Top woman advisor launches California-based RIA

Top woman advisor launches California-based RIA
Leading a team with a combined record overseeing $1.2B in assets, the Certuity alum focuses on helping executives, legal pros, and other HNWIs achieve financial clarity.
JUL 16, 2024

A wealth industry veteran in California recognized frequently as a best-in-state woman advisor is venturing forth with her own independent firm.

Kara S. Boccella, a seasoned financial professional who consistently appears on Forbes' Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State List, has announced the launch of Serenus Wealth Advisors.

With a 15-year record in the industry, including a decade at Certuity, Boccella started the new national wealth management firm with Devon M. Galindo, a wealth advisor with over fifteen years of experience.

Together with their team based in Santa Monica, California, they aim to deliver comprehensive wealth management services to their clientele of high-net-worth individuals, including legal professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs.

The firm takes a holistic planning approach, offering investment solutions along with advice on insurance, risk management, retirement, tax, and estate planning. Operating as a partner-owned, independent entity, the team consists of fee-only fiduciaries that promise to provide conflict-free advice.

"Our top priority is serving as our clients' trusted partner," Boccella, the firm’s founder and managing partner, said in a statement Tuesday. "They are the reason why I am dedicated to continuing this journey, now with a renewed focus and passion entirely centered on delivering their financial clarity and well-being for today and tomorrow."

Joining Boccella and Galindo are Rebecca K. Tipp and Laura E. Lemoine, who will serve as directors, and Lonny Elfenbein, who will be the chief compliance officer. The team, previously part of Certuity's Santa Monica office, has a combined history of managing $1.2 billion in assets.

"Having worked alongside Kara for over 15 years, I deeply share her commitment to meeting every client's needs through a personalized approach," said Galindo, partner at Serenus Wealth Advisors. "Our team's history – having worked together now for more than a decade – and our client-focused dedication reflect our core values."

With sophisticated and comprehensive solutions, Serenus Wealth Advisors emphasizes a client-centered philosophy. The firm aims to guide clients toward financial tranquility, as shown by its logo symbolizing water, by helping them navigate financial complexities and achieve their goals.

"For over 30 years, it has been my privilege and honor to serve clients with a hyper focus on ensuring their financial peace of mind throughout their lifetimes," Boccella said.

Latest News

Advisor moves: RBC lands $1B UBS team in Pittsburgh
Advisor moves: RBC lands $1B UBS team in Pittsburgh

Elsewhere, Wells Fargo Advisors adds a $400 million Morgan Stanley veteran in Naples as an ex-Cetera advisor goes independent with LPL

GWG’s Heppner hires Puff Daddy’s attorneys as criminal sentencing looms
GWG’s Heppner hires Puff Daddy’s attorneys as criminal sentencing looms

According to a federal charges Bradley Heppner, 60, received more than $150 million in payments through funneling money from GWG Holdings to a shell company.

Investors accuse Broadstreet fund of alleged billion-dollar 'Ponzi-like' scheme
Investors accuse Broadstreet fund of alleged billion-dollar 'Ponzi-like' scheme

A $1B fund allegedly skimmed 30% off the top, then swapped cash for locked-up stock.

Lawsuit alleges Skechers founders manipulated $9.4B buyout to shortchange investors
Lawsuit alleges Skechers founders manipulated $9.4B buyout to shortchange investors

Insiders allegedly rewrote projections three times in four days.

Fintech bytes: FINNY signs Visionary Square for pay-as-you-go AI prospecting program
Fintech bytes: FINNY signs Visionary Square for pay-as-you-go AI prospecting program

TCI Wealth Advisors also has also tapped JIFFYAI to unify onboarding and servicing, while TradePMR adds ICE market data to its Fusion advisor platform

SPONSORED Built on insurance experience to deliver on long-term promises

Knighthead Life entered the market with a competitive MYGA. A strong launch earned advisor confidence and paved the way for FIAs.

SPONSORED In the Age of AI, Trust Becomes the Advisor's Greatest Asset

As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor