Ritholtz Wealth Management (RWM), a national RIA overseeing over $4 billion in assets for high-net-worth clients and institutions, announced opening a new office in the Manhattan Beach neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Building on the recent opening of the firm’s Charlotte, North Carolina office, this expansion highlights the appeal of RWM’s sophisticated yet straightforward approach to financial planning and asset management.
Senior advisor Michelle Katzen, CFP, CDFA, heads RWM’s new Los Angeles office. She brings 15 years of financial services experience and over a decade of client service experience, having worked at Toyota Financial Services, Union Bank, and UBS. Notably, at Toyota Financial Services, she was part of the team that issued the auto industry’s first-ever asset-backed green bond in 2014.
Katzen holds a Master of Financial Engineering from UCLA Anderson School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Colorado State University. Her path to RWM was driven by her alignment with the firm’s values and her passion for delivering client-focused financial advice.
The LA office is further strengthened by Jordan Hanson, CFP, whose experience includes over eight years as a financial advisor. With an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Nevada, Hanson’s expertise will be instrumental in addressing the diverse needs of the Los Angeles market.
Launched in 2010 by Barry Ritholtz, chairman and chief investment officer, alongside Brown, RWM quickly established itself as a disruptive force in the financial industry. The firm’s culture, founded on the principles of transparency, education and putting clients first, has been pivotal in its success and in establishing a nationwide presence.
The team’s expertise is also further deepened by Michael Batnick, CFA, managing partner, and Ben Carlson, CFA, director of institutional asset management. As co-founders of Future Proof (the world’s first outdoor wealth festival), the RWM team also further demonstrates its willingness to challenge the status quo and redefine industry standards.
KEY QUOTES:
“After years of honing my skills and knowledge in the financial industry, I was looking for an environment that prioritized client service, growth and collaboration. What Josh, Barry, Kris and Michael have created is really special – their culture of excellence and dedication to client success resonated deeply with me. I am thrilled to lead our efforts in Los Angeles, leveraging RWM’s tax, insurance, and estate planning experts to offer clients financial guidance that’s personalized to their unique needs.”
- Michelle Katzen
“We’ve been serving clients in Los Angeles since the beginning, and it’s always been one of our biggest potential markets because of the fan base we’ve built in the area. With Michelle and Jordan, we’ve finally found the local leadership for us to build our physical presence.”
- Josh Brown, Ritholtz Wealth’s CEO
