Divam Mehta’s passion to be a stand-out financial advisor comes from his background as a first generation Indian American. He’s on a mission to make the community more prominent within the profession.
“When [the industry] first started, our community was super small,” the founder and wealth manager of Virginia-based Mehta Financial Group says. “A lot of people were not looking at us as a viable foothold to have a strong discourse where we couldn't become profitable clientele.
"Just because we're not prominent in number doesn't mean that we still don't apply a lot of these financial planning techniques strategies. We still need those concepts to succeed. Just because we're not prominent in number doesn't mean that we still don't apply a lot of these financial planning techniques and strategies. We still need those concepts to succeed,” he added.
His niche is serving clients who are also first- and second-generation Indian immigrants, he says, which “by dealing exclusively in that market space, I think is definitely unique.
“I bring a very different cultural approach to my clients, and I understand exactly what they need by living their journey through them and with them at the same time.”
This is one of the reasons why Mehta is being recognized as an InvestmentNews Awards 2024 Excellence Awardee, with the winners announced on June 20 at 583 Park Avenue, New York City in a glitzy, red carpet ceremony. Click here to register to attend.
“We have a very family-oriented culture,” he highlighted. “It's not just [that] I want to earn for myself in my own retirement, but I also want to make sure my children are well educated, so they can stand on their own two feet and still leave a legacy behind as well.”
Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.
From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.
"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.
Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.
Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.