Ritholtz Wealth expands its California footprint

The $4B RIA has announced the opening of a new office branch in Los Angeles, led by a 15-year industry veteran.

Ritholtz Wealth Management is broadening its presence in the West Coast with a new foothold in California.

The national registered investment advisor, which oversees more than $4 billion in assets, announced the opening of a new office in Los Angeles’ Manhattan Beach neighborhood.

The move follows its recent expansion into Charlotte, North Carolina, and is part of the firm’s ongoing strategy to broaden its reach and reinforce its commitment to providing financial planning and asset management.

The Los Angeles office will be led by Michelle Katzen, a senior advisor with a record in the financial services industry that stretches back 15 years. Katzen, whose previous roles include positions at Toyota Financial Services, Union Bank, and UBS, expressed enthusiasm about her new role.

“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,” Katzen said in a statement.

“[The firm’s] culture of excellence and dedication to client success resonated deeply with me.” Katzen said. “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.”

Joining Katzen in the Los Angeles office is Jordan D. Hanson, who brings over eight years of experience as a financial advisor. Hanson’s expertise will play a crucial role in addressing the diverse financial needs of the Los Angeles market.

RWM’s CEO, Josh Brown, highlighted the strategic importance of the Los Angeles expansion. “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,” Brown said. “With Michelle and Jordan, we’ve finally found the local leadership for us to build our physical presence.”

Founded in 2013 by Barry Ritholtz, chairman and chief investment officer, alongside Brown, Kris Venne and Michael Batnick, RWM has become known for its transparent, education-focused approach. This philosophy has been central to the firm’s success and its ability to establish a robust nationwide presence.

Ritholtz’s leading influence in the industry extends into media, with appearances on Bloomberg as a podcast host and regular commentator on TV. Brown is also a CNBC personality and runs the “Downtown Josh Brown” blog.