Large-firm, active portfolio management financial advisors in Palo Alto, CA
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 actively manage your investment portfolio, you need an advisor who understands how to balance frequent trades with tax implications and market timing. Without this expertise, you might face unnecessary costs or miss opportunities to optimize returns.
Large-firm advisors often have access to extensive research and resources, which can support more informed decision-making for your portfolio.
- Tax-aware trading. Ask how they minimize tax impact when buying and selling assets frequently.
- Market responsiveness. Confirm how they adjust strategies quickly in response to market changes without overtrading.
- Resource utilization. Inquire about the research tools and analyst support they leverage to inform active decisions.
- Fee structure clarity. Understand how their fees align with active management to avoid surprises on costs.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Cornelius D
Series 63, Series 66
Los Altos, CA
Independent Financial Group, LLC
Cornelius Dempsey III offers active portfolio management expertise within a large firm setting, leveraging 37 years of industry experience and credentials including Series 63 and 66. His firm, Independent Financial Group, LLC, provides access to multiple advisory platforms and third-party asset managers, supporting informed decision-making and a variety of fee structures including flat fees and AUM-based fees, distinguishing him from other advisors in the Palo Alto area.
Experience: 37 years
Avg account: $474,424
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Seth T
Series 66
Mountain View, CA
Fidelity
Seth Tom at Fidelity in Mountain View offers active portfolio management backed by a large firm's extensive research and algorithmic portfolio construction, supporting tax-aware trading and market responsiveness. With a Series 66 designation and a unique background as a weightlifting coach, he brings a fresh perspective compared to more experienced advisors, making him a distinctive choice for clients seeking innovative strategies near Palo Alto.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $234,793
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Darryl C
Series 63, Series 65
Palo Alto, CA
Schwab Wealth Advisory
Darryl Celkupa offers expertise in active portfolio management within a large firm setting in Palo Alto, leveraging Schwab Wealth Advisory's proprietary research tools and asset-allocation models to support tax-aware trading and market responsiveness. With 31 years of experience and credentials including Series 63 and 65, he serves clients such as executives and business owners, providing integrated wealth management and trade execution services that distinguish him from other advisors.
Experience: 32 years
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Alicia M
Series 66
Palo Alto, CA
Focus Partners Wealth, LLC
Alicia Mchugh at Focus Partners Wealth, LLC in Palo Alto offers active portfolio management within a large firm setting, leveraging 14 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. The firm uses a tax- and fee-sensitive investment approach combining active and passive strategies, private funds, and ETFs, with flat-fee options and services tailored for high-net-worth and established professional clients.
Experience: 15 years
Avg account: $2,557,933
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Reeve G
Series 66
San Francisco, CA
Merrill
Reeve Ghiass at Merrill in Palo Alto specializes in active portfolio management with a focus on tax-loss harvesting, suitable for mid-career professionals and high earners. Merrill's large-firm resources provide multiple program strategies and tax-efficient capabilities, while Reeve's 3 years of experience and 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies offer a competitive option among local advisors.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $860,085
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