, Avy champions the well-being of founders, entrepreneurs, and business innovators and helps elevate the lives of the families Cresset serves.

Together with Co-Founder, Eric Becker, Avy has been involved with starting, investing in, and growing over 150 businesses and raising funds totaling over $8 billion. Before launching Cresset in 2017, Avy served as Chief Executive Officer of Willis Stein & Partners, a private equity firm he co-founded in 1994, where he managed the firm’s investments in the education, recycling, telecommunications, energy, and consumer sectors. During that time, Avy also co-founded Lincoln Clean Energy, a developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale clean energy projects later acquired by I Squared Capital in 2016.

Earlier in his career, Avy served as Managing Director for Continental Illinois Venture Corp (CIVC). Previously, he was President of Cook Energy Corporation, an oil and gas exploration and production company, and served as the parent company’s Vice President of Corporate Planning and Legal Affairs. Avy began his career in 1980 as an attorney at Kirkland & Ellis.

Deeply committed to giving back, Avy is an active philanthropist and civic leader. He serves on the board of directors for HilCo Global, a Chicago-based financial services company that specializes in asset valuation, monetization, and advisory solutions. He is a member of the Board of Trustees, former Treasurer, and Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ravinia Festival and is a member of the Harvard Law School Leadership Council. Avy provides fundraising support and strategic counsel for B.U.I.L.D. (Broader Urban Involvement in Leadership Development), a nonprofit organization that provides career and educational development for at-risk youth on Chicago’s south and west sides. He is also a director for the Western Golf Association and supports the Evans Scholars Foundation.

Avy received his law degree from Harvard Law School and holds a B.S. in accounting from the University of Illinois.

Avy Stein

Founder and Co-Chairman | Cresset Capital

 

Avy Stein is Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Cresset, an award-winning multi-family office with over $55+ billion assets under management¹. Avy leads Cresset’s vision to reinvent the wealth experience and promotes expanded access to an ecosystem of ideas, solutions, and talent. A longtime investor and entrepreneur, Avy champions the well-being of founders, entrepreneurs, and business innovators and helps elevate the lives of the families Cresset serves.

Together with Co-Founder, Eric Becker, Avy has been involved with starting, investing in, and growing over 150 businesses and raising funds totaling over $8 billion. Before launching Cresset in 2017, Avy served as Chief Executive Officer of Willis Stein & Partners, a private equity firm he co-founded in 1994, where he managed the firm’s investments in the education, recycling, telecommunications, energy, and consumer sectors. During that time, Avy also co-founded Lincoln Clean Energy, a developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale clean energy projects later acquired by I Squared Capital in 2016.

Earlier in his career, Avy served as Managing Director for Continental Illinois Venture Corp (CIVC). Previously, he was President of Cook Energy Corporation, an oil and gas exploration and production company, and served as the parent company’s Vice President of Corporate Planning and Legal Affairs. Avy began his career in 1980 as an attorney at Kirkland & Ellis.

Deeply committed to giving back, Avy is an active philanthropist and civic leader. He serves on the board of directors for HilCo Global, a Chicago-based financial services company that specializes in asset valuation, monetization, and advisory solutions. He is a member of the Board of Trustees, former Treasurer, and Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ravinia Festival and is a member of the Harvard Law School Leadership Council. Avy provides fundraising support and strategic counsel for B.U.I.L.D. (Broader Urban Involvement in Leadership Development), a nonprofit organization that provides career and educational development for at-risk youth on Chicago’s south and west sides. He is also a director for the Western Golf Association and supports the Evans Scholars Foundation.

Avy received his law degree from Harvard Law School and holds a B.S. in accounting from the University of Illinois.

Avy Stein

Founder and Co-Chairman | Cresset Capital

 

Avy Stein is Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Cresset, an award-winning multi-family office with over $55+ billion assets under management¹. Avy leads Cresset’s vision to reinvent the wealth experience and promotes expanded access to an ecosystem of ideas, solutions, and talent. A longtime investor and entrepreneur, Avy champions the well-being of founders, entrepreneurs, and business innovators and helps elevate the lives of the families Cresset serves.

Together with Co-Founder, Eric Becker, Avy has been involved with starting, investing in, and growing over 150 businesses and raising funds totaling over $8 billion. Before launching Cresset in 2017, Avy served as Chief Executive Officer of Willis Stein & Partners, a private equity firm he co-founded in 1994, where he managed the firm’s investments in the education, recycling, telecommunications, energy, and consumer sectors. During that time, Avy also co-founded Lincoln Clean Energy, a developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale clean energy projects later acquired by I Squared Capital in 2016.

Earlier in his career, Avy served as Managing Director for Continental Illinois Venture Corp (CIVC). Previously, he was President of Cook Energy Corporation, an oil and gas exploration and production company, and served as the parent company’s Vice President of Corporate Planning and Legal Affairs. Avy began his career in 1980 as an attorney at Kirkland & Ellis.

Deeply committed to giving back, Avy is an active philanthropist and civic leader. He serves on the board of directors for HilCo Global, a Chicago-based financial services company that specializes in asset valuation, monetization, and advisory solutions. He is a member of the Board of Trustees, former Treasurer, and Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Ravinia Festival and is a member of the Harvard Law School Leadership Council. Avy provides fundraising support and strategic counsel for B.U.I.L.D. (Broader Urban Involvement in Leadership Development), a nonprofit organization that provides career and educational development for at-risk youth on Chicago’s south and west sides. He is also a director for the Western Golf Association and supports the Evans Scholars Foundation.

Avy received his law degree from Harvard Law School and holds a B.S. in accounting from the University of Illinois.

Annie Brinckman

Wealth Advisor and Managing Partner | Capital Planning Wealth Management

 

How I can help you: I have the honor of serving as a qualified partner to families when making their most important financial life decisions. I work with clients to develop a financial plan by first understanding their specific values and goals, and then devising a plan that is customized to each clients needs. In addition to my role as an advisor, my specialties in Social Security optimization and retirement cash flow construction, lend me to work in partnership with our advisors to address the specific needs of all Capital Planning Wealth Management clients in these areas. Above all, my goal is to always serve in the way I would want to be served: with complete competence and care.

What makes me knowledgeable:
I joined the Capital Planning team in 2013. Since then, my passion for financial planning has led me to pursue multiple advanced designations and continued education. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®), a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), and a Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA™). I also hold the FINRA general securities representative registration with LPL Financial and the Investment Advisor Representative registration through Private Advisor Group. I am a graduate of West Chester University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in both Sociology and Liberal Studies. I also served as the Captain of the women’s golf team.

Getting to know me:
My husband, Jeff, and I live on a small farm in Zionsville with our two labs Scout and Finn. I am a lifelong learner with a never-ending hobby list. In my free time, you might find me anywhere from a golf course to a hiking trail, a woodworking shop, or a tree stand, usually with a book in hand. I am blessed with a wonderful group of family, friends and clients who I enjoy spending time with every chance I can.

Annie Brinckman

Wealth Advisor and Managing Partner | Capital Planning Wealth Management

 

How I can help you: I have the honor of serving as a qualified partner to families when making their most important financial life decisions. I work with clients to develop a financial plan by first understanding their specific values and goals, and then devising a plan that is customized to each clients needs. In addition to my role as an advisor, my specialties in Social Security optimization and retirement cash flow construction, lend me to work in partnership with our advisors to address the specific needs of all Capital Planning Wealth Management clients in these areas. Above all, my goal is to always serve in the way I would want to be served: with complete competence and care.

What makes me knowledgeable:
I joined the Capital Planning team in 2013. Since then, my passion for financial planning has led me to pursue multiple advanced designations and continued education. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®), a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), and a Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA™). I also hold the FINRA general securities representative registration with LPL Financial and the Investment Advisor Representative registration through Private Advisor Group. I am a graduate of West Chester University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in both Sociology and Liberal Studies. I also served as the Captain of the women’s golf team.

Getting to know me:
My husband, Jeff, and I live on a small farm in Zionsville with our two labs Scout and Finn. I am a lifelong learner with a never-ending hobby list. In my free time, you might find me anywhere from a golf course to a hiking trail, a woodworking shop, or a tree stand, usually with a book in hand. I am blessed with a wonderful group of family, friends and clients who I enjoy spending time with every chance I can.

Annie Brinckman

Wealth Advisor and Managing Partner | Capital Planning Wealth Management

 

How I can help you: I have the honor of serving as a qualified partner to families when making their most important financial life decisions. I work with clients to develop a financial plan by first understanding their specific values and goals, and then devising a plan that is customized to each clients needs. In addition to my role as an advisor, my specialties in Social Security optimization and retirement cash flow construction, lend me to work in partnership with our advisors to address the specific needs of all Capital Planning Wealth Management clients in these areas. Above all, my goal is to always serve in the way I would want to be served: with complete competence and care.

What makes me knowledgeable:
I joined the Capital Planning team in 2013. Since then, my passion for financial planning has led me to pursue multiple advanced designations and continued education. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®), a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), and a Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA™). I also hold the FINRA general securities representative registration with LPL Financial and the Investment Advisor Representative registration through Private Advisor Group. I am a graduate of West Chester University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in both Sociology and Liberal Studies. I also served as the Captain of the women’s golf team.

Getting to know me:
My husband, Jeff, and I live on a small farm in Zionsville with our two labs Scout and Finn. I am a lifelong learner with a never-ending hobby list. In my free time, you might find me anywhere from a golf course to a hiking trail, a woodworking shop, or a tree stand, usually with a book in hand. I am blessed with a wonderful group of family, friends and clients who I enjoy spending time with every chance I can.

Aneet Deshpande

Chief Investment Officer | Clearstead Advisors, LLC

 

Aneet serves as Clearstead’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. In his current role, Aneet oversees investments, research, and portfolio management for Clearstead and its subsidiaries.

Prior to joining Clearstead, Aneet served as CIO for a multi-billion-dollar asset management company, overseeing the firm’s investment teams and products. Prior to assuming CIO responsibilities Aneet held key leadership positions within the firm’s investment strategy, trading, and portfolio management functions. Aneet began his career trading quantitative equity strategies for a boutique asset management firm in Chicago, Illinois.

Aneet earned a BSBA in Finance from the University of Louisville. He is a CFA Charterholder and is a member of the CFA Society of Cleveland and the CFA Institute. Aneet is a member of the Ohio Advisory Board of Facing History and Ourselves, a national non-profit organization dedicated to addressing racism, antisemitism, and prejudices through education. He is also a board member of Capital Group’s RIA Advisory Board.

Aneet Deshpande

Chief Investment Officer | Clearstead Advisors, LLC

 

Aneet serves as Clearstead’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. In his current role, Aneet oversees investments, research, and portfolio management for Clearstead and its subsidiaries.

Prior to joining Clearstead, Aneet served as CIO for a multi-billion-dollar asset management company, overseeing the firm’s investment teams and products. Prior to assuming CIO responsibilities Aneet held key leadership positions within the firm’s investment strategy, trading, and portfolio management functions. Aneet began his career trading quantitative equity strategies for a boutique asset management firm in Chicago, Illinois.

Aneet earned a BSBA in Finance from the University of Louisville. He is a CFA Charterholder and is a member of the CFA Society of Cleveland and the CFA Institute. Aneet is a member of the Ohio Advisory Board of Facing History and Ourselves, a national non-profit organization dedicated to addressing racism, antisemitism, and prejudices through education. He is also a board member of Capital Group’s RIA Advisory Board.

Aneet Deshpande

Chief Investment Officer | Clearstead Advisors, LLC

 

Aneet serves as Clearstead’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. In his current role, Aneet oversees investments, research, and portfolio management for Clearstead and its subsidiaries.

Prior to joining Clearstead, Aneet served as CIO for a multi-billion-dollar asset management company, overseeing the firm’s investment teams and products. Prior to assuming CIO responsibilities Aneet held key leadership positions within the firm’s investment strategy, trading, and portfolio management functions. Aneet began his career trading quantitative equity strategies for a boutique asset management firm in Chicago, Illinois.

Aneet earned a BSBA in Finance from the University of Louisville. He is a CFA Charterholder and is a member of the CFA Society of Cleveland and the CFA Institute. Aneet is a member of the Ohio Advisory Board of Facing History and Ourselves, a national non-profit organization dedicated to addressing racism, antisemitism, and prejudices through education. He is also a board member of Capital Group’s RIA Advisory Board.

Andrew Altfest, CFP

President | Altfest Personal Wealth Management

 

Andrew advises clients about their personal finances and drives financial planning strategies for team members across the firm. He is also an active member of Altfest’s Investment Committee and the Portfolio Action Group, which sets investment strategy for client portfolios.

As a leader of Altfest Personal Wealth Management, Andrew has spearheaded a number of initiatives to expand the firm. These have included organizing different practice groups focused on client segments, launching private equity solutions and directing the firm’s Young Professionals group aimed at millennials. He also has encouraged further formalizing investment processes and led the introduction of a new technology process mandate with digital planning, to enhance decision-making, client experience and productivity. Additionally, Andrew leads the firm’s efforts in the tax management of investment portfolios, and advises clients on charitable contributions. Andrew is the founder of FP Alpha, the first AI-driven comprehensive wealth management solution to cover more than 16 areas of financial planning. The software enables financial advisors to save time in the planning process, showcase their value beyond investments, and deliver the personalized, comprehensive experience that clients require.

Andrew was named a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor in New York City by Forbes in its 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 ranking, as well as a Young Advisor to Watch by Financial Advisor in 2020. He was included in Forbes’ list of America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors in 2017, 2018 and 2019; InvestmentNews’ 2018 list of 40 Under 40 in the financial advisory industry; and Financial Advisor’s Due Diligence/Research Manager All-Star Team in 2012 and 2013, and AdvisorHub’s Advisors to Watch list 2023.

Andrew joined the firm in 2003. He received his BA with honors in English from Cornell University, and his MBA from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. He also is a CFP® licensee.

Andrew has spoken at local universities, industry conferences and the American Association of Individual Investors, and has appeared regularly in the press, including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News and Dow Jones Newswires.

Andrew is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), and as chair of the New York City chapter, he has strengthened its membership. He’s on the board of the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy and mentors young financial advisors and New York University’s CFP® students. In his free time, Andrew enjoys running, biking, trying new restaurants, traveling and learning about different cultures.

Andrew Altfest, CFP

President | Altfest Personal Wealth Management

 

Andrew advises clients about their personal finances and drives financial planning strategies for team members across the firm. He is also an active member of Altfest’s Investment Committee and the Portfolio Action Group, which sets investment strategy for client portfolios.

As a leader of Altfest Personal Wealth Management, Andrew has spearheaded a number of initiatives to expand the firm. These have included organizing different practice groups focused on client segments, launching private equity solutions and directing the firm’s Young Professionals group aimed at millennials. He also has encouraged further formalizing investment processes and led the introduction of a new technology process mandate with digital planning, to enhance decision-making, client experience and productivity. Additionally, Andrew leads the firm’s efforts in the tax management of investment portfolios, and advises clients on charitable contributions. Andrew is the founder of FP Alpha, the first AI-driven comprehensive wealth management solution to cover more than 16 areas of financial planning. The software enables financial advisors to save time in the planning process, showcase their value beyond investments, and deliver the personalized, comprehensive experience that clients require.

Andrew was named a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor in New York City by Forbes in its 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 ranking, as well as a Young Advisor to Watch by Financial Advisor in 2020. He was included in Forbes’ list of America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors in 2017, 2018 and 2019; InvestmentNews’ 2018 list of 40 Under 40 in the financial advisory industry; and Financial Advisor’s Due Diligence/Research Manager All-Star Team in 2012 and 2013, and AdvisorHub’s Advisors to Watch list 2023.

Andrew joined the firm in 2003. He received his BA with honors in English from Cornell University, and his MBA from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. He also is a CFP® licensee.

Andrew has spoken at local universities, industry conferences and the American Association of Individual Investors, and has appeared regularly in the press, including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News and Dow Jones Newswires.

Andrew is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), and as chair of the New York City chapter, he has strengthened its membership. He’s on the board of the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy and mentors young financial advisors and New York University’s CFP® students. In his free time, Andrew enjoys running, biking, trying new restaurants, traveling and learning about different cultures.

Andrew Altfest, CFP

President | Altfest Personal Wealth Management

 

Andrew advises clients about their personal finances and drives financial planning strategies for team members across the firm. He is also an active member of Altfest’s Investment Committee and the Portfolio Action Group, which sets investment strategy for client portfolios.

As a leader of Altfest Personal Wealth Management, Andrew has spearheaded a number of initiatives to expand the firm. These have included organizing different practice groups focused on client segments, launching private equity solutions and directing the firm’s Young Professionals group aimed at millennials. He also has encouraged further formalizing investment processes and led the introduction of a new technology process mandate with digital planning, to enhance decision-making, client experience and productivity. Additionally, Andrew leads the firm’s efforts in the tax management of investment portfolios, and advises clients on charitable contributions. Andrew is the founder of FP Alpha, the first AI-driven comprehensive wealth management solution to cover more than 16 areas of financial planning. The software enables financial advisors to save time in the planning process, showcase their value beyond investments, and deliver the personalized, comprehensive experience that clients require.

Andrew was named a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor in New York City by Forbes in its 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 ranking, as well as a Young Advisor to Watch by Financial Advisor in 2020. He was included in Forbes’ list of America’s Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors in 2017, 2018 and 2019; InvestmentNews’ 2018 list of 40 Under 40 in the financial advisory industry; and Financial Advisor’s Due Diligence/Research Manager All-Star Team in 2012 and 2013, and AdvisorHub’s Advisors to Watch list 2023.

Andrew joined the firm in 2003. He received his BA with honors in English from Cornell University, and his MBA from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. He also is a CFP® licensee.

Andrew has spoken at local universities, industry conferences and the American Association of Individual Investors, and has appeared regularly in the press, including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News and Dow Jones Newswires.

Andrew is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), and as chair of the New York City chapter, he has strengthened its membership. He’s on the board of the Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy and mentors young financial advisors and New York University’s CFP® students. In his free time, Andrew enjoys running, biking, trying new restaurants, traveling and learning about different cultures.

BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager, with $10T in AUM, and is also the world’s largest ETF issuer, with over $3.5T in ETF assets across 1,300+ ETFs.

For more information, visit www.blackrock.com.

BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager, with $10T in AUM, and is also the world’s largest ETF issuer, with over $3.5T in ETF assets across 1,300+ ETFs.

For more information, visit www.blackrock.com.

BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager, with $10T in AUM, and is also the world’s largest ETF issuer, with over $3.5T in ETF assets across 1,300+ ETFs.

For more information, visit www.blackrock.com.

Nasdaq Global Indexes has been creating innovative, market-leading, transparent indexes since 1971. Today, our index offering spans geographies and asset classes and includes diverse families such as the Dividend and Income (includes Dividend Achievers), Dorsey Wright, Global Equity, Green Economy, Nordic, and Commodity indexes. We continuously offer new opportunities for financial product sponsors across a wide spectrum of investable products and for asset managers to measure risk and performance. Nasdaq also provides exchange listing, custom index, and design solutions to financial organizations worldwide.

For more information, visit www.nasdaq.com.

Nasdaq Global Indexes has been creating innovative, market-leading, transparent indexes since 1971. Today, our index offering spans geographies and asset classes and includes diverse families such as the Dividend and Income (includes Dividend Achievers), Dorsey Wright, Global Equity, Green Economy, Nordic, and Commodity indexes. We continuously offer new opportunities for financial product sponsors across a wide spectrum of investable products and for asset managers to measure risk and performance. Nasdaq also provides exchange listing, custom index, and design solutions to financial organizations worldwide.

For more information, visit www.nasdaq.com.

Nasdaq Global Indexes has been creating innovative, market-leading, transparent indexes since 1971. Today, our index offering spans geographies and asset classes and includes diverse families such as the Dividend and Income (includes Dividend Achievers), Dorsey Wright, Global Equity, Green Economy, Nordic, and Commodity indexes. We continuously offer new opportunities for financial product sponsors across a wide spectrum of investable products and for asset managers to measure risk and performance. Nasdaq also provides exchange listing, custom index, and design solutions to financial organizations worldwide.

For more information, visit www.nasdaq.com.

Welton Investment Partners is an alternative asset manager with expertise in systematic strategies. The firm seeks to deliver absolute returns with a low correlation to the broader markets. Welton serves institutional and private investors from offices in California, New York, with a research center in Paris, France. The firm has approximately $1.6Bil under management.

For more information, visit www.welton.com.

Welton Investment Partners is an alternative asset manager with expertise in systematic strategies. The firm seeks to deliver absolute returns with a low correlation to the broader markets. Welton serves institutional and private investors from offices in California, New York, with a research center in Paris, France. The firm has approximately $1.6Bil under management.

For more information, visit www.welton.com.

Welton Investment Partners is an alternative asset manager with expertise in systematic strategies. The firm seeks to deliver absolute returns with a low correlation to the broader markets. Welton serves institutional and private investors from offices in California, New York, with a research center in Paris, France. The firm has approximately $1.6Bil under management.

For more information, visit www.welton.com.

Robert Mitchnick

Head of Digital Assets | BlackRock

 

Robert Mitchnick serves as the Head of Digital Assets for BlackRock. He is a member of the Corp Exec-COO Executive team. Rob is responsible for driving BlackRock's digital assets strategy, including working with internal business units to develop and execute on strategic initiatives around digital assets.

Prior to joining BlackRock, Robbie spent time at CPP Investment Board in Public Markets and Private Investments, and at Ripple. During his time at Ripple, Robbie co-authored 'A Fundamental Valuation Framework for Cryptoassets' along with John Bates Clark medal winner Susan Athey.

Robbie has BA & BCOM degrees from Queen's University and an MBA from Stanford, where he graduated as an Arjay Miller Scholar and the Robichek Award winner in Finance. He holds a Blockchain Technologies Certification from MIT Sloan, and is a CFA Charterholder.

Robert Mitchnick

Head of Digital Assets | BlackRock

 

Robert Mitchnick serves as the Head of Digital Assets for BlackRock. He is a member of the Corp Exec-COO Executive team. Rob is responsible for driving BlackRock's digital assets strategy, including working with internal business units to develop and execute on strategic initiatives around digital assets.

Prior to joining BlackRock, Robbie spent time at CPP Investment Board in Public Markets and Private Investments, and at Ripple. During his time at Ripple, Robbie co-authored 'A Fundamental Valuation Framework for Cryptoassets' along with John Bates Clark medal winner Susan Athey.

Robbie has BA & BCOM degrees from Queen's University and an MBA from Stanford, where he graduated as an Arjay Miller Scholar and the Robichek Award winner in Finance. He holds a Blockchain Technologies Certification from MIT Sloan, and is a CFA Charterholder.

L1 is the operating system for onchain wealth and asset management. It allows financial advisors, wealth, and asset managers to work with clients in a non-custodial, non-discretionary manner on their self-custodied digital assets. Through L1, advisors can track and advise on their clients’ held-away digital assets, allocate to strategies and portfolio models managed by crypto-native asset managers and index providers, and grow their AUAs and fees.

For more information, visit www.l1.co.

L1 is the operating system for onchain wealth and asset management. It allows financial advisors, wealth, and asset managers to work with clients in a non-custodial, non-discretionary manner on their self-custodied digital assets. Through L1, advisors can track and advise on their clients’ held-away digital assets, allocate to strategies and portfolio models managed by crypto-native asset managers and index providers, and grow their AUAs and fees.

For more information, visit www.l1.co.

L1 is the operating system for onchain wealth and asset management. It allows financial advisors, wealth, and asset managers to work with clients in a non-custodial, non-discretionary manner on their self-custodied digital assets. Through L1, advisors can track and advise on their clients’ held-away digital assets, allocate to strategies and portfolio models managed by crypto-native asset managers and index providers, and grow their AUAs and fees.

For more information, visit www.l1.co.

William Marr

Senior Managing Director, Wealth Management Group | Welton Investment Partners

 

Bill is responsible for delivering Welton’s investment solutions to the Wealth Management community, including Brokerage Houses, RIAs, Private Banks, and Family Offices.

In previous roles he led due diligence and allocated to Hedge Funds and CTAs, including as Global Head of Hedge Fund Research at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Bill also headed Alternative Investments at Zurich-based Bank Julius Baer and Boston-based State Street Global Advisors. Most recently he founded and managed Granite Street Capital, a consultancy focused on developing and implementing growth strategies for alternative investment managers. Bill holds a BA from Bowdoin College.

William Marr

Senior Managing Director, Wealth Management Group | Welton Investment Partners

 

Bill is responsible for delivering Welton’s investment solutions to the Wealth Management community, including Brokerage Houses, RIAs, Private Banks, and Family Offices.

In previous roles he led due diligence and allocated to Hedge Funds and CTAs, including as Global Head of Hedge Fund Research at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Bill also headed Alternative Investments at Zurich-based Bank Julius Baer and Boston-based State Street Global Advisors. Most recently he founded and managed Granite Street Capital, a consultancy focused on developing and implementing growth strategies for alternative investment managers. Bill holds a BA from Bowdoin College.

Tim Rice

Co-founding CEO | Coin Metrics

 

Tim Rice is the co-founding CEO of Coin Metrics who joined the firm in 2018 when it was launched as a commercial endeavor. Tim has over 30 years of experience in traditional capital markets data. He has held executive positions at Tradeweb, Moneyline Telerate, Thomson Reuters, and Markit (now IHS Markit), where he built large-scale, institutional-grade pricing and reference data businesses. Before founding Coin Metrics, Tim spent two years at ConsenSys, where he gained invaluable insights into bridging the gap between crypto and traditional financial services. Tim has a BS in Applied Economics from Cornell University.

Tim Rice

Co-founding CEO | Coin Metrics

 

Tim Rice is the co-founding CEO of Coin Metrics who joined the firm in 2018 when it was launched as a commercial endeavor. Tim has over 30 years of experience in traditional capital markets data. He has held executive positions at Tradeweb, Moneyline Telerate, Thomson Reuters, and Markit (now IHS Markit), where he built large-scale, institutional-grade pricing and reference data businesses. Before founding Coin Metrics, Tim spent two years at ConsenSys, where he gained invaluable insights into bridging the gap between crypto and traditional financial services. Tim has a BS in Applied Economics from Cornell University.

Jillian DelSignore

Global Head of Investor Distribution Strategy | Nasdaq Global Indexes

 

Jillian DelSignore, CIMA, is Global Head of Investor Distribution Strategy, Indexes at Nasdaq.

Prior to joining Nasdaq, Jillian was Head of ETFs & Indexing at FLX Distribution. FLX is a first of its kind technology platform that brings together asset managers, distribution professionals, wealth managers, and advisors.

Before and during her time at FLX, she was the Principal of Lakefront Advisory advising financial services firms on accelerating their growth through initiating, scaling or changing their distribution strategy. Given her depth of experience in the ETF industry, she also helps her clients demystify the ETF ecosystem by advising on the intricacies of that market.

Before starting Lakefront Advisory, Jillian was Head of ETF Distribution with J.P.Morgan’s Asset Management business. She was responsible for leading the sales and distribution efforts and strategy in the intermediary and institutional markets.

She also serves on the Board of Women in ETFs (WE), Inc, the first women’s group for the ETF industry, and served as Co-President from 2017-2019. Founded in 2014, WE achieves the mission to connect, support and inspire by organizing events globally that support our goals of education, networking, philanthropy.

Before joining J.P.Morgan in September 2015, Jillian was a Strategic Account Manager within BlackRock's iShares ETF Institutional Asset Management Group. She was responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with institutional investors, including boutique asset managers, global institutional asset managers, hedge funds and registered investment advisory firms.

Prior to joining iShares in March, 2009, Ms. DelSignore worked in the Independent Advisory Channel of Goldman Sachs Asset Management covering GSAM mutual funds, separate accounts, retirement plans, and alternative investments. She joined Goldman Sachs in 2005. Earlier, Ms. DelSignore worked in both the Institutional Corporate Cash and Global Bank Divisions at Federated Investors from 2000-2005.

Ms. DelSignore has a B.A. in Communications from John Carroll University and an M.B.A degree in Finance from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her CIMA designation from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and holds the Series 3, 6, 7, 24 and 66 licenses.

Jillian DelSignore

Global Head of Investor Distribution Strategy | Nasdaq Global Indexes

 

Jillian DelSignore, CIMA, is Global Head of Investor Distribution Strategy, Indexes at Nasdaq.

Prior to joining Nasdaq, Jillian was Head of ETFs & Indexing at FLX Distribution. FLX is a first of its kind technology platform that brings together asset managers, distribution professionals, wealth managers, and advisors.

Before and during her time at FLX, she was the Principal of Lakefront Advisory advising financial services firms on accelerating their growth through initiating, scaling or changing their distribution strategy. Given her depth of experience in the ETF industry, she also helps her clients demystify the ETF ecosystem by advising on the intricacies of that market.

Before starting Lakefront Advisory, Jillian was Head of ETF Distribution with J.P.Morgan’s Asset Management business. She was responsible for leading the sales and distribution efforts and strategy in the intermediary and institutional markets.

She also serves on the Board of Women in ETFs (WE), Inc, the first women’s group for the ETF industry, and served as Co-President from 2017-2019. Founded in 2014, WE achieves the mission to connect, support and inspire by organizing events globally that support our goals of education, networking, philanthropy.

Before joining J.P.Morgan in September 2015, Jillian was a Strategic Account Manager within BlackRock's iShares ETF Institutional Asset Management Group. She was responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with institutional investors, including boutique asset managers, global institutional asset managers, hedge funds and registered investment advisory firms.

Prior to joining iShares in March, 2009, Ms. DelSignore worked in the Independent Advisory Channel of Goldman Sachs Asset Management covering GSAM mutual funds, separate accounts, retirement plans, and alternative investments. She joined Goldman Sachs in 2005. Earlier, Ms. DelSignore worked in both the Institutional Corporate Cash and Global Bank Divisions at Federated Investors from 2000-2005.

Ms. DelSignore has a B.A. in Communications from John Carroll University and an M.B.A degree in Finance from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her CIMA designation from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and holds the Series 3, 6, 7, 24 and 66 licenses.

Miguel Kudry

CEO & Co-Founder | L1

 

Miguel is the CEO and co-founder of L1.co, the operating system for onchain wealth and asset management. Miguel has been investing and building products in the digital asset space since 2016. Before starting L1, Miguel was Vice President of Product at Bitso, the largest cryptocurrency platform in Latin America, and he also co-founded Ben, a non-custodial crypto wallet and assistant that was backed by Y Combinator.

Miguel Kudry

CEO & Co-Founder | L1

 

Miguel is the CEO and co-founder of L1.co, the operating system for onchain wealth and asset management. Miguel has been investing and building products in the digital asset space since 2016. Before starting L1, Miguel was Vice President of Product at Bitso, the largest cryptocurrency platform in Latin America, and he also co-founded Ben, a non-custodial crypto wallet and assistant that was backed by Y Combinator.

Miguel Kudry

CEO & Co-Founder | L1

 

Miguel is the CEO and co-founder of L1.co, the operating system for onchain wealth and asset management. Miguel has been investing and building products in the digital asset space since 2016. Before starting L1, Miguel was Vice President of Product at Bitso, the largest cryptocurrency platform in Latin America, and he also co-founded Ben, a non-custodial crypto wallet and assistant that was backed by Y Combinator.

CogniCor is the leading digital assistant platform that fundamentally transforms the financial services sector to reach exponentially greater levels of growth, efficiency and service outcomes.

For more information, visit www.cognicore.com.

CogniCor is the leading digital assistant platform that fundamentally transforms the financial services sector to reach exponentially greater levels of growth, efficiency and service outcomes.

For more information, visit www.cognicore.com.

CogniCor is the leading digital assistant platform that fundamentally transforms the financial services sector to reach exponentially greater levels of growth, efficiency and service outcomes.

For more information, visit www.cognicore.com.

Elliot Dornbusch

Founding Partner & CEO | CV Advisors

 

Elliot Dornbusch is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of CV Advisors®. He studied Economics at UCAB, Finance in London School of Economics, and holds an MBA from the Olin School of Business at Babson College. .

Mr. Dornbusch started his career in Caracas, Venezuela, as a real estate developer. In 2003 he sold the business and moved to Miami where he founded Clearview Partners, an advisory firm focused on alternative investments, and began developing a unique, proprietary software platform (VIEWSTM) to manage liquid investment portfolios. Perceiving the need for a conflict-free advisory firm to support the investment needs of Single Family Offices and Institutional investors, he founded CV Advisors, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser and one of the country’s largest Multi-Family Offices. Today the firm advises on more than $14 Billion in assets for a small group of clients which includes ultra-high net worth families, Single Family Offices and Institutions. Mr. Dornbusch serves as the firm’s CEO and Chief Investment Officer in which capacity he leads the Investment Committee and the Research process, helping to set CV’s macro-economic view and research priorities.

Elliot Dornbusch

Founding Partner & CEO | CV Advisors

 

Elliot Dornbusch is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of CV Advisors®. He studied Economics at UCAB, Finance in London School of Economics, and holds an MBA from the Olin School of Business at Babson College. .

Mr. Dornbusch started his career in Caracas, Venezuela, as a real estate developer. In 2003 he sold the business and moved to Miami where he founded Clearview Partners, an advisory firm focused on alternative investments, and began developing a unique, proprietary software platform (VIEWSTM) to manage liquid investment portfolios. Perceiving the need for a conflict-free advisory firm to support the investment needs of Single Family Offices and Institutional investors, he founded CV Advisors, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser and one of the country’s largest Multi-Family Offices. Today the firm advises on more than $14 Billion in assets for a small group of clients which includes ultra-high net worth families, Single Family Offices and Institutions. Mr. Dornbusch serves as the firm’s CEO and Chief Investment Officer in which capacity he leads the Investment Committee and the Research process, helping to set CV’s macro-economic view and research priorities.

Elliot Dornbusch

Founding Partner & CEO | CV Advisors

 

Elliot Dornbusch is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of CV Advisors®. He studied Economics at UCAB, Finance in London School of Economics, and holds an MBA from the Olin School of Business at Babson College. .

Mr. Dornbusch started his career in Caracas, Venezuela, as a real estate developer. In 2003 he sold the business and moved to Miami where he founded Clearview Partners, an advisory firm focused on alternative investments, and began developing a unique, proprietary software platform (VIEWSTM) to manage liquid investment portfolios. Perceiving the need for a conflict-free advisory firm to support the investment needs of Single Family Offices and Institutional investors, he founded CV Advisors, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser and one of the country’s largest Multi-Family Offices. Today the firm advises on more than $14 Billion in assets for a small group of clients which includes ultra-high net worth families, Single Family Offices and Institutions. Mr. Dornbusch serves as the firm’s CEO and Chief Investment Officer in which capacity he leads the Investment Committee and the Research process, helping to set CV’s macro-economic view and research priorities.

Dr. Sindhu Joseph

CEO and Founder | CogniCor

 

Dr. Sindhu Joseph, CEO and founder of Wealth management AI startup CogniCor. CogniCor's Co-Pilots for wealth management enables advisors and firms to achieve efficiency at scale. Dr. Joseph has a Ph.D in AI, and has invented over 6 patents and was chosen as the top 10 to watch in 2023 by Wealth Management.com

Dr. Sindhu Joseph

CEO and Founder | CogniCor

 

Dr. Sindhu Joseph, CEO and founder of Wealth management AI startup CogniCor. CogniCor's Co-Pilots for wealth management enables advisors and firms to achieve efficiency at scale. Dr. Joseph has a Ph.D in AI, and has invented over 6 patents and was chosen as the top 10 to watch in 2023 by Wealth Management.com

Dr. Sindhu Joseph

CEO and Founder | CogniCor

 

Dr. Sindhu Joseph, CEO and founder of Wealth management AI startup CogniCor. CogniCor's Co-Pilots for wealth management enables advisors and firms to achieve efficiency at scale. Dr. Joseph has a Ph.D in AI, and has invented over 6 patents and was chosen as the top 10 to watch in 2023 by Wealth Management.com

Brian Andrew

Chief Investment Officer | Merit Financial Advisors

 

Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer at Merit Financial Advisors, focuses on managing Merit’s investment strategy and team to provide investment solutions for advisors and their clients. Brian enjoys understanding the economy and markets and helping advisors build investment strategies for their clients. Brian received his B.S. in Finance from the University of Minnesota and completed the CFA®/Harvard Investment Management Program. Brian likes to travel with family, ski, and enjoy motorcycle travel.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Merit Financial Group, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Merit Financial Group, LLC and Merit Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

Brian Andrew

Chief Investment Officer | Merit Financial Advisors

 

Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer at Merit Financial Advisors, focuses on managing Merit’s investment strategy and team to provide investment solutions for advisors and their clients. Brian enjoys understanding the economy and markets and helping advisors build investment strategies for their clients. Brian received his B.S. in Finance from the University of Minnesota and completed the CFA®/Harvard Investment Management Program. Brian likes to travel with family, ski, and enjoy motorcycle travel.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Merit Financial Group, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Merit Financial Group, LLC and Merit Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

Brian Andrew

Chief Investment Officer | Merit Financial Advisors

 

Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer at Merit Financial Advisors, focuses on managing Merit’s investment strategy and team to provide investment solutions for advisors and their clients. Brian enjoys understanding the economy and markets and helping advisors build investment strategies for their clients. Brian received his B.S. in Finance from the University of Minnesota and completed the CFA®/Harvard Investment Management Program. Brian likes to travel with family, ski, and enjoy motorcycle travel.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Merit Financial Group, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Merit Financial Group, LLC and Merit Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.

Jose Diego Gonzalez

Financial Planner | CameronDowning

 

Jose Diego Gonzalez, or as we know him, JD, was graduated from Florida International University in December of 2020 with a major in Organizational Communications and a Certificate in Sales and CRM. With a desire to help individuals and families steward their wealth, he joined the CameronDowning team in March of 2020 as a Business Development and Operations Associate. In January of 2021, JD passed the FINRA Series 65 Exam and became an Investment Adviser Representative of the firm. In August of 2022, JD became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. In February of 2024, JD became a Certified College Financial Consultant.

JD is an Executive Board Member of the Financial Planning Association of Miami, and a Professional Affiliate of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. JD has also partnered with the Angel Foundation to provide pro bono financial planning to those affected by cancer.

Born in Spain and raised in Miami in a Cuban household, Jose Diego speaks both English and Spanish fluently. In his free time, JD likes to work out at the gym, enjoy the outdoors, fishing, and golfing.

Jose Diego Gonzalez

Financial Planner | CameronDowning

 

Jose Diego Gonzalez, or as we know him, JD, was graduated from Florida International University in December of 2020 with a major in Organizational Communications and a Certificate in Sales and CRM. With a desire to help individuals and families steward their wealth, he joined the CameronDowning team in March of 2020 as a Business Development and Operations Associate. In January of 2021, JD passed the FINRA Series 65 Exam and became an Investment Adviser Representative of the firm. In August of 2022, JD became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. In February of 2024, JD became a Certified College Financial Consultant.

JD is an Executive Board Member of the Financial Planning Association of Miami, and a Professional Affiliate of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. JD has also partnered with the Angel Foundation to provide pro bono financial planning to those affected by cancer.

Born in Spain and raised in Miami in a Cuban household, Jose Diego speaks both English and Spanish fluently. In his free time, JD likes to work out at the gym, enjoy the outdoors, fishing, and golfing.

Jose Diego Gonzalez

Financial Planner | CameronDowning

 

Jose Diego Gonzalez, or as we know him, JD, was graduated from Florida International University in December of 2020 with a major in Organizational Communications and a Certificate in Sales and CRM. With a desire to help individuals and families steward their wealth, he joined the CameronDowning team in March of 2020 as a Business Development and Operations Associate. In January of 2021, JD passed the FINRA Series 65 Exam and became an Investment Adviser Representative of the firm. In August of 2022, JD became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. In February of 2024, JD became a Certified College Financial Consultant.

JD is an Executive Board Member of the Financial Planning Association of Miami, and a Professional Affiliate of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. JD has also partnered with the Angel Foundation to provide pro bono financial planning to those affected by cancer.

Born in Spain and raised in Miami in a Cuban household, Jose Diego speaks both English and Spanish fluently. In his free time, JD likes to work out at the gym, enjoy the outdoors, fishing, and golfing.

Jose Diego Gonzalez

Financial Planner | CameronDowning

 

Jose Diego Gonzalez, or as we know him, JD, was graduated from Florida International University in December of 2020 with a major in Organizational Communications and a Certificate in Sales and CRM. With a desire to help individuals and families steward their wealth, he joined the CameronDowning team in March of 2020 as a Business Development and Operations Associate. In January of 2021, JD passed the FINRA Series 65 Exam and became an Investment Adviser Representative of the firm. In August of 2022, JD became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. In February of 2024, JD became a Certified College Financial Consultant.

JD is an Executive Board Member of the Financial Planning Association of Miami, and a Professional Affiliate of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. JD has also partnered with the Angel Foundation to provide pro bono financial planning to those affected by cancer.

Born in Spain and raised in Miami in a Cuban household, Jose Diego speaks both English and Spanish fluently. In his free time, JD likes to work out at the gym, enjoy the outdoors, fishing, and golfing.

Jose Diego Gonzalez

Financial Planner | CameronDowning

 

Jose Diego Gonzalez, or as we know him, JD, was graduated from Florida International University in December of 2020 with a major in Organizational Communications and a Certificate in Sales and CRM. With a desire to help individuals and families steward their wealth, he joined the CameronDowning team in March of 2020 as a Business Development and Operations Associate. In January of 2021, JD passed the FINRA Series 65 Exam and became an Investment Adviser Representative of the firm. In August of 2022, JD became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. In February of 2024, JD became a Certified College Financial Consultant.

JD is an Executive Board Member of the Financial Planning Association of Miami, and a Professional Affiliate of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. JD has also partnered with the Angel Foundation to provide pro bono financial planning to those affected by cancer.

Born in Spain and raised in Miami in a Cuban household, Jose Diego speaks both English and Spanish fluently. In his free time, JD likes to work out at the gym, enjoy the outdoors, fishing, and golfing.

Jose Diego Gonzalez

Financial Planner | CameronDowning

 

Jose Diego Gonzalez, or as we know him, JD, was graduated from Florida International University in December of 2020 with a major in Organizational Communications and a Certificate in Sales and CRM. With a desire to help individuals and families steward their wealth, he joined the CameronDowning team in March of 2020 as a Business Development and Operations Associate. In January of 2021, JD passed the FINRA Series 65 Exam and became an Investment Adviser Representative of the firm. In August of 2022, JD became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. In February of 2024, JD became a Certified College Financial Consultant.

JD is an Executive Board Member of the Financial Planning Association of Miami, and a Professional Affiliate of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. JD has also partnered with the Angel Foundation to provide pro bono financial planning to those affected by cancer.

Born in Spain and raised in Miami in a Cuban household, Jose Diego speaks both English and Spanish fluently. In his free time, JD likes to work out at the gym, enjoy the outdoors, fishing, and golfing.

Vib Arya

Chief Operating Officer | Shufro Rose

 

Vib is Shufro Rose's Chief Operating Officer and previously served as the firm’s Head of Operations and Information Technology. Vib has spent over 25 years in the investment management industry, having held increasing responsibility for technology and operations management, project management, strategy & transformational change, and business administration.

Vib received his B.A. in Computer Science from New York University’s College of Art & Sciences and his M.B.A. with concentrations in Finance and Organizational Management from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

Vib is frequently requested to participate as a thought leader on operations, technology, and practice management topics for industry conferences and periodicals.

Vib Arya

Chief Operating Officer | Shufro Rose

 

Vib is Shufro Rose's Chief Operating Officer and previously served as the firm’s Head of Operations and Information Technology. Vib has spent over 25 years in the investment management industry, having held increasing responsibility for technology and operations management, project management, strategy & transformational change, and business administration.

Vib received his B.A. in Computer Science from New York University’s College of Art & Sciences and his M.B.A. with concentrations in Finance and Organizational Management from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

Vib is frequently requested to participate as a thought leader on operations, technology, and practice management topics for industry conferences and periodicals.

Vib Arya

Chief Operating Officer | Shufro Rose

 

Vib is Shufro Rose's Chief Operating Officer and previously served as the firm’s Head of Operations and Information Technology. Vib has spent over 25 years in the investment management industry, having held increasing responsibility for technology and operations management, project management, strategy & transformational change, and business administration.

Vib received his B.A. in Computer Science from New York University’s College of Art & Sciences and his M.B.A. with concentrations in Finance and Organizational Management from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

Vib is frequently requested to participate as a thought leader on operations, technology, and practice management topics for industry conferences and periodicals.

Cary Carbonaro, CFP®, MBA

SVP, Head of Women and Wealth | ACM Wealth

 

Cary Carbonaro is Senior Vice President and Director of Women and Wealth with ACM Wealth. An award-winning CFP with over 25 years of experience, Cary is a tireless advocate for women in the financial industry and is passionate about increasing financial literacy and empowering women. ;

Cary is the author of the bestselling wealth management book for women, The Money Queen’s Guide: For Women Who Want to Build Wealth and Banish Fear. She is a CFP® Board Ambassador and was appointed to represent the industry in the media. In 2016, she earned the prestigious Investment News Women to Watch award. She has been honored six times on Investopedia Top 100 Financial Advisors list.;

Cary’s exceptional knowledge and skills are in high demand, as evidenced by her frequent appearances as a commentator on both local and national television news channels. She has spoken all over the world on financial literacy for women.

Cary Carbonaro, CFP®, MBA

SVP, Head of Women and Wealth | ACM Wealth

 

Cary Carbonaro is Senior Vice President and Director of Women and Wealth with ACM Wealth. An award-winning CFP with over 25 years of experience, Cary is a tireless advocate for women in the financial industry and is passionate about increasing financial literacy and empowering women. ;

Cary is the author of the bestselling wealth management book for women, The Money Queen’s Guide: For Women Who Want to Build Wealth and Banish Fear. She is a CFP® Board Ambassador and was appointed to represent the industry in the media. In 2016, she earned the prestigious Investment News Women to Watch award. She has been honored six times on Investopedia Top 100 Financial Advisors list.;

Cary’s exceptional knowledge and skills are in high demand, as evidenced by her frequent appearances as a commentator on both local and national television news channels. She has spoken all over the world on financial literacy for women.

Cary Carbonaro, CFP®, MBA

SVP, Head of Women and Wealth | ACM Wealth

 

Cary Carbonaro is Senior Vice President and Director of Women and Wealth with ACM Wealth. An award-winning CFP with over 25 years of experience, Cary is a tireless advocate for women in the financial industry and is passionate about increasing financial literacy and empowering women. ;

Cary is the author of the bestselling wealth management book for women, The Money Queen’s Guide: For Women Who Want to Build Wealth and Banish Fear. She is a CFP® Board Ambassador and was appointed to represent the industry in the media. In 2016, she earned the prestigious Investment News Women to Watch award. She has been honored six times on Investopedia Top 100 Financial Advisors list.;

Cary’s exceptional knowledge and skills are in high demand, as evidenced by her frequent appearances as a commentator on both local and national television news channels. She has spoken all over the world on financial literacy for women.

Ron S. Bullis

CEO | Lifeworks Advisors

 

A lifetime builder turned into an ambitious FinTech innovator, Ron founded Lifeworks in 2017 as he realized that the wealth management industry, with its 200,000 advisors serving millions of clients, was broken—both for advisors and clients. At Lifeworks, he leads a team of wealth advisors, quant strategists, and software engineers, developing one of the first liability-driven wealth management systems to fix the flawed traditional approach to financial planning and investing.

Ron is passionate about providing hyper-personalized planning and investment strategies to everyone. Lifeworks has built one of the first subscription-based financial planning services for clients that has no minimum investment or net worth requirements.

Ron won the Scratch.Works FinTech accelerator program in 2020, has been featured in numerous industry publications, and is a regular speaker at industry events.

His interview series, The Future of Advice® features conversations with industry leaders and entrepreneurs who are disrupting the wealth management industry.

Ron is also the proud father of five beautiful children and founder of the Ella Bullis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that provides financial support to families who have recently lost a child or have a child in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Ron S. Bullis

CEO | Lifeworks Advisors

 

A lifetime builder turned into an ambitious FinTech innovator, Ron founded Lifeworks in 2017 as he realized that the wealth management industry, with its 200,000 advisors serving millions of clients, was broken—both for advisors and clients. At Lifeworks, he leads a team of wealth advisors, quant strategists, and software engineers, developing one of the first liability-driven wealth management systems to fix the flawed traditional approach to financial planning and investing.

Ron is passionate about providing hyper-personalized planning and investment strategies to everyone. Lifeworks has built one of the first subscription-based financial planning services for clients that has no minimum investment or net worth requirements.

Ron won the Scratch.Works FinTech accelerator program in 2020, has been featured in numerous industry publications, and is a regular speaker at industry events.

His interview series, The Future of Advice® features conversations with industry leaders and entrepreneurs who are disrupting the wealth management industry.

Ron is also the proud father of five beautiful children and founder of the Ella Bullis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that provides financial support to families who have recently lost a child or have a child in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Ron S. Bullis

CEO | Lifeworks Advisors

 

A lifetime builder turned into an ambitious FinTech innovator, Ron founded Lifeworks in 2017 as he realized that the wealth management industry, with its 200,000 advisors serving millions of clients, was broken—both for advisors and clients. At Lifeworks, he leads a team of wealth advisors, quant strategists, and software engineers, developing one of the first liability-driven wealth management systems to fix the flawed traditional approach to financial planning and investing.

Ron is passionate about providing hyper-personalized planning and investment strategies to everyone. Lifeworks has built one of the first subscription-based financial planning services for clients that has no minimum investment or net worth requirements.

Ron won the Scratch.Works FinTech accelerator program in 2020, has been featured in numerous industry publications, and is a regular speaker at industry events.

His interview series, The Future of Advice® features conversations with industry leaders and entrepreneurs who are disrupting the wealth management industry.

Ron is also the proud father of five beautiful children and founder of the Ella Bullis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that provides financial support to families who have recently lost a child or have a child in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Tom Balcom CFP®, CAIA, MBA

Founder | 1650 Wealth Management

 

Tom began his career in the financial services industry in 1998, working at two of the nation’s largest brokerage firms. His passion for educating and protecting his clients’ wealth developed as he witnessed novice investors entrusting their life savings to “financial advisors” whose top priority was meeting their monthly sales quotas.

Tom aspired to differentiate himself from the crowd. He earned an MBA degree with a Specialization in Investments from the University of Miami in 2000 and became a fee-only, independent, registered investment advisor at a private wealth management firm in Miami. Tom earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 2003 and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation in 2005.

In 2010, after gaining over a decade of private wealth management experience, Tom took his passion for educating and protecting his clients’ wealth and founded 1650 Wealth Management. 1650 Wealth Management is a fee-only, independent, private wealth management investment advisor. Tom neither sells investment products nor does he receive sales commissions. Tom focuses on actively managing and creating custom investment management strategies with the goal of protecting and growing his clients’ wealth.

Tom has spent a majority of his career studying and investing in alternative investments. He has spoken at numerous industry conferences including: Structured Products Americas Conference, MTN-I Structured Products Conference, Super Bowl of Indexing Conference, Innovative Alternative Strategies Conference, North American Structured Products Conference, Forum on Alternative Investments, Retail Alternative Investments, Private Wealth Southeast Forum, and the Financial Planning Association of Miami.

He is a contributing guest contributor for the Structured Products Daily publication and has been interviewed by top news and financial publications including: Bloomberg Businessweek, New York Times, CNBC, Investment News, Daily Business Review, CNNMoney.com, Registered Rep, SmartMoney, Forbes, Robb Report, Worth, Structured Retail Products, NerdWallet.com, SunSentinel.com, Florida Trend Magazine and the South Florida Business Journal.

He previously was as an adjunct professor within Barry University’s Personal Financial Planning program and in 2014, Tom was asked to serve as an expert witness on behalf of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board).

Originally from Nashua, New Hampshire, Tom has made South Florida his home for nearly 30 years. Tom and his family reside in Lighthouse Point, Florida. On the weekends, you may find Tom golfing (or attending his daughter’s junior golf tournaments), traveling, spending time with his family and actively supporting the University of Miami’s football and basketball teams.

Tom Balcom CFP®, CAIA, MBA

Founder | 1650 Wealth Management

 

Tom began his career in the financial services industry in 1998, working at two of the nation’s largest brokerage firms. His passion for educating and protecting his clients’ wealth developed as he witnessed novice investors entrusting their life savings to “financial advisors” whose top priority was meeting their monthly sales quotas.

Tom aspired to differentiate himself from the crowd. He earned an MBA degree with a Specialization in Investments from the University of Miami in 2000 and became a fee-only, independent, registered investment advisor at a private wealth management firm in Miami. Tom earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 2003 and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation in 2005.

In 2010, after gaining over a decade of private wealth management experience, Tom took his passion for educating and protecting his clients’ wealth and founded 1650 Wealth Management. 1650 Wealth Management is a fee-only, independent, private wealth management investment advisor. Tom neither sells investment products nor does he receive sales commissions. Tom focuses on actively managing and creating custom investment management strategies with the goal of protecting and growing his clients’ wealth.

Tom has spent a majority of his career studying and investing in alternative investments. He has spoken at numerous industry conferences including: Structured Products Americas Conference, MTN-I Structured Products Conference, Super Bowl of Indexing Conference, Innovative Alternative Strategies Conference, North American Structured Products Conference, Forum on Alternative Investments, Retail Alternative Investments, Private Wealth Southeast Forum, and the Financial Planning Association of Miami.

He is a contributing guest contributor for the Structured Products Daily publication and has been interviewed by top news and financial publications including: Bloomberg Businessweek, New York Times, CNBC, Investment News, Daily Business Review, CNNMoney.com, Registered Rep, SmartMoney, Forbes, Robb Report, Worth, Structured Retail Products, NerdWallet.com, SunSentinel.com, Florida Trend Magazine and the South Florida Business Journal.

He previously was as an adjunct professor within Barry University’s Personal Financial Planning program and in 2014, Tom was asked to serve as an expert witness on behalf of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board).

Originally from Nashua, New Hampshire, Tom has made South Florida his home for nearly 30 years. Tom and his family reside in Lighthouse Point, Florida. On the weekends, you may find Tom golfing (or attending his daughter’s junior golf tournaments), traveling, spending time with his family and actively supporting the University of Miami’s football and basketball teams.

Tom Balcom CFP®, CAIA, MBA

Founder | 1650 Wealth Management

 

Tom began his career in the financial services industry in 1998, working at two of the nation’s largest brokerage firms. His passion for educating and protecting his clients’ wealth developed as he witnessed novice investors entrusting their life savings to “financial advisors” whose top priority was meeting their monthly sales quotas.

Tom aspired to differentiate himself from the crowd. He earned an MBA degree with a Specialization in Investments from the University of Miami in 2000 and became a fee-only, independent, registered investment advisor at a private wealth management firm in Miami. Tom earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in 2003 and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation in 2005.

In 2010, after gaining over a decade of private wealth management experience, Tom took his passion for educating and protecting his clients’ wealth and founded 1650 Wealth Management. 1650 Wealth Management is a fee-only, independent, private wealth management investment advisor. Tom neither sells investment products nor does he receive sales commissions. Tom focuses on actively managing and creating custom investment management strategies with the goal of protecting and growing his clients’ wealth.

Tom has spent a majority of his career studying and investing in alternative investments. He has spoken at numerous industry conferences including: Structured Products Americas Conference, MTN-I Structured Products Conference, Super Bowl of Indexing Conference, Innovative Alternative Strategies Conference, North American Structured Products Conference, Forum on Alternative Investments, Retail Alternative Investments, Private Wealth Southeast Forum, and the Financial Planning Association of Miami.

He is a contributing guest contributor for the Structured Products Daily publication and has been interviewed by top news and financial publications including: Bloomberg Businessweek, New York Times, CNBC, Investment News, Daily Business Review, CNNMoney.com, Registered Rep, SmartMoney, Forbes, Robb Report, Worth, Structured Retail Products, NerdWallet.com, SunSentinel.com, Florida Trend Magazine and the South Florida Business Journal.

He previously was as an adjunct professor within Barry University’s Personal Financial Planning program and in 2014, Tom was asked to serve as an expert witness on behalf of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board).

Originally from Nashua, New Hampshire, Tom has made South Florida his home for nearly 30 years. Tom and his family reside in Lighthouse Point, Florida. On the weekends, you may find Tom golfing (or attending his daughter’s junior golf tournaments), traveling, spending time with his family and actively supporting the University of Miami’s football and basketball teams.

Investments & Wealth Institute® is a professional association, advanced education provider, and standards body for financial advisors, investment consultants, and wealth managers who embrace excellence and ethics. Through our events, continuing education courses, and acclaimed certifications—Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and Retirement Management Advisor ® (RMA®)—we deliver rigorous, highly practical education. We are committed to unifying our members, staff, leadership, educators, and advocates in elevating and advancing the financial advice profession.

For more information, visit www.investmentsandwealth.org.

Investments & Wealth Institute® is a professional association, advanced education provider, and standards body for financial advisors, investment consultants, and wealth managers who embrace excellence and ethics. Through our events, continuing education courses, and acclaimed certifications—Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and Retirement Management Advisor ® (RMA®)—we deliver rigorous, highly practical education. We are committed to unifying our members, staff, leadership, educators, and advocates in elevating and advancing the financial advice profession.

For more information, visit www.investmentsandwealth.org.

Investments & Wealth Institute® is a professional association, advanced education provider, and standards body for financial advisors, investment consultants, and wealth managers who embrace excellence and ethics. Through our events, continuing education courses, and acclaimed certifications—Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and Retirement Management Advisor ® (RMA®)—we deliver rigorous, highly practical education. We are committed to unifying our members, staff, leadership, educators, and advocates in elevating and advancing the financial advice profession.

For more information, visit www.investmentsandwealth.org.

Ross Riskin

Chief Learning Officer | Investments & Wealth Institute 

 

Ross serves as Chief Learning Officer (CLO) for the Investments & Wealth Institute. He is also the Founder and Chief Creative Officer at visiWealth, and sits on the Advisory Board for the American Institute of Certified College Financial Consultants (AICCFC).

As CLO, Dr. Riskin is responsible for developing and executing the learning strategy for the institute. This includes overseeing the delivery of educational programming through the institute’s three certification programs, all online education offerings, and is heavily involved in program development for all institute delivered conferences. In addition, he is involved in forming strategic partnerships with educational content providers to ensure IWI is the go-to-resource for practical industry knowledge that is delivered using the most innovative methods and universal design best practices.

Ross is also considered a thought and practice leader in the areas of advice engagement, advanced education planning, and tax and wealth transfer planning for high-income and high-net-worth individuals. He is the author of The Adviser’s Guide to Education Planning: 1st and 2nd Editions, which are published by the AICPA. Ross has presented to over 25,000 individuals through webinars, conferences, and in the classroom. He has been quoted in media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, US News, The New York Times, and Investment News, and has also been published in journals such as the Journal of Wealth Management, Journal of Financial Planning, Journal of Accountancy, Tax Notes, and the Journal of Multistate Taxation and Incentives.

In addition to being a CPA/PFS and Certified College Financial Consultant (CCFC), Ross received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from Fairfield University, a Master of Science in Taxation degree from Bentley University, and a Doctorate of Business Administration in Finance degree from Sacred Heart University.

Ross Riskin

Chief Learning Officer | Investments & Wealth Institute 

 

Ross serves as Chief Learning Officer (CLO) for the Investments & Wealth Institute. He is also the Founder and Chief Creative Officer at visiWealth, and sits on the Advisory Board for the American Institute of Certified College Financial Consultants (AICCFC).

As CLO, Dr. Riskin is responsible for developing and executing the learning strategy for the institute. This includes overseeing the delivery of educational programming through the institute’s three certification programs, all online education offerings, and is heavily involved in program development for all institute delivered conferences. In addition, he is involved in forming strategic partnerships with educational content providers to ensure IWI is the go-to-resource for practical industry knowledge that is delivered using the most innovative methods and universal design best practices.

Ross is also considered a thought and practice leader in the areas of advice engagement, advanced education planning, and tax and wealth transfer planning for high-income and high-net-worth individuals. He is the author of The Adviser’s Guide to Education Planning: 1st and 2nd Editions, which are published by the AICPA. Ross has presented to over 25,000 individuals through webinars, conferences, and in the classroom. He has been quoted in media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, US News, The New York Times, and Investment News, and has also been published in journals such as the Journal of Wealth Management, Journal of Financial Planning, Journal of Accountancy, Tax Notes, and the Journal of Multistate Taxation and Incentives.

In addition to being a CPA/PFS and Certified College Financial Consultant (CCFC), Ross received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from Fairfield University, a Master of Science in Taxation degree from Bentley University, and a Doctorate of Business Administration in Finance degree from Sacred Heart University.

Ross Riskin

Chief Learning Officer | Investments & Wealth Institute 

 

Ross serves as Chief Learning Officer (CLO) for the Investments & Wealth Institute. He is also the Founder and Chief Creative Officer at visiWealth, and sits on the Advisory Board for the American Institute of Certified College Financial Consultants (AICCFC).

As CLO, Dr. Riskin is responsible for developing and executing the learning strategy for the institute. This includes overseeing the delivery of educational programming through the institute’s three certification programs, all online education offerings, and is heavily involved in program development for all institute delivered conferences. In addition, he is involved in forming strategic partnerships with educational content providers to ensure IWI is the go-to-resource for practical industry knowledge that is delivered using the most innovative methods and universal design best practices.

Ross is also considered a thought and practice leader in the areas of advice engagement, advanced education planning, and tax and wealth transfer planning for high-income and high-net-worth individuals. He is the author of The Adviser’s Guide to Education Planning: 1st and 2nd Editions, which are published by the AICPA. Ross has presented to over 25,000 individuals through webinars, conferences, and in the classroom. He has been quoted in media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, US News, The New York Times, and Investment News, and has also been published in journals such as the Journal of Wealth Management, Journal of Financial Planning, Journal of Accountancy, Tax Notes, and the Journal of Multistate Taxation and Incentives.

In addition to being a CPA/PFS and Certified College Financial Consultant (CCFC), Ross received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from Fairfield University, a Master of Science in Taxation degree from Bentley University, and a Doctorate of Business Administration in Finance degree from Sacred Heart University.

Prisidio is a trusted digital vault that provides a centralized and secure solution for individuals and families to store, organize, and share life’s most essential items and information. Collect and protect what you have, where you have it, the key people in your life, and then securely share this information in an instant when needed. Be prepared for the expected and unexpected with Prisidio. Your digital vault. For life.™

Learn more at www.prisidio.com.

    Prisidio is a trusted digital vault that provides a centralized and secure solution for individuals and families to store, organize, and share life’s most essential items and information. Collect and protect what you have, where you have it, the key people in your life, and then securely share this information in an instant when needed. Be prepared for the expected and unexpected with Prisidio. Your digital vault. For life.™

    Learn more at www.prisidio.com.

      Prisidio is a trusted digital vault that provides a centralized and secure solution for individuals and families to store, organize, and share life’s most essential items and information. Collect and protect what you have, where you have it, the key people in your life, and then securely share this information in an instant when needed. Be prepared for the expected and unexpected with Prisidio. Your digital vault. For life.™

      Learn more at www.prisidio.com.

        Glenn Shimkus

        Co-Founder and CEO | Prisidio 

         

        Glenn is a technology enthusiast and entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience building world-class teams and delivering exceptional products. He is the co-founder and CEO of Prisidio, which offers a digital vault to securely collect, protect, and share your most important information with the key people in your life. Prior to founding Prisidio, he was the co-founder and CEO of Cartavi, which he sold to DocuSign. The Company’s product received significant industry recognition including the prestigious Edison Award for Innovative Services. In his role at DocuSign, Glenn helped the company become the standard in the real estate industry and expand beyond eSignatures. Glenn has also held leadership roles during his career at the National Association of REALTORS®, PLATINUM technology and Amdocs. He is a respected industry visionary in the fields of document/content management and mobile applications as well as an active advisor and investor in the startup community.

        Glenn Shimkus

        Co-Founder and CEO | Prisidio 

         

        Glenn is a technology enthusiast and entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience building world-class teams and delivering exceptional products. He is the co-founder and CEO of Prisidio, which offers a digital vault to securely collect, protect, and share your most important information with the key people in your life. Prior to founding Prisidio, he was the co-founder and CEO of Cartavi, which he sold to DocuSign. The Company’s product received significant industry recognition including the prestigious Edison Award for Innovative Services. In his role at DocuSign, Glenn helped the company become the standard in the real estate industry and expand beyond eSignatures. Glenn has also held leadership roles during his career at the National Association of REALTORS®, PLATINUM technology and Amdocs. He is a respected industry visionary in the fields of document/content management and mobile applications as well as an active advisor and investor in the startup community.

        Glenn Shimkus

        Co-Founder and CEO | Prisidio 

         

        Glenn is a technology enthusiast and entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience building world-class teams and delivering exceptional products. He is the co-founder and CEO of Prisidio, which offers a digital vault to securely collect, protect, and share your most important information with the key people in your life. Prior to founding Prisidio, he was the co-founder and CEO of Cartavi, which he sold to DocuSign. The Company’s product received significant industry recognition including the prestigious Edison Award for Innovative Services. In his role at DocuSign, Glenn helped the company become the standard in the real estate industry and expand beyond eSignatures. Glenn has also held leadership roles during his career at the National Association of REALTORS®, PLATINUM technology and Amdocs. He is a respected industry visionary in the fields of document/content management and mobile applications as well as an active advisor and investor in the startup community.

        Tim Whitney

        CEO | TradeWinds LLC 

         

        Tim is a Raleigh native and began his career with Wachovia Securities in 2003. Before opening TradeWinds, he served as a Managing Director and private portfolio manager at Wells Fargo Advisors in Raleigh, NC. He obtained his CFP® in 2011 and received certifications in Family Wealth Advising and Family Business Advising from the FFI Global Education Network, as well as his Blockchain and Digital Assets certification from DACFP. Tim graduated with a degree in International Business from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and studied at Nagoya University in Japan. His vision for TradeWinds is to create a place of financial learning and support for clients as well as exploring fintech, DeFi, and new innovation. Tim presently serves on the board of directors for Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh. His past service includes volunteer soccer coaching with NCFC, past board member of WakeMed Foundation, past board member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Tim is married to his college sweetheart, Kate, and has four children: Joe, Ben, Ryan, and Eleanor. He spends free time with his family, competing in obstacle course races, and traveling.

        Tim Whitney

        CEO | TradeWinds LLC 

         

        Tim is a Raleigh native and began his career with Wachovia Securities in 2003. Before opening TradeWinds, he served as a Managing Director and private portfolio manager at Wells Fargo Advisors in Raleigh, NC. He obtained his CFP® in 2011 and received certifications in Family Wealth Advising and Family Business Advising from the FFI Global Education Network, as well as his Blockchain and Digital Assets certification from DACFP. Tim graduated with a degree in International Business from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and studied at Nagoya University in Japan. His vision for TradeWinds is to create a place of financial learning and support for clients as well as exploring fintech, DeFi, and new innovation. Tim presently serves on the board of directors for Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh. His past service includes volunteer soccer coaching with NCFC, past board member of WakeMed Foundation, past board member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Tim is married to his college sweetheart, Kate, and has four children: Joe, Ben, Ryan, and Eleanor. He spends free time with his family, competing in obstacle course races, and traveling.

        Tim Whitney

        CEO | TradeWinds LLC 

         

        Tim is a Raleigh native and began his career with Wachovia Securities in 2003. Before opening TradeWinds, he served as a Managing Director and private portfolio manager at Wells Fargo Advisors in Raleigh, NC. He obtained his CFP® in 2011 and received certifications in Family Wealth Advising and Family Business Advising from the FFI Global Education Network, as well as his Blockchain and Digital Assets certification from DACFP. Tim graduated with a degree in International Business from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and studied at Nagoya University in Japan. His vision for TradeWinds is to create a place of financial learning and support for clients as well as exploring fintech, DeFi, and new innovation. Tim presently serves on the board of directors for Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh. His past service includes volunteer soccer coaching with NCFC, past board member of WakeMed Foundation, past board member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Tim is married to his college sweetheart, Kate, and has four children: Joe, Ben, Ryan, and Eleanor. He spends free time with his family, competing in obstacle course races, and traveling.

        Peter Nakada

        Chief Education Officer | Stone Ridge Asset Management 

         

        Peter is Chief Education Officer for Stone Ridge Asset Management, a firm that provides access to investments that are alternatives to stocks and bonds. In this role, he educates advisors & investors on the risks and returns of the Stone Ridge Funds.

        Throughout his career, Peter has focused on helping people use math and data to make better decisions. Before joining Stone Ridge, Peter ran the capital markets group of Risk Management Solutions (RMS), a firm that builds simulation models of earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Prior to joining RMS, Peter was a co-founder of ERisk, a fintech firm serving regional banks, and a partner at Oliver Wyman.

        Outside of work, Peter serves as Chair of the Board of The Speyer Legacy School, the only independent school for gifted students in New York City.

        Peter has an A.B. in Engineering Sciences from Harvard College, a M.S. in Engineering Management from Stanford University, and is a CFA charterholder.

        Peter Nakada

        Chief Education Officer | Stone Ridge Asset Management 

         

        Peter is Chief Education Officer for Stone Ridge Asset Management, a firm that provides access to investments that are alternatives to stocks and bonds. In this role, he educates advisors & investors on the risks and returns of the Stone Ridge Funds.

        Throughout his career, Peter has focused on helping people use math and data to make better decisions. Before joining Stone Ridge, Peter ran the capital markets group of Risk Management Solutions (RMS), a firm that builds simulation models of earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Prior to joining RMS, Peter was a co-founder of ERisk, a fintech firm serving regional banks, and a partner at Oliver Wyman.

        Outside of work, Peter serves as Chair of the Board of The Speyer Legacy School, the only independent school for gifted students in New York City.

        Peter has an A.B. in Engineering Sciences from Harvard College, a M.S. in Engineering Management from Stanford University, and is a CFA charterholder.

        Peter Nakada

        Chief Education Officer | Stone Ridge Asset Management 

         

        Peter is Chief Education Officer for Stone Ridge Asset Management, a firm that provides access to investments that are alternatives to stocks and bonds. In this role, he educates advisors & investors on the risks and returns of the Stone Ridge Funds.

        Throughout his career, Peter has focused on helping people use math and data to make better decisions. Before joining Stone Ridge, Peter ran the capital markets group of Risk Management Solutions (RMS), a firm that builds simulation models of earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Prior to joining RMS, Peter was a co-founder of ERisk, a fintech firm serving regional banks, and a partner at Oliver Wyman.

        Outside of work, Peter serves as Chair of the Board of The Speyer Legacy School, the only independent school for gifted students in New York City.

        Peter has an A.B. in Engineering Sciences from Harvard College, a M.S. in Engineering Management from Stanford University, and is a CFA charterholder.

        Stone Ridge Asset Management, a $19+ billion subsidiary of Stone Ridge Holdings Group, invests in a range of specialty sectors, including reinsurance, market insurance, longevity risk pooling, alternative lending, real estate, energy, and art. Powered by expertise in sourcing, structuring, and risk management, we empower financial advisors and their clients with innovative sources of return and reliable income streams in easy-to-use ’40 Act funds, securitizations, and private vehicles.

        For more information, visit www.lifexfunds.com.

        Stone Ridge Asset Management, a $19+ billion subsidiary of Stone Ridge Holdings Group, invests in a range of specialty sectors, including reinsurance, market insurance, longevity risk pooling, alternative lending, real estate, energy, and art. Powered by expertise in sourcing, structuring, and risk management, we empower financial advisors and their clients with innovative sources of return and reliable income streams in easy-to-use ’40 Act funds, securitizations, and private vehicles.

        For more information, visit www.lifexfunds.com.

        Stone Ridge Asset Management, a $19+ billion subsidiary of Stone Ridge Holdings Group, invests in a range of specialty sectors, including reinsurance, market insurance, longevity risk pooling, alternative lending, real estate, energy, and art. Powered by expertise in sourcing, structuring, and risk management, we empower financial advisors and their clients with innovative sources of return and reliable income streams in easy-to-use ’40 Act funds, securitizations, and private vehicles.

        For more information, visit www.lifexfunds.com.

        Financial Advisor provides readers with sophisticated planning and investment strategies to help them better manage the wealth of their affluent clients. Our editorial team goes in-depth to offer investment ideas and planning techniques advisors can use to address their clients’ financial goals. FA also challenges traditional financial planning wisdom by introducing readers to new approaches.

        For more information, visit www.fa-mag.com.

        Financial Advisor provides readers with sophisticated planning and investment strategies to help them better manage the wealth of their affluent clients. Our editorial team goes in-depth to offer investment ideas and planning techniques advisors can use to address their clients’ financial goals. FA also challenges traditional financial planning wisdom by introducing readers to new approaches.

        For more information, visit www.fa-mag.com.

        Financial Advisor provides readers with sophisticated planning and investment strategies to help them better manage the wealth of their affluent clients. Our editorial team goes in-depth to offer investment ideas and planning techniques advisors can use to address their clients’ financial goals. FA also challenges traditional financial planning wisdom by introducing readers to new approaches.

        For more information, visit www.fa-mag.com.

        Bitwise Asset Management is the largest crypto index fund manager in America. Thousands of financial advisors, family offices, and institutional investors partner with Bitwise to understand and access the opportunities in crypto. For six years, Bitwise has established a track record of excellence managing a broad suite of index and active solutions across ETFs, separately managed accounts, private funds, and hedge fund strategies. Bitwise is known for providing unparalleled client support through expert research and commentary, its nationwide client team of crypto specialists, and its deep access to the crypto ecosystem. The Bitwise team of more than 60 professionals combines expertise in technology and asset management with backgrounds including BlackRock, Millennium, ETF.com, Meta, Google, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Bitwise is backed by leading institutional investors and has been profiled in Institutional Investor, Barron’s, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal. It has offices in San Francisco and New York.

        For more information, visit www.bitwiseinvestments.com

        Bitwise Asset Management is the largest crypto index fund manager in America. Thousands of financial advisors, family offices, and institutional investors partner with Bitwise to understand and access the opportunities in crypto. For six years, Bitwise has established a track record of excellence managing a broad suite of index and active solutions across ETFs, separately managed accounts, private funds, and hedge fund strategies. Bitwise is known for providing unparalleled client support through expert research and commentary, its nationwide client team of crypto specialists, and its deep access to the crypto ecosystem. The Bitwise team of more than 60 professionals combines expertise in technology and asset management with backgrounds including BlackRock, Millennium, ETF.com, Meta, Google, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Bitwise is backed by leading institutional investors and has been profiled in Institutional Investor, Barron’s, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal. It has offices in San Francisco and New York.

        For more information, visit www.bitwiseinvestments.com

        Bitwise Asset Management is the largest crypto index fund manager in America. Thousands of financial advisors, family offices, and institutional investors partner with Bitwise to understand and access the opportunities in crypto. For six years, Bitwise has established a track record of excellence managing a broad suite of index and active solutions across ETFs, separately managed accounts, private funds, and hedge fund strategies. Bitwise is known for providing unparalleled client support through expert research and commentary, its nationwide client team of crypto specialists, and its deep access to the crypto ecosystem. The Bitwise team of more than 60 professionals combines expertise in technology and asset management with backgrounds including BlackRock, Millennium, ETF.com, Meta, Google, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Bitwise is backed by leading institutional investors and has been profiled in Institutional Investor, Barron’s, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal. It has offices in San Francisco and New York.

        For more information, visit www.bitwiseinvestments.com

        At Franklin Templeton we offer our clients a gateway to investment excellence backed by a global organization and delivered through a consistent, coordinated client experience. We’ve broadened our capabilities by attracting leading public and private market investment managers to our firm. Today we are among the world’s largest asset managers with offices in major financial markets, serving clients in more than 150 countries, and managing nearly $1.4 trillion in assets.

        www.FranklinTempleton.com

        At Franklin Templeton we offer our clients a gateway to investment excellence backed by a global organization and delivered through a consistent, coordinated client experience. We’ve broadened our capabilities by attracting leading public and private market investment managers to our firm. Today we are among the world’s largest asset managers with offices in major financial markets, serving clients in more than 150 countries, and managing nearly $1.4 trillion in assets.

        www.FranklinTempleton.com

        At Franklin Templeton we offer our clients a gateway to investment excellence backed by a global organization and delivered through a consistent, coordinated client experience. We’ve broadened our capabilities by attracting leading public and private market investment managers to our firm. Today we are among the world’s largest asset managers with offices in major financial markets, serving clients in more than 150 countries, and managing nearly $1.4 trillion in assets.

        www.FranklinTempleton.com

        Christina Worley, CPA/PFS, CFP, CFA

        Founder and Managing Member | Castle Wealth Management

         

        Christina Worley is the Founder and Managing Member of Castle Wealth Management. Under Mrs. Worley’s guidance since 1997, Castle Wealth Management has grown to become an established, fee-only fiduciary provider of wealth management services with more than $390 million of assets under management.

        Christina graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania at age 19 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. She completed both high school and college in three years each. She worked in New York City for seven years, where she first earned her Certified Public Account (CPA) working for Arthur Young. She then worked as an analyst for Merrill Lynch International Bank and as a Territorial Controller of Real Estate Investments at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. In the late 80’s she moved to New Hampshire with her family for four years working in a family-owned real estate development company before settling in Palm Beach County in 1993.

        She has always given back to her community via volunteering, currently as a long-serving board member of the Palm Beach County Early Learning Coalition—a Gubernatorially Appointed Board Member under three governors—where she also serves as Audit Committee Chair. Christina is immediate past president and current board member of the CFA Society South Florida where she served two terms as president of the board. She has taught financial literacy to women and teens, taught Junior Achievement to students in NYC and Florida. She has served on the FICPA Investment Policy Statement Committee, and now serves on the board of the West Palm Beach Center for Arts and Technology. She is currently a member of 100 Women in Finance new South Florida Chapter. Christina also serves as President for a former client’s charitable foundation, the Elise Besthoff Charitable Foundation, Inc.

        Christina has been married 35 years, to Scott, and they have three sons. After giving up horseback riding which she enjoyed since she was a child, she is now studying genealogy and recently joined the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) after researching her family’s history. She is an avid reader and loves to learn.

        Christina Worley, CPA/PFS, CFP, CFA

        Founder and Managing Member | Castle Wealth Management

         

        Christina Worley is the Founder and Managing Member of Castle Wealth Management. Under Mrs. Worley’s guidance since 1997, Castle Wealth Management has grown to become an established, fee-only fiduciary provider of wealth management services with more than $390 million of assets under management.

        Christina graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania at age 19 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. She completed both high school and college in three years each. She worked in New York City for seven years, where she first earned her Certified Public Account (CPA) working for Arthur Young. She then worked as an analyst for Merrill Lynch International Bank and as a Territorial Controller of Real Estate Investments at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. In the late 80’s she moved to New Hampshire with her family for four years working in a family-owned real estate development company before settling in Palm Beach County in 1993.

        She has always given back to her community via volunteering, currently as a long-serving board member of the Palm Beach County Early Learning Coalition—a Gubernatorially Appointed Board Member under three governors—where she also serves as Audit Committee Chair. Christina is immediate past president and current board member of the CFA Society South Florida where she served two terms as president of the board. She has taught financial literacy to women and teens, taught Junior Achievement to students in NYC and Florida. She has served on the FICPA Investment Policy Statement Committee, and now serves on the board of the West Palm Beach Center for Arts and Technology. She is currently a member of 100 Women in Finance new South Florida Chapter. Christina also serves as President for a former client’s charitable foundation, the Elise Besthoff Charitable Foundation, Inc.

        Christina has been married 35 years, to Scott, and they have three sons. After giving up horseback riding which she enjoyed since she was a child, she is now studying genealogy and recently joined the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) after researching her family’s history. She is an avid reader and loves to learn.

        Christina Worley, CPA/PFS, CFP, CFA

        Founder and Managing Member | Castle Wealth Management

         

        Christina Worley is the Founder and Managing Member of Castle Wealth Management. Under Mrs. Worley’s guidance since 1997, Castle Wealth Management has grown to become an established, fee-only fiduciary provider of wealth management services with more than $390 million of assets under management.

        Christina graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania at age 19 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. She completed both high school and college in three years each. She worked in New York City for seven years, where she first earned her Certified Public Account (CPA) working for Arthur Young. She then worked as an analyst for Merrill Lynch International Bank and as a Territorial Controller of Real Estate Investments at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. In the late 80’s she moved to New Hampshire with her family for four years working in a family-owned real estate development company before settling in Palm Beach County in 1993.

        She has always given back to her community via volunteering, currently as a long-serving board member of the Palm Beach County Early Learning Coalition—a Gubernatorially Appointed Board Member under three governors—where she also serves as Audit Committee Chair. Christina is immediate past president and current board member of the CFA Society South Florida where she served two terms as president of the board. She has taught financial literacy to women and teens, taught Junior Achievement to students in NYC and Florida. She has served on the FICPA Investment Policy Statement Committee, and now serves on the board of the West Palm Beach Center for Arts and Technology. She is currently a member of 100 Women in Finance new South Florida Chapter. Christina also serves as President for a former client’s charitable foundation, the Elise Besthoff Charitable Foundation, Inc.

        Christina has been married 35 years, to Scott, and they have three sons. After giving up horseback riding which she enjoyed since she was a child, she is now studying genealogy and recently joined the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) after researching her family’s history. She is an avid reader and loves to learn.

        Meredith A. Mowen

        Managing Director, Portfolio Manager | 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC

         

        Meredith (“Merrie”) is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at 1919 Investment Counsel and the Director of the firm’s Baltimore, MD office. She has more than 30 years of experience in financial services, working with individuals, families, foundations, endowments and institutional clients with complex financial needs. Her primary responsibility is managing investment portfolio construction and monitoring her clients’ investments. Merrie is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee responsible for developing and leading the firm’s strategic vision. In addition, she Chairs the Global Equity Committee and serves on the Equity Strategy Working Group. Prior to joining Legg Mason Trust (a predecessor of 1919 Investment Counsel), she was a Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Mercantile-Safe Deposit & Trust Company, now PNC. Merrie entered the financial services industry in 1986.

        Merrie is on the National Aquarium Board of Directors, serves as the Board Chair of the National Aquarium Foundation and is a member of the Board of Trustees for Stevenson University where she chairs the investment committee.

        Merrie received her B.S. degrees from Springfield College and Villa Julie College (now Stevenson University) and her M.B.A. from Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School. She is a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute and the Baltimore Security Analysts Society. In her free time she enjoys travel, art and music festivals, and gardening.

        Meredith A. Mowen

        Managing Director, Portfolio Manager | 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC

         

        Meredith (“Merrie”) is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at 1919 Investment Counsel and the Director of the firm’s Baltimore, MD office. She has more than 30 years of experience in financial services, working with individuals, families, foundations, endowments and institutional clients with complex financial needs. Her primary responsibility is managing investment portfolio construction and monitoring her clients’ investments. Merrie is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee responsible for developing and leading the firm’s strategic vision. In addition, she Chairs the Global Equity Committee and serves on the Equity Strategy Working Group. Prior to joining Legg Mason Trust (a predecessor of 1919 Investment Counsel), she was a Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Mercantile-Safe Deposit & Trust Company, now PNC. Merrie entered the financial services industry in 1986.

        Merrie is on the National Aquarium Board of Directors, serves as the Board Chair of the National Aquarium Foundation and is a member of the Board of Trustees for Stevenson University where she chairs the investment committee.

        Merrie received her B.S. degrees from Springfield College and Villa Julie College (now Stevenson University) and her M.B.A. from Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School. She is a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute and the Baltimore Security Analysts Society. In her free time she enjoys travel, art and music festivals, and gardening.

        Meredith A. Mowen

        Managing Director, Portfolio Manager | 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC

         

        Meredith (“Merrie”) is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at 1919 Investment Counsel and the Director of the firm’s Baltimore, MD office. She has more than 30 years of experience in financial services, working with individuals, families, foundations, endowments and institutional clients with complex financial needs. Her primary responsibility is managing investment portfolio construction and monitoring her clients’ investments. Merrie is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee responsible for developing and leading the firm’s strategic vision. In addition, she Chairs the Global Equity Committee and serves on the Equity Strategy Working Group. Prior to joining Legg Mason Trust (a predecessor of 1919 Investment Counsel), she was a Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Mercantile-Safe Deposit & Trust Company, now PNC. Merrie entered the financial services industry in 1986.

        Merrie is on the National Aquarium Board of Directors, serves as the Board Chair of the National Aquarium Foundation and is a member of the Board of Trustees for Stevenson University where she chairs the investment committee.

        Merrie received her B.S. degrees from Springfield College and Villa Julie College (now Stevenson University) and her M.B.A. from Johns Hopkins University - Carey Business School. She is a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute and the Baltimore Security Analysts Society. In her free time she enjoys travel, art and music festivals, and gardening.

        Tony Davidow, CIMA

        Senior Alternatives Investment Strategist | Franklin Templeton Institute

         

        As an investment strategist for the Franklin Templeton Institute, Tony Davidow is responsible for developing and delivering the Franklin Templeton Institute’s insights on the role and use of alternative investments through independent research, participating in industry conferences, webinars and engaging directly with key partners and clients. He also serves as the host of the Alternative Allocations podcast series. The Franklin Templeton Institute harnesses the depth and breadth of the firm’s global investment expertise and extensive in-house research capabilities to deliver unique investment insights to our clients.

        Prior to his current role, Davidow was retained by Franklin Templeton to develop a comprehensive Alternative Investment educational program for financial advisors. He previously held senior leadership roles with Morgan Stanley, Guggenheim and Schwab among other firms. Davidow began his career working for a New York-based family office and has worked directly with many institutions and ultra-high-net-worth families over the years. He is a frequent writer and speaker with deep expertise in the use of alternative investments, asset allocation and portfolio construction, as well as goals-based investing.

        Davidow received the prestigious Investments & Wealth Institute Wealth Management Impact Award in 2020 for his contributions to the wealth management industry; and was awarded the Stephen L. Kessler writing award in 2017, and honorable distinction in 2015. He is also the author of "Goals-Based Investing: A Visionary Framework for Wealth Management" (McGraw-Hill 2020). In 2023, Franklin Templeton’s Alternative Investment education program was recognized by WealthManagement.com with a “Wealthie” award for its contribution to financial advisor success.

        Davidow holds a B.B.A. degree in Finance and Investments from Bernard M. Baruch College and has earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation from the Investments & Wealth Institute and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Davidow formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Investments & Wealth Institute, and served as the Chair, Investment & Wealth Monitor, Editorial Advisory Board.

        Tony Davidow, CIMA

        Senior Alternatives Investment Strategist | Franklin Templeton Institute

         

        As an investment strategist for the Franklin Templeton Institute, Tony Davidow is responsible for developing and delivering the Franklin Templeton Institute’s insights on the role and use of alternative investments through independent research, participating in industry conferences, webinars and engaging directly with key partners and clients. He also serves as the host of the Alternative Allocations podcast series. The Franklin Templeton Institute harnesses the depth and breadth of the firm’s global investment expertise and extensive in-house research capabilities to deliver unique investment insights to our clients.

        Prior to his current role, Davidow was retained by Franklin Templeton to develop a comprehensive Alternative Investment educational program for financial advisors. He previously held senior leadership roles with Morgan Stanley, Guggenheim and Schwab among other firms. Davidow began his career working for a New York-based family office and has worked directly with many institutions and ultra-high-net-worth families over the years. He is a frequent writer and speaker with deep expertise in the use of alternative investments, asset allocation and portfolio construction, as well as goals-based investing.

        Davidow received the prestigious Investments & Wealth Institute Wealth Management Impact Award in 2020 for his contributions to the wealth management industry; and was awarded the Stephen L. Kessler writing award in 2017, and honorable distinction in 2015. He is also the author of "Goals-Based Investing: A Visionary Framework for Wealth Management" (McGraw-Hill 2020). In 2023, Franklin Templeton’s Alternative Investment education program was recognized by WealthManagement.com with a “Wealthie” award for its contribution to financial advisor success.

        Davidow holds a B.B.A. degree in Finance and Investments from Bernard M. Baruch College and has earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation from the Investments & Wealth Institute and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Davidow formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Investments & Wealth Institute, and served as the Chair, Investment & Wealth Monitor, Editorial Advisory Board.

        Tony Davidow, CIMA

        Senior Alternatives Investment Strategist | Franklin Templeton Institute

         

        As an investment strategist for the Franklin Templeton Institute, Tony Davidow is responsible for developing and delivering the Franklin Templeton Institute’s insights on the role and use of alternative investments through independent research, participating in industry conferences, webinars and engaging directly with key partners and clients. He also serves as the host of the Alternative Allocations podcast series. The Franklin Templeton Institute harnesses the depth and breadth of the firm’s global investment expertise and extensive in-house research capabilities to deliver unique investment insights to our clients.

        Prior to his current role, Davidow was retained by Franklin Templeton to develop a comprehensive Alternative Investment educational program for financial advisors. He previously held senior leadership roles with Morgan Stanley, Guggenheim and Schwab among other firms. Davidow began his career working for a New York-based family office and has worked directly with many institutions and ultra-high-net-worth families over the years. He is a frequent writer and speaker with deep expertise in the use of alternative investments, asset allocation and portfolio construction, as well as goals-based investing.

        Davidow received the prestigious Investments & Wealth Institute Wealth Management Impact Award in 2020 for his contributions to the wealth management industry; and was awarded the Stephen L. Kessler writing award in 2017, and honorable distinction in 2015. He is also the author of "Goals-Based Investing: A Visionary Framework for Wealth Management" (McGraw-Hill 2020). In 2023, Franklin Templeton’s Alternative Investment education program was recognized by WealthManagement.com with a “Wealthie” award for its contribution to financial advisor success.

        Davidow holds a B.B.A. degree in Finance and Investments from Bernard M. Baruch College and has earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation from the Investments & Wealth Institute and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Davidow formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Investments & Wealth Institute, and served as the Chair, Investment & Wealth Monitor, Editorial Advisory Board.

        Jack Ablin, CFA

        Chief Investment Officer & Founding Partner | Cresset

         

        As Chief Investment Officer, Jack Ablin is the leader of Cresset’s investment strategy and provides investment policy and philosophy guidelines to the firm’s advisor teams and clients. He has been named RIA Intel’s "CIO of the Year" for 2022.* Jack joined the organization in 2018 and has three decades of experience in money management.

        Jack was formerly the Chief Investment Officer with BMO Harris Bank. He is the author of Reading Minds and Markets: Minimizing Risk and Maximizing Returns in a Volatile Global Marketplace, published in July 2009 by F.T. Press; The Wall Street Journal best-seller list, 2009. Jack is a frequent contributor to CNBC, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s. He served as a Professor of Finance at Boston University, Graduate School of Management and spent five years as a Money and Markets correspondent for the NBC affiliate in Jacksonville, Florida. Jack was named in CityWealth Magazine’s Leaders List in 2006, 2010-2023 He was also a finalist in the 2020 Family Wealth Report Awards in the category of “Outstanding Contribution to Wealth Management Thought Leadership”.

        Jack earned an A.B. degree from Vassar College in New York, where he graduated with honors in Mathematics and Computer Science. A member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society, Jack received an M.B.A. with honors, and graduated cum laude from Boston University in Massachusetts. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.

        Jack Ablin, CFA

        Chief Investment Officer & Founding Partner | Cresset

         

        As Chief Investment Officer, Jack Ablin is the leader of Cresset’s investment strategy and provides investment policy and philosophy guidelines to the firm’s advisor teams and clients. He has been named RIA Intel’s "CIO of the Year" for 2022.* Jack joined the organization in 2018 and has three decades of experience in money management.

        Jack was formerly the Chief Investment Officer with BMO Harris Bank. He is the author of Reading Minds and Markets: Minimizing Risk and Maximizing Returns in a Volatile Global Marketplace, published in July 2009 by F.T. Press; The Wall Street Journal best-seller list, 2009. Jack is a frequent contributor to CNBC, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s. He served as a Professor of Finance at Boston University, Graduate School of Management and spent five years as a Money and Markets correspondent for the NBC affiliate in Jacksonville, Florida. Jack was named in CityWealth Magazine’s Leaders List in 2006, 2010-2023 He was also a finalist in the 2020 Family Wealth Report Awards in the category of “Outstanding Contribution to Wealth Management Thought Leadership”.

        Jack earned an A.B. degree from Vassar College in New York, where he graduated with honors in Mathematics and Computer Science. A member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society, Jack received an M.B.A. with honors, and graduated cum laude from Boston University in Massachusetts. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.

        Jack Ablin, CFA

        Chief Investment Officer & Founding Partner | Cresset

         

        As Chief Investment Officer, Jack Ablin is the leader of Cresset’s investment strategy and provides investment policy and philosophy guidelines to the firm’s advisor teams and clients. He has been named RIA Intel’s "CIO of the Year" for 2022.* Jack joined the organization in 2018 and has three decades of experience in money management.

        Jack was formerly the Chief Investment Officer with BMO Harris Bank. He is the author of Reading Minds and Markets: Minimizing Risk and Maximizing Returns in a Volatile Global Marketplace, published in July 2009 by F.T. Press; The Wall Street Journal best-seller list, 2009. Jack is a frequent contributor to CNBC, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s. He served as a Professor of Finance at Boston University, Graduate School of Management and spent five years as a Money and Markets correspondent for the NBC affiliate in Jacksonville, Florida. Jack was named in CityWealth Magazine’s Leaders List in 2006, 2010-2023 He was also a finalist in the 2020 Family Wealth Report Awards in the category of “Outstanding Contribution to Wealth Management Thought Leadership”.

        Jack earned an A.B. degree from Vassar College in New York, where he graduated with honors in Mathematics and Computer Science. A member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society, Jack received an M.B.A. with honors, and graduated cum laude from Boston University in Massachusetts. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.

        Rick Lake

        Founder | Narrative Alpha

         

        Rick Lake, CAIA, CETF, is an accomplished alternative investment executive with a track record of leadership and innovation in alternative investing. Rick was co-founder of Lake Partners, a nationally recognized alternative investment research firm, which grew to $5 billion of consulting and advisory assets. Rick was also portfolio manager of the LASSO liquid alternative portfolio and mutual fund, one of the first daily liquid fund-of-funds strategies.

        As a speaker, Rick has been an invited presenter at the Morningstar Investment Conference, the London Business School, the MIT Sloan School of Management, the Yale School of Management, and at financial industry conferences around the US. As an author, he was co-editor of Private Equity and Venture Capital, a reference book used at business schools across the US. Rick also presented his white paper, the “Democratization of Hedge Funds,” at the SEC Hedge Fund Roundtable in 2003.

        Rick is the founder of Narrative Alpha, a consulting practice dedicated to helping alternative managers grow and serve advisors. Rick is also an Adjunct Professor at the Digital Business Institute of the Boston University Questrom School of Business. Rick graduated cum laude from Harvard.

        Rick Lake

        Founder | Narrative Alpha

         

        Rick Lake, CAIA, CETF, is an accomplished alternative investment executive with a track record of leadership and innovation in alternative investing. Rick was co-founder of Lake Partners, a nationally recognized alternative investment research firm, which grew to $5 billion of consulting and advisory assets. Rick was also portfolio manager of the LASSO liquid alternative portfolio and mutual fund, one of the first daily liquid fund-of-funds strategies.

        As a speaker, Rick has been an invited presenter at the Morningstar Investment Conference, the London Business School, the MIT Sloan School of Management, the Yale School of Management, and at financial industry conferences around the US. As an author, he was co-editor of Private Equity and Venture Capital, a reference book used at business schools across the US. Rick also presented his white paper, the “Democratization of Hedge Funds,” at the SEC Hedge Fund Roundtable in 2003.

        Rick is the founder of Narrative Alpha, a consulting practice dedicated to helping alternative managers grow and serve advisors. Rick is also an Adjunct Professor at the Digital Business Institute of the Boston University Questrom School of Business. Rick graduated cum laude from Harvard.

        Rick Lake

        Founder | Narrative Alpha

         

        Rick Lake, CAIA, CETF, is an accomplished alternative investment executive with a track record of leadership and innovation in alternative investing. Rick was co-founder of Lake Partners, a nationally recognized alternative investment research firm, which grew to $5 billion of consulting and advisory assets. Rick was also portfolio manager of the LASSO liquid alternative portfolio and mutual fund, one of the first daily liquid fund-of-funds strategies.

        As a speaker, Rick has been an invited presenter at the Morningstar Investment Conference, the London Business School, the MIT Sloan School of Management, the Yale School of Management, and at financial industry conferences around the US. As an author, he was co-editor of Private Equity and Venture Capital, a reference book used at business schools across the US. Rick also presented his white paper, the “Democratization of Hedge Funds,” at the SEC Hedge Fund Roundtable in 2003.

        Rick is the founder of Narrative Alpha, a consulting practice dedicated to helping alternative managers grow and serve advisors. Rick is also an Adjunct Professor at the Digital Business Institute of the Boston University Questrom School of Business. Rick graduated cum laude from Harvard.

        Jason Noble, CFP, RICP

        Financial Advisor & Member/Partner | Prime Capital Investment Advisors

         

        Jason Noble is a highly seasoned financial services professional with two decades of expertise in the field. Jason possesses an impressive array of qualifications, including the prestigious CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) and RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional®) designations, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to ongoing education and his dedication to providing the best possible service to his clients. Jason's client-centric approach involves collaborative efforts and utilizes the Clear Picture Analysis to ensure that his clients' financial plans are all-encompassing and provide crystal-clear clarity for their financial future. His guiding philosophy, rooted in Isaiah 32:8—"But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand," underscores his mission to assist others in achieving their financial goals.

        In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the industry, Jason earned a remarkable 5th place ranking nationwide in AdvisorHub's Top 100 Solo Advisors for 2023. This accolade highlights his outstanding achievements in areas such as Growth, Professionalism, and Scope of Service.

        Outside of client meetings, Jason extends his passion for financial education and community engagement by hosting the Clear Picture Financial and 20 Minutes of Clarity podcasts. Additionally, his commitment to philanthropy shines through in his podcast, Clear Picture Cares, where he interviews leaders of non-profits and charities, showcasing the impactful work being done in his community.

        In summary, Jason Noble is a financial expert of the highest caliber, driven by his unwavering commitment to client success, continuous learning, and ethical excellence. His dedication to making a positive impact extends beyond the realm of finance, demonstrating his passion for helping others and fostering a brighter future for his community.

        Jason Noble, CFP, RICP

        Financial Advisor & Member/Partner | Prime Capital Investment Advisors

         

        Jason Noble is a highly seasoned financial services professional with two decades of expertise in the field. Jason possesses an impressive array of qualifications, including the prestigious CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) and RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional®) designations, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to ongoing education and his dedication to providing the best possible service to his clients. Jason's client-centric approach involves collaborative efforts and utilizes the Clear Picture Analysis to ensure that his clients' financial plans are all-encompassing and provide crystal-clear clarity for their financial future. His guiding philosophy, rooted in Isaiah 32:8—"But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand," underscores his mission to assist others in achieving their financial goals.

        In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the industry, Jason earned a remarkable 5th place ranking nationwide in AdvisorHub's Top 100 Solo Advisors for 2023. This accolade highlights his outstanding achievements in areas such as Growth, Professionalism, and Scope of Service.

        Outside of client meetings, Jason extends his passion for financial education and community engagement by hosting the Clear Picture Financial and 20 Minutes of Clarity podcasts. Additionally, his commitment to philanthropy shines through in his podcast, Clear Picture Cares, where he interviews leaders of non-profits and charities, showcasing the impactful work being done in his community.

        In summary, Jason Noble is a financial expert of the highest caliber, driven by his unwavering commitment to client success, continuous learning, and ethical excellence. His dedication to making a positive impact extends beyond the realm of finance, demonstrating his passion for helping others and fostering a brighter future for his community.

        Jason Noble, CFP, RICP

        Financial Advisor & Member/Partner | Prime Capital Investment Advisors

         

        Jason Noble is a highly seasoned financial services professional with two decades of expertise in the field. Jason possesses an impressive array of qualifications, including the prestigious CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) and RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional®) designations, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to ongoing education and his dedication to providing the best possible service to his clients. Jason's client-centric approach involves collaborative efforts and utilizes the Clear Picture Analysis to ensure that his clients' financial plans are all-encompassing and provide crystal-clear clarity for their financial future. His guiding philosophy, rooted in Isaiah 32:8—"But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand," underscores his mission to assist others in achieving their financial goals.

        In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the industry, Jason earned a remarkable 5th place ranking nationwide in AdvisorHub's Top 100 Solo Advisors for 2023. This accolade highlights his outstanding achievements in areas such as Growth, Professionalism, and Scope of Service.

        Outside of client meetings, Jason extends his passion for financial education and community engagement by hosting the Clear Picture Financial and 20 Minutes of Clarity podcasts. Additionally, his commitment to philanthropy shines through in his podcast, Clear Picture Cares, where he interviews leaders of non-profits and charities, showcasing the impactful work being done in his community.

        In summary, Jason Noble is a financial expert of the highest caliber, driven by his unwavering commitment to client success, continuous learning, and ethical excellence. His dedication to making a positive impact extends beyond the realm of finance, demonstrating his passion for helping others and fostering a brighter future for his community.

        Chris Morgan

        VP & Senior Investment Officer | Members Trust Company

         

        Chris Morgan co-manages Members Trust Company portfolios primarily in Florida, the Greater D.C. area and Iowa. Chris brings over 10 years of financial market experience to Members Trust Company, and has earned the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst®, CFA®, designation in 2016, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM, CFP®, certification in 2020 and the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, CAP®, designation in 2022. He has also earned his Series 7, 63, 65, 66, 86 and 87 licenses from FINRA.

        Chris passionately follows macroeconomic and market developments and carefully integrates client-specific circumstances into his portfolio management process. He embraces the team-based approach at Members Trust Company, where our team of five investment officers collaborates closely to define investors’ objectives and implement comprehensive investment strategies. Chris believes a prudent investment officer can never stop learning as the markets evolve, so he prioritizes the numerous continuing education opportunities offered by the CFA Institute.

        Chris joined Members Trust Company in 2020 as a result of the sale of First American Bank assets. At First American Bank, he managed the firm’s $500 million of Private Wealth Management portfolios and chaired the Investment Committee. Prior to joining First American Bank, Chris covered utility stocks as a sell-side equity research analyst at Macquarie, where he won second place in the US 2018 StarMine awards for his team by creating accurate earnings estimates for water utilities. Prior to Macquarie, Chris worked as a buy-side analyst at Wells Fargo, where he researched equities and fixed income for a team managing $300 million of Wealth Management portfolios.

        Chris graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Finance and Accounting in 2014. He serves on the Boards of CFA Tampa Bay and Tampa ‘Canes (a local branch of the University of Miami Alumni Association).

        Chris Morgan

        VP & Senior Investment Officer | Members Trust Company

         

        Chris Morgan co-manages Members Trust Company portfolios primarily in Florida, the Greater D.C. area and Iowa. Chris brings over 10 years of financial market experience to Members Trust Company, and has earned the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst®, CFA®, designation in 2016, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM, CFP®, certification in 2020 and the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, CAP®, designation in 2022. He has also earned his Series 7, 63, 65, 66, 86 and 87 licenses from FINRA.

        Chris passionately follows macroeconomic and market developments and carefully integrates client-specific circumstances into his portfolio management process. He embraces the team-based approach at Members Trust Company, where our team of five investment officers collaborates closely to define investors’ objectives and implement comprehensive investment strategies. Chris believes a prudent investment officer can never stop learning as the markets evolve, so he prioritizes the numerous continuing education opportunities offered by the CFA Institute.

        Chris joined Members Trust Company in 2020 as a result of the sale of First American Bank assets. At First American Bank, he managed the firm’s $500 million of Private Wealth Management portfolios and chaired the Investment Committee. Prior to joining First American Bank, Chris covered utility stocks as a sell-side equity research analyst at Macquarie, where he won second place in the US 2018 StarMine awards for his team by creating accurate earnings estimates for water utilities. Prior to Macquarie, Chris worked as a buy-side analyst at Wells Fargo, where he researched equities and fixed income for a team managing $300 million of Wealth Management portfolios.

        Chris graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Finance and Accounting in 2014. He serves on the Boards of CFA Tampa Bay and Tampa ‘Canes (a local branch of the University of Miami Alumni Association).

        Chris Morgan

        VP & Senior Investment Officer | Members Trust Company

         

        Chris Morgan co-manages Members Trust Company portfolios primarily in Florida, the Greater D.C. area and Iowa. Chris brings over 10 years of financial market experience to Members Trust Company, and has earned the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst®, CFA®, designation in 2016, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM, CFP®, certification in 2020 and the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, CAP®, designation in 2022. He has also earned his Series 7, 63, 65, 66, 86 and 87 licenses from FINRA.

        Chris passionately follows macroeconomic and market developments and carefully integrates client-specific circumstances into his portfolio management process. He embraces the team-based approach at Members Trust Company, where our team of five investment officers collaborates closely to define investors’ objectives and implement comprehensive investment strategies. Chris believes a prudent investment officer can never stop learning as the markets evolve, so he prioritizes the numerous continuing education opportunities offered by the CFA Institute.

        Chris joined Members Trust Company in 2020 as a result of the sale of First American Bank assets. At First American Bank, he managed the firm’s $500 million of Private Wealth Management portfolios and chaired the Investment Committee. Prior to joining First American Bank, Chris covered utility stocks as a sell-side equity research analyst at Macquarie, where he won second place in the US 2018 StarMine awards for his team by creating accurate earnings estimates for water utilities. Prior to Macquarie, Chris worked as a buy-side analyst at Wells Fargo, where he researched equities and fixed income for a team managing $300 million of Wealth Management portfolios.

        Chris graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Finance and Accounting in 2014. He serves on the Boards of CFA Tampa Bay and Tampa ‘Canes (a local branch of the University of Miami Alumni Association).

        Matt Hougan

        Chief Investment Officer | Bitwise Asset Management

         

        Matt Hougan is one of the world’s leading experts on crypto, ETFs, and financial technology. He is Chief Investment Officer for Bitwise Asset Management, a pioneer in cryptoasset index funds. He was previously CEO of ETF.com, where he helped build the world’s first ETF data and analytics system, the leading ETF media site, and the world’s largest ETF conference, Inside ETFs. Hougan is co-author of both “A Comprehensive Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds” and “Cryptoassets: The Guide to Bitcoin, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies for Professional Investors” from the CFA Institute’s Research Foundation. Hougan is a crypto columnist for Forbes, and a three-time member of the Barron’s ETF Roundtable.

        Matt Hougan

        Chief Investment Officer | Bitwise Asset Management

         

        Matt Hougan is one of the world’s leading experts on crypto, ETFs, and financial technology. He is Chief Investment Officer for Bitwise Asset Management, a pioneer in cryptoasset index funds. He was previously CEO of ETF.com, where he helped build the world’s first ETF data and analytics system, the leading ETF media site, and the world’s largest ETF conference, Inside ETFs. Hougan is co-author of both “A Comprehensive Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds” and “Cryptoassets: The Guide to Bitcoin, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies for Professional Investors” from the CFA Institute’s Research Foundation. Hougan is a crypto columnist for Forbes, and a three-time member of the Barron’s ETF Roundtable.

        Matt Hougan

        Chief Investment Officer | Bitwise Asset Management

         

        Matt Hougan is one of the world’s leading experts on crypto, ETFs, and financial technology. He is Chief Investment Officer for Bitwise Asset Management, a pioneer in cryptoasset index funds. He was previously CEO of ETF.com, where he helped build the world’s first ETF data and analytics system, the leading ETF media site, and the world’s largest ETF conference, Inside ETFs. Hougan is co-author of both “A Comprehensive Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds” and “Cryptoassets: The Guide to Bitcoin, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies for Professional Investors” from the CFA Institute’s Research Foundation. Hougan is a crypto columnist for Forbes, and a three-time member of the Barron’s ETF Roundtable.

        Jenny Johnson

        CEO & President | Franklin Templeton

         

        Jenny Johnson is President and Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton. In a career spanning 35 years, she has been a key driver of the company's transformation to what is now one of the largest global investment managers with over $1.4 trillion in assets under management.
        Ms. Johnson held leadership roles in all major divisions of the business-including investment management, distribution, technology, operations and wealth management-before becoming CEO in February 2020. She has led the evolution of the business in recent years, further diversifying the company's investment capabilities and solutions for clients through key strategic acquisitions and investments.

        Ms. Johnson has received many recognitions, including being named to Forbes' “World's 100 Most Powerful Women” and “50 Over 50” lists in 2022. She has been named to Barron's list of the “100 Most Influential Women in US Finance” for four consecutive years, most recently in 2023. She was also named to Pensions & Investments’ inaugural class of “Influential Women in Institutional Investing” in 2023.

        Ms. Johnson serves on a variety of boards, including the International Advisory Panel of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the NYSE Board Advisory Council and, in 2023, was appointed to the US-Brazil CEO Forum. Additionally, Ms. Johnson is a board member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Foundation, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Catalyst. Previously, she has served on several other boards, including Stanford's Lucille Packard Children's Hospital and the San Francisco Giants. Ms. Johnson earned her B.A. in economics from the University of California at Davis.

        Jenny Johnson

        CEO & President | Franklin Templeton

         

        Jenny Johnson is President and Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton. In a career spanning 35 years, she has been a key driver of the company's transformation to what is now one of the largest global investment managers with over $1.4 trillion in assets under management.
        Ms. Johnson held leadership roles in all major divisions of the business-including investment management, distribution, technology, operations and wealth management-before becoming CEO in February 2020. She has led the evolution of the business in recent years, further diversifying the company's investment capabilities and solutions for clients through key strategic acquisitions and investments.

        Ms. Johnson has received many recognitions, including being named to Forbes' “World's 100 Most Powerful Women” and “50 Over 50” lists in 2022. She has been named to Barron's list of the “100 Most Influential Women in US Finance” for four consecutive years, most recently in 2023. She was also named to Pensions & Investments’ inaugural class of “Influential Women in Institutional Investing” in 2023.

        Ms. Johnson serves on a variety of boards, including the International Advisory Panel of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the NYSE Board Advisory Council and, in 2023, was appointed to the US-Brazil CEO Forum. Additionally, Ms. Johnson is a board member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Foundation, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Catalyst. Previously, she has served on several other boards, including Stanford's Lucille Packard Children's Hospital and the San Francisco Giants. Ms. Johnson earned her B.A. in economics from the University of California at Davis.

        Jenny Johnson

        CEO & President | Franklin Templeton

         

        Jenny Johnson is President and Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton. In a career spanning 35 years, she has been a key driver of the company's transformation to what is now one of the largest global investment managers with over $1.4 trillion in assets under management.
        Ms. Johnson held leadership roles in all major divisions of the business-including investment management, distribution, technology, operations and wealth management-before becoming CEO in February 2020. She has led the evolution of the business in recent years, further diversifying the company's investment capabilities and solutions for clients through key strategic acquisitions and investments.

        Ms. Johnson has received many recognitions, including being named to Forbes' “World's 100 Most Powerful Women” and “50 Over 50” lists in 2022. She has been named to Barron's list of the “100 Most Influential Women in US Finance” for four consecutive years, most recently in 2023. She was also named to Pensions & Investments’ inaugural class of “Influential Women in Institutional Investing” in 2023.

        Ms. Johnson serves on a variety of boards, including the International Advisory Panel of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the NYSE Board Advisory Council and, in 2023, was appointed to the US-Brazil CEO Forum. Additionally, Ms. Johnson is a board member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Foundation, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Catalyst. Previously, she has served on several other boards, including Stanford's Lucille Packard Children's Hospital and the San Francisco Giants. Ms. Johnson earned her B.A. in economics from the University of California at Davis.

        Joshua Gross

        CEO | Mill Creek Capital Advisors

         

        Josh serves as Chief Executive Officer of Mill Creek Capital Advisors, LLC. Josh is a Principal and serves on the firm’s Investment Committee. Five times before becoming CEO, Josh was honored in Barron’s Magazine as a Top 1200 Financial Advisor ranking,1 which honors the top 1% of investment advisors nationwide. Additionally, Josh has been honored as one of America’s Top 100 Independent Financial Advisors seven times by Barron’s Magazine. Prior to co-founding MCCA in 2006, from 1998-2006 Josh was a Principal at Hirtle, Callaghan & Co. Previously, Josh worked at Quantex Microsystems and served active duty in the United States Navy including being stationed aboard the carrier U.S.S. America (CV-66).

        Josh earned a B.A. from Rutgers University and an MBA from The Pennsylvania State University.

        Josh serves on several philanthropic boards in leadership roles including The Hillside School (Marlborough, MA), Einstein Healthcare Network & Jefferson Healthcare (Philadelphia, PA), Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA), The Philadelphia Orchestra (Philadelphia, PA), Westtown School (Westtown, PA), Scarlet Knights Wrestling Club & Foundation (New Brunswick, NJ). Josh is an active member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and Chief Executives Organization (CEO).

        Joshua Gross

        CEO | Mill Creek Capital Advisors

         

        Josh serves as Chief Executive Officer of Mill Creek Capital Advisors, LLC. Josh is a Principal and serves on the firm’s Investment Committee. Five times before becoming CEO, Josh was honored in Barron’s Magazine as a Top 1200 Financial Advisor ranking,1 which honors the top 1% of investment advisors nationwide. Additionally, Josh has been honored as one of America’s Top 100 Independent Financial Advisors seven times by Barron’s Magazine. Prior to co-founding MCCA in 2006, from 1998-2006 Josh was a Principal at Hirtle, Callaghan & Co. Previously, Josh worked at Quantex Microsystems and served active duty in the United States Navy including being stationed aboard the carrier U.S.S. America (CV-66).

        Josh earned a B.A. from Rutgers University and an MBA from The Pennsylvania State University.

        Josh serves on several philanthropic boards in leadership roles including The Hillside School (Marlborough, MA), Einstein Healthcare Network & Jefferson Healthcare (Philadelphia, PA), Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA), The Philadelphia Orchestra (Philadelphia, PA), Westtown School (Westtown, PA), Scarlet Knights Wrestling Club & Foundation (New Brunswick, NJ). Josh is an active member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and Chief Executives Organization (CEO).

        Joshua Gross

        CEO | Mill Creek Capital Advisors

         

        Josh serves as Chief Executive Officer of Mill Creek Capital Advisors, LLC. Josh is a Principal and serves on the firm’s Investment Committee. Five times before becoming CEO, Josh was honored in Barron’s Magazine as a Top 1200 Financial Advisor ranking,1 which honors the top 1% of investment advisors nationwide. Additionally, Josh has been honored as one of America’s Top 100 Independent Financial Advisors seven times by Barron’s Magazine. Prior to co-founding MCCA in 2006, from 1998-2006 Josh was a Principal at Hirtle, Callaghan & Co. Previously, Josh worked at Quantex Microsystems and served active duty in the United States Navy including being stationed aboard the carrier U.S.S. America (CV-66).

        Josh earned a B.A. from Rutgers University and an MBA from The Pennsylvania State University.

        Josh serves on several philanthropic boards in leadership roles including The Hillside School (Marlborough, MA), Einstein Healthcare Network & Jefferson Healthcare (Philadelphia, PA), Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA), The Philadelphia Orchestra (Philadelphia, PA), Westtown School (Westtown, PA), Scarlet Knights Wrestling Club & Foundation (New Brunswick, NJ). Josh is an active member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and Chief Executives Organization (CEO).

        Richard Frick

        Managing Partner, CEO | Gladstone Wealth Partners

         

        Richard Frick is the CEO of Gladstone Wealth Partners and a Managing Partner at Integrity. Richard’s broad and extensive background has set the foundation for him to successfully lead and innovate. Prior to joining Gladstone, he worked at a multinational investment management and financial services company in various leadership roles, including regional manager for Private Wealth Management and Complex Management. He also spent ten years in senior leadership at a leading bank and its predecessor firms. Richard is from Whitehall, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of Temple University. He currently lives in Naples, Florida, with his wife, Melanie, and their two daughters, Lilly and Carter. Richard and his wife are active in various charitable causes focusing on education, poverty and the arts.

        Richard Frick

        Managing Partner, CEO | Gladstone Wealth Partners

         

        Richard Frick is the CEO of Gladstone Wealth Partners and a Managing Partner at Integrity. Richard’s broad and extensive background has set the foundation for him to successfully lead and innovate. Prior to joining Gladstone, he worked at a multinational investment management and financial services company in various leadership roles, including regional manager for Private Wealth Management and Complex Management. He also spent ten years in senior leadership at a leading bank and its predecessor firms. Richard is from Whitehall, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of Temple University. He currently lives in Naples, Florida, with his wife, Melanie, and their two daughters, Lilly and Carter. Richard and his wife are active in various charitable causes focusing on education, poverty and the arts.

        Richard Frick

        Managing Partner, CEO | Gladstone Wealth Partners

         

        Richard Frick is the CEO of Gladstone Wealth Partners and a Managing Partner at Integrity. Richard’s broad and extensive background has set the foundation for him to successfully lead and innovate. Prior to joining Gladstone, he worked at a multinational investment management and financial services company in various leadership roles, including regional manager for Private Wealth Management and Complex Management. He also spent ten years in senior leadership at a leading bank and its predecessor firms. Richard is from Whitehall, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of Temple University. He currently lives in Naples, Florida, with his wife, Melanie, and their two daughters, Lilly and Carter. Richard and his wife are active in various charitable causes focusing on education, poverty and the arts.

        Marty Bicknell

        CEO & President | Mariner Wealth Advisors

         

        As the CEO and president of Mariner Wealth Advisors, Marty drives the strategic direction for the firm. As a recognized leader in wealth management, he devises innovative solutions to help meet the needs of our clients. He has extensive personal and professional experience with closely held family businesses and their unique complexities. He often mentors other successful entrepreneurs.

        Marty, along with seven others, founded Mariner Wealth Advisors in 2006 with a goal of keeping the client at the center of all we do. He wanted to build a firm that could simplify our clients’ lives by having all the resources they need under one roof. The day the doors opened, Marty made the promise to put the clients’ interests before anything else…a promise he still holds dear to this day. Marty has a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan.

        Marty Bicknell

        CEO & President | Mariner Wealth Advisors

         

        As the CEO and president of Mariner Wealth Advisors, Marty drives the strategic direction for the firm. As a recognized leader in wealth management, he devises innovative solutions to help meet the needs of our clients. He has extensive personal and professional experience with closely held family businesses and their unique complexities. He often mentors other successful entrepreneurs.

        Marty, along with seven others, founded Mariner Wealth Advisors in 2006 with a goal of keeping the client at the center of all we do. He wanted to build a firm that could simplify our clients’ lives by having all the resources they need under one roof. The day the doors opened, Marty made the promise to put the clients’ interests before anything else…a promise he still holds dear to this day. Marty has a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan.

        Marty Bicknell

        CEO & President | Mariner Wealth Advisors

         

        As the CEO and president of Mariner Wealth Advisors, Marty drives the strategic direction for the firm. As a recognized leader in wealth management, he devises innovative solutions to help meet the needs of our clients. He has extensive personal and professional experience with closely held family businesses and their unique complexities. He often mentors other successful entrepreneurs.

        Marty, along with seven others, founded Mariner Wealth Advisors in 2006 with a goal of keeping the client at the center of all we do. He wanted to build a firm that could simplify our clients’ lives by having all the resources they need under one roof. The day the doors opened, Marty made the promise to put the clients’ interests before anything else…a promise he still holds dear to this day. Marty has a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan.