BTC Group
100 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.996.2071
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Welcome

We focus on two distinct areas: institutional wealth management and guiding business owners through the sale of their companies. Our experience lies in navigating the complexities of institutional wealth management—centered around regulation, compliance, and risk mitigation —and the intricate demands of selling a business, which involve strategic business planning, personal financial planning, successful deal execution.


Our team holds the prestigious Merrill Institutional Consultant (MIC) designation, awarded to fewer than 120 advisors at Merrill. This distinction underscores our ability to deliver tailored, sophisticated financial strategies for both institutions and business owners seeking to sell their businesses.

Given our dedication to resolving complex issues, we carefully select a limited number of clients each year. This helps ensure that we can provide the highest standard of white-glove service. We invite you to explore how our exclusive approach can help you achieve your financial aspirations.

*Merrill Institutional Consulting™ (MIC) is part of Global Wealth and Investment Management (GWIM), the wealth and investment management division of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”), and offers products and services for the benefit of institutional and ultra‐high net worth clients through dually registered representatives of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S“ or “Merrill”) who can provide brokerage and investment advisory services. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and clients’ rights and MLPF&S’s obligations will differ depending upon the products and services actually provided. Banking products, services and activities are offered by wholly owned banking affiliates of BofA Corp., including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. MLPF&S and Bank of America, N.A. are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation. MLPF&S is a dually registered broker‐dealer and investment adviser and Member SIPC. MLPF&S makes available investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of BofA Corp. Bank of America, the Bank of America logo, Merrill and Merrill Institutional Consulting are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.

In managing defined benefit plans, we prioritize addressing the challenges of underfunded pensions, which often weigh heavily on a company’s balance sheet. These plans are not only expensive but can also be a significant burden for CFOs, given the rising costs and liabilities they present. Through our extensive experience, we have identified that poor performance often stems from inadequate hedging strategies and uninspired investment management, leaving the plan’s portfolio vulnerable and contributing to growing financial obligations.   Our proprietary process focuses on revitalizing underfunded pension plans by implementing strategic, forward-thinking strategies. By refining portfolio management and introducing proper hedging mechanisms, we aim to reduce liabilities, optimize performance, and ultimately alleviate the financial strain on the companies sponsoring these plans.


Recognition
Alexander Braun
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
Forbes "Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors Best-in-State", 2023-2024
(Published annually Aug - September. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of current year.)
Meet Our Team
Gilbert Tong,

CAP®, CPFA®, CPWA®, SE-AWMA™

Senior Vice President, Senior Resident Director - Wealth Management Advisor
310.996.2071
Alexander Braun,

CIMA®, CPFA®

Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
310.203.3332
David Carbone,

CPFA®

First Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
720.941.2012
Craig Vassell,

CFP®, CIMA®

Wealth Management Advisor
310.996.2035
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CAP® and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® are the property of The American College, which reserves the sole rights to its use, and are used by permission.
Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CPWA® and Certified Private Wealth Advisor®. Use of CPWA®, and/or Certified Private Wealth Advisor® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for wealth advisors.
Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™, SE-AWMA™, and the SE-AWMA™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.
Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CIMA® and Certified Investment Management Analyst®. Use of CIMA®, and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professionals.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and the CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.