Seasoned, options & derivatives strategies financial advisors in Santa Monica, 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 trade or hold complex options and derivatives, you need an advisor who understands how these tools affect your overall financial picture, especially in a high-tax state like California. A common mistake is treating options strategies as isolated trades rather than parts of a broader plan that considers tax impacts and risk management.
- Tax-aware strategy. Confirm how they integrate California's high income taxes and Proposition 13 property tax limits into your options planning.
- Risk management focus. Ask how they balance potential gains with the risks unique to derivatives, not just the upside.
- Experience with complex instruments. Look for advisors who can explain how different options and derivatives work together in your portfolio.
- Long-term perspective. Ensure they consider how your options strategies fit into your retirement and wealth goals over many years.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Christopher K
Series 63
Santa Monica, CA
Mutual Advisors, LLC
Christopher Kiely brings 28 years of experience and specializes in options and derivatives strategies, making him well-equipped to handle complex financial instruments in Santa Monica's high-tax environment. His firm, Mutual Advisors, LLC, manages $6.75 billion with 123 advisors, offering both passive and active investment strategies, and he provides flexible fee structures including flat fees and hourly rates, distinguishing him from others by combining seasoned expertise with diverse client services.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $916,008
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Adam B
Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Mapleton Capital Management, LLC
Adam Blumenstein brings 26 years of experience managing options and derivatives strategies in Santa Monica, with a focus on active portfolio management and concentrated stock management. His firm, Mapleton Capital Management, employs fundamental research and an aggressive, short-term trading style including short selling and leverage, catering to high-net-worth clients with a 1.25% annual AUM fee, distinguishing him from advisors with more conservative approaches.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $1,757,711
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Sy L
Series 66
Los Angeles, CA
L & S Advisors, Inc
Sy Lippman brings 26 years of experience managing options and derivatives strategies, with expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement income planning, which is crucial for navigating California's complex tax environment. Operating from Los Angeles with L & S Advisors, he offers tiered AUM fees and serves a diverse client base, distinguishing him through a multi-team approach managing over $1 billion in assets.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $887,565
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Mary K
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Victus Capital Wealth
Mary Kusnic brings 26 years of experience in options and derivatives strategies, serving high-net-worth clients in Santa Monica with a focus on tax-aware planning and risk management. At Victus Capital Wealth, she leverages a blend of fundamental and technical analysis within a boutique team managing $250 million, offering both long-term investing and active trading approaches with flexible fee options including hourly rates.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $1,482,537
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Mark C
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Monica, CA
Westside Investment Management, LLC
Mark Cohen offers seasoned expertise in options and derivatives strategies, supported by 38 years of industry experience and a diverse investment approach at Westside Investment Management. His firm provides discretionary portfolio management and financial planning with a flat-fee and AUM-based fee structure, catering to high-net-worth clients in Santa Monica, CA, which may suit those seeking comprehensive, tax-aware options strategies integrated into broader wealth management.
Experience: 39 years
Avg account: $908,336
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