CFP®-certified, private / alternative investments financial advisors in Santa Cruz, 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 risks or liquidity issues that can disrupt your financial goals. CFP® certification means these advisors have formal training in financial planning, which helps them integrate alternative investments into your broader strategy.
- Risk assessment clarity. Ask how they evaluate the unique risks of private investments compared to public markets.
- Liquidity planning. Confirm they consider how and when you can access funds locked in alternatives.
- Tax implications. Private investments often have different tax treatments; check how they manage these complexities.
- Portfolio integration. See how they balance alternatives with your other assets to align with your overall goals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Craig B
CFP®, Series 65, Series 66
Campbell, CA
Private Advisor Group, LLC
Craig Brooks, a CFP® with 22 years of experience, specializes in private and alternative investments, offering expertise in equity compensation tax strategy and options & derivatives strategies. Operating independently through Mariner Advisor Network, he provides flexible fee structures including flat fees and negotiable AUM rates, serving a diverse client base with access to model portfolios and retirement plan consulting, distinguishing him from other advisors in Santa Cruz.
Experience: 23 years
Avg account: $330,212
-
Matthew R
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Los Gatos, CA
Arete Wealth Advisors, LLC
Matthew Roberson's 26 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to manage private and alternative investments effectively, addressing complex risk and liquidity concerns. Based in nearby Los Gatos, he offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning through Arete Wealth Advisors, which serves a diverse clientele including high-net-worth individuals, using both advisor-driven and proprietary investment models.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $484,172
-
Susan L
CFP®, Series 65
Santa Cruz, CA
Wynn Capital Management, LLC
Susan Landry's CFP® certification and expertise in private and alternative investments make her well-suited for managing complex assets in Santa Cruz, CA. At Wynn Capital Management, she supports high-net-worth clients with a research-based approach that includes diversified global portfolios, low-cost funds, and defined options strategies, offering a blend of risk management and income generation distinct from other advisors.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $1,146,196
-
Leigh S
CFP®, Series 66
Los Gatos, CA
Mercer Global Advisors Inc.
Leigh Shimamoto is CFP®-certified and specializes in private and alternative investments, making her well-equipped to manage complex assets like private equity and hedge funds. Based in Los Gatos, she works at Mercer Global Advisors, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients with a Modern Portfolio Theory approach, offering flat-fee options and comprehensive services including tax support and estate planning coordination.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $2,214,259
-
Ian M
CFP®, Series 66
San Francisco, CA
Sustainable Advisors Alliance LLC
Ian Mcleod's 21 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to manage private and alternative investments effectively, especially within the Santa Cruz area. His firm, Impact Investors, emphasizes ESG integration and offers flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, serving individuals, families, and mission-driven organizations with a focus on impact investing and diversified portfolio construction.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $410,064
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Santa Cruz, CA
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)