Large-firm, private / alternative investments financial advisors in Santa Barbara, 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 have significant assets outside traditional stocks and bonds, like private equity or hedge funds, you need an advisor who understands these complex investments. Without that expertise, you might face hidden fees or liquidity issues that can disrupt your financial plans. Large-firm advisors often have access to a wider range of private investment opportunities and resources.
- Due diligence process. Ask how they evaluate private deals and alternative funds to ensure quality and fit for your goals.
- Liquidity management. Confirm how they plan for the longer lock-up periods common in private investments.
- Fee transparency. Private investments often have layered fees; check how clearly these are disclosed and managed.
- Tax implications. Private assets can have unique tax treatments; see how they integrate this into your overall tax strategy.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Nicole G
Series 66
Santa Barbara, CA
Sanctuary Advisors, LLC
Nicole Garfias specializes in private and alternative investments within a large-firm setting in Santa Barbara, offering expertise in retirement income and business exit strategies. Her firm, Sanctuary Advisors, LLC, provides customized investment programs with both discretionary and non-discretionary strategies, supported by a broad network, and offers flat-fee financial planning services negotiated individually, distinguishing her from other advisors with different fee structures or less firm support.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $1,618,113
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Thomas A
Series 65, Series 66
Santa Barbara, CA
Mercer Global Advisors Inc.
Thomas Azoury at Mercer Global Advisors in Santa Barbara is equipped to handle private and alternative investments, leveraging the firm's large-firm resources and expertise in complex asset classes. His approach incorporates Modern Portfolio Theory with a focus on globally diversified, risk-appropriate portfolios, and he serves high-net-worth clients with a flat-fee structure, differentiating him from advisors with traditional fee models or narrower investment focuses.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $2,214,259
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Amy M
Series 65
Santa Barbara, CA
Cresset Asset Management, LLC
Amy Macleod at Cresset Asset Management offers expertise in private and alternative investments, supported by 16 years of experience and a Series 65 designation. Her firm manages $71.9 billion with a structured due diligence process and combines active and passive strategies, providing flat-fee planning options and serving high-net-worth clients in Santa Barbara, CA.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $14,732,716
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Kristin M
Series 63, Series 66
Santa Barbara, CA
Independent Financial Group, LLC
Kristin Mata's 18 years of experience and expertise in private and alternative investments make her well-equipped to manage complex assets like private equity and hedge funds in Santa Barbara. Working with Independent Financial Group, a large firm offering flat-fee and AUM-based structures, she serves diverse clients including business owners, providing tailored portfolio management and financial planning services.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $474,424
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Colby L
Series 66
Santa Barbara, CA
Charles Schwab
Colby Laxton at Charles Schwab in Santa Barbara specializes in private and alternative investments, supported by seven years of experience and a Series 66 designation. His firm’s large-scale resources provide access to diverse private investment opportunities, while his background in real estate investing and multi-state taxation adds depth to managing complex portfolios with a 0.80% annual AUM fee.
Experience: 8 years
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