Large-firm, private / alternative investments financial advisors in Santa Clara, 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're considering private or alternative investments, you likely want to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds. A common mistake is underestimating the complexity and risks involved, which can lead to unexpected losses or liquidity issues.
- Firm resources matter. Large firms often have access to exclusive deals and research, so ask how your advisor leverages these advantages for your portfolio.
- Risk assessment approach. Private investments can be illiquid and volatile; confirm how the advisor evaluates and manages these risks tailored to your financial goals.
- Tax implications. Alternative assets may have unique tax treatments, especially in California with its high income taxes; check how your advisor plans for these nuances.
- Portfolio integration. Ensure the advisor explains how private investments fit with your overall asset allocation and long-term strategy, not just as standalone opportunities.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Dustan Z
CFP®
New York, NY
Cerity partners LLC
Dustan Zavatsky at Cerity Partners LLC is equipped to handle private and alternative investments, leveraging the firm's $126.9 billion in assets and access to private-market opportunities. His CFP® certification and experience with high-net-worth clients complement Cerity's focus on diversified asset allocation, while his flat-fee and hourly fee options provide flexible planning services compared to other advisors in Santa Clara.
Experience: 3 years
Avg account: $4,574,620
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Vallapuzha S
Series 65
Santa Clara, CA
Edelman Financial Engines
Vallapuzha Sandhya is equipped to handle private and alternative investments in Santa Clara through her 12 years at Edelman Financial Engines, a large firm known for technology-enabled advisory services and customized portfolios. Her expertise includes tax-loss harvesting and concentrated stock management, with a flat-fee structure that may appeal to clients seeking transparent costs compared to traditional AUM fees.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $375,508
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Hector C
Series 66
Santa Clara, CA
Creative Planning
Hector Cervantes at Creative Planning is equipped to handle private and alternative investments in Santa Clara, leveraging the resources of a large firm known for exclusive deals and research. His expertise includes tax-loss harvesting and retirement income strategies, with a flat-fee structure and a focus on high-net-worth clients, distinguishing him through a financial planning-led approach emphasizing low-cost indexing and buy-and-hold strategies.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $2,113,277
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Brian F
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
Santa, CA
Focus Partners Wealth, LLC
Brian Fenn's 25 years of experience and CFP® and ChFC® credentials equip him to handle private and alternative investments within a large-firm setting in Santa Clara, CA. His firm, Focus Partners Wealth, LLC, serves high-net-worth clients with a long-term, tax- and fee-sensitive investment approach that blends active and passive strategies, including private funds and ETFs, differentiating him from advisors with narrower focuses or smaller firms.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $2,557,933
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Hanyu Z
CFP®, Series 66
Santa Clara, CA
Charles Schwab
Hanyu Zhao at Charles Schwab in Santa Clara specializes in private and alternative investments, supported by nine years of experience and a Series 66 designation. His firm serves high-net-worth clients with a multi-asset investment approach and offers a 0.80% annual AUM fee, differentiating him through access to large-firm resources and comprehensive managed-account services.
Experience: 10 years
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