Christopher Shea joins Balanz USA after 16 years at Citi to establish Shea Wealth Advisory.
The 25-year industry veteran, who also previously worked at Morgan Stanley, has decided to leave the large financial firms to focus on delivering clients a more robust product offering and unparalleled client experience, which the large institutions have abandoned.
As stated by Claudio Porcel, Balanz Group President, “there is a drive towards independence, advisors are looking for a culture that is both client and advisor friendly, Balanz aims to provide this culture”. With this, Chris will continue to service high-net-worth clients globally and expand his practice, from Balanz’s new Coral Gables, Miami office.
As one of Citi’s most successful advisors, Chris has spent his entire career developing a substantial wealth management business that encompasses a global footprint that aligns perfectly with our strategy and growth trajectory, said Balanz USA CEO Richard Ganter.
Shea will continue to deliver guidance and advice to his clients, and now, with the resources of the Balanz global brand and independence-driven culture, he will undoubtedly grow his practice to the next level. Is a significant hire for our firm and creates what we consider to be an enormous opportunity for him and his clients, added Ganter.
In the same sense, Balanz USA Managing Director Fred Lucier said, “with his knowledge and expertise, Shea will be an important catalyst for our future growth”.
A graduate of Florida International University’s College of Business, and a recent Barron’s Top advisor, He focuses on comprehensive wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth families and individuals.
“With Balanz’s open architecture platform and superior technology stack I can be far more proactive with clients, provide best in class solutions, and will have access to unique intellectual capital”, said Shea.
Diego Daza will be joining together with Shea, and he will be his second-hand in the process of establishing his wealth advisory practice in Balanz USA. Daza is a highly experienced and accomplished portfolio registered associate, with a proven track record in esteemed financial institutions, including JP Morgan Chase and Citibank.
With 12 years of combined experience, including the last 7 years at Citibank, Daza has established himself as a specialist in servicing high-net-worth clients, the release added.
“His extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge of the industry have enabled him to understand and cater to the unique needs of affluent individuals. Diego’s expertise led him to become a valued member of Citibank’s top producer’s team as a Registered Service Associate, where he efficiently helped manage a book of over $250MM (AUM) in assets”, the firm said.
In addition to his vast industry experience, Daza holds a B.B.A from Towson University.
Shea’s hire is the first of many to come and sets the tone for Balanz USA moving forward: the firm will continue to hire top-tier financial advisors, offering them sophisticated wealth management services and independence, with the goal of helping these advisors grow their practice and give their clients best-in-class plans, strategies, and solutions to achieve their financial goals.
