Results and relationships matter to Christian – and to the generations of clients he serves in Los Angeles and Orange County. An enthusiastic and experienced advisor, he has attracted a growing number of families led by business owners, executives, teachers and other hardworking people who sacrifice and save for the people they love.
Christian’s rigorous industry training reflects his desire to provide clients with an extra measure of knowledge and know-how. He holds the:
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, CFP® certification.
• Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™, AWMA™ designation.
• Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™ designation.
Rather than make assumptions about clients, Christian makes time to understand their goals and concerns. Treating each client with the care he would provide a close family member, he asks questions that allow him to customize a financial strategy that typically spans investment and retirement planning, liability management, debt consolidation, and legacy planning.
• “What is important to you about money?”
• “What are your values around money?”
• “What do you want for your children?”
• “What is your vision of retirement?”
• “What Is a tangible goal you have?
• "What goal do you think is out of reach?”
Listening closely to both spouses and encouraging input from each, Christian often hears that clients are afraid of out-living their money, not being able to retire comfortably, or support an elderly parent. Whenever possible, he educates – helping clients understand the benefits of investing on a regular basis and the holdings in their portfolios (what they own and why).
When it comes to investments, Christian takes strategic direction from the firm’s Chief Investment Office and utilizes the firm’s award-winning research to help diversify each client’s portfolio with equities, bonds, cash and, in some cases, alternative investments – always with an eye on tax consequences.
Christian also tailors his frequency and mode of contact to their preferences. He is also happy to meet with clients at their homes, businesses, or his office.
“I love seeing clients achieve goals that hold meaning in their lives – the kind that affect their families for years to come,” Christian explains. “Sharing a client’s joy is tremendously rewarding. It reminds me of the role I play and the value I provide.”
To align clients’ tax-minimization and estate planning strategies, Christian looks to coordinate with their CPAs and attorneys. He also provides clients with access to Bank of America N.A. for residential and securities-based lending.
Christian’s story of financial independence is similar to many of his clients. Growing up in a lower-income family, he worked throughout high school and college, borrowed money and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Cal State, Los Angeles. His Passion for wealth management began in high school while playing soccer. His coach, who was also a financial advisor, recognized his potential and offered to mentor him. Encouraging him to pursue a college education, he advised him to reach out after graduation to begin his journey in the financial industry. He began his career at WaMu Investments in 2006, before moving to Merrill six years later.
No longer a soccer player, Christian holds a Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu. He also holds a place in his heart for family time, spent with his wife, Evelyn, their daughter Olivia, son Enzo, and dog Loki.
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*The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).
*Institutional Investor magazine announced BofA Global Research as one of the Top Global Research Firms in 2023 based on surveys held throughout the year. The magazine creates rankings of the top research analysts in a wide variety of specializations, drawn from the choices of portfolio managers and other investment professionals at more than 1,000 firms. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. Learn more about the methodology at Institutional Investor. Rankings and recognition from Institutional Investor are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement.
*Some or all alternative investment programs may not be in the best interest of certain investors. No assurance can be given that any alternative investment’s investment objectives will be achieved.
*NMLS#896717
Communication is instrumental to managing life's challenges. That's why I work to engage you and your family in the financial decision-making process. Communicating openly with family members on the sometimes-difficult subject of wealth can be a challenge. I can help facilitate these discussions and offer personalized financial strategies designed to educate the younger generation about how assets may be invested.
Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life
The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.
