Northern Trust tightens San Diego focus with new market leader

Northern Trust is signaling its emphasis on a key California market with a new promotion in its wealth management unit.

The firm announced that it has appointed Ali Nafii as the new market leader for its wealth management division in San Diego. In this role, Nafii will oversee strategic growth and direct services for high-net-worth individuals and families in the area.

Nafii, who joined Northern Trust in 2015, previously served as client development market lead and senior portfolio advisor in Orange County. His new responsibilities will include leading a team that offers investment management, trust, banking, and advisory solutions to some of San Diego’s most prominent families, businesses, and nonprofits.

Northern Trust Wealth Management is known for providing comprehensive wealth management services to affluent individuals and families, family offices, foundations, endowments, and privately held businesses.

Northern Trust’s technology and degree of service has made its wealth arm a force to be reckoned with, boasting $420.6 billion in AUM as of March 31.

In a statement, Michele Havens, west region president of Northern Trust Wealth Management, endorsed his approach to working with clients.

“Ali combines a balanced, cross-functional perspective with exceptional service,” said Havens, to whom Nafii will be reporting. “He appreciates the individuality of each of our clients and guides collaborative teams to develop custom plans that help them achieve their goals.”

She underscored the “remarkable growth” in the San Diego market last year, with “impressive new business results” in the region.

“We are confident that Ali’s commitment will reinforce keeping service excellence and client priorities at the center of everything we do,” she said.

Before joining Northern Trust, Nafii worked at Jarislowsky Fraser, the global investment firm.