Top startup equity planning financial advisors in New York
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
If you recently received stock options or equity in a startup, you need an advisor who understands how to plan around these complex assets. Without expert guidance, you might miss key tax opportunities or mishandle your equity's timing and sale.
- Equity type knowledge. Confirm they know the difference between stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and other startup equity forms, as each has unique tax and exercise rules.
- Tax event timing. Ask how they help you plan around triggering taxable events, like exercising options or selling shares, to minimize unexpected tax bills.
- Exit strategy alignment. Ensure they consider your startup’s growth and potential exit scenarios when advising on when and how to convert or sell your equity.
- Large-firm resources. Many here work at large firms, which can offer access to specialized tax and legal experts to support your equity planning.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Michael G
Series 66
New York, NY
Merrill
Michael Gatti specializes in startup equity planning and has 15 years of industry experience, making him well-equipped to navigate the complexities of stock options and RSUs for New York clients. As a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill, a large firm, he offers access to extensive resources and focuses on tailored wealth management strategies, including tax minimization and executive compensation, which distinguishes him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Leonard B
Series 66
Jericho, NY
Morgan Stanley
Leonard Baldassare is equipped to assist with startup equity planning, leveraging his expertise in executive compensation design and liquidity event planning, along with a decade of industry experience. Operating within a large firm environment at Morgan Stanley, he offers access to extensive resources and combines this with a personalized approach that includes retirement income strategy and tax minimization, distinguishing him from other advisors in the New York area.
Experience: 11 years
Avg account: $670,481
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Michael C
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
New York, NY
Edward Jones
Michael Christodoulou specializes in startup equity planning and business exit strategies, making him well-equipped to guide clients through the complexities of stock options and equity timing. With 18 years of experience and credentials like ChFC®, he operates within Edward Jones, a large firm offering extensive resources and a broad advisory network, which may provide additional support compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Joe F
VerifiedCFP®, CFA®
New York, NY
Fortrove Partners
Joe Forish specializes in startup equity planning, offering expertise in stock options, RSUs, and executive compensation, which is crucial for managing complex startup equity assets. Based in New York, he serves millennial technology professionals and founders, providing flat-fee pricing and independent advice, distinguishing him from others with his CFP® and CFA® credentials and a personal background rooted in business ownership and finance.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $575,006
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Chris H
CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®
Rochester, NY
Iconoclastic Capital Management LLC
Chris Haigh specializes in startup equity planning and private alternative investments, making him well-equipped to handle complex equity assets for clients in New York. As a CFP®-certified, independent advisor with 12 years of experience, he offers flat-fee and project-based financial planning, appealing to Gen X clients and founders seeking unbiased advice without commission conflicts.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $483,538
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