Why trust is at the core of financial planning

Why trust is at the core of financial planning
InvestmentNews Awards 2024, Advisor of the Year – Alternative Investments: Joseph Spada, Summit Financial.
MAY 13, 2024
By  Josh Welsh

Joseph Spada considers himself a perpetual student of the financial advisory industry. When asked what has been one of the most gratifying aspects of being a senior private wealth advisor at Parsippany, New Jersey-based Summit Financial, he replies it’s the trust that’s earned from working with clients.

“In a world where it's very difficult to find people you can trust, my clients give me the benefit of doubt,” he says. “When we think about what important areas are to clients, it’s their family, it's their health, it's their spirituality, and finances. We’re blessed to work in one of those very important areas for clients. They give us the benefit of doubt, and we have to earn their trust over time.”

Spada highlights he never plans on retiring because he loves to help people – in fact, it’s what he says he’s best at doing. Many others agree, hence being named 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.

Despite financial insecurity being prevalent in his formative years, he says he never considered becoming a financial advisor until after college. “To think that I ended up in a profession where I help people avoid being in that circumstance really wasn't the plan, but it was interesting how that worked out,” he says.

Spada noted his passion is creating enhanced wealth outcomes for his clients and educating them on how skillfully blending alternatives into their allocations can increase diversification, reduce volatility, and enhance returns.

“Advisors don't recommend alts because they haven't taken the time to study and educate themselves on how they work,” he said. “Holistic planning is how we do business. If you don't do it holistically, you're just not going to get the best results.”

Don't miss the inaugural InvestmentNews Awards

Latest News

JPMorgan tells fintech firms to start paying for customer data
JPMorgan tells fintech firms to start paying for customer data

The move to charge data aggregators fees totaling hundreds of millions of dollars threatens to upend business models across the industry.

FINRA snapshot shows concentration in largest firms, coastal states
FINRA snapshot shows concentration in largest firms, coastal states

The latest snapshot report reveals large firms overwhelmingly account for branches and registrants as trend of net exits from FINRA continues.

Why advisors to divorcing couples shouldn't bet on who'll stay
Why advisors to divorcing couples shouldn't bet on who'll stay

Siding with the primary contact in a marriage might make sense at first, but having both parties' interests at heart could open a better way forward.

SEC spanks closed Osaic RIA for conflicts, over-charging clients on alternatives
SEC spanks closed Osaic RIA for conflicts, over-charging clients on alternatives

With more than $13 billion in assets, American Portfolios Advisors closed last October.

William Blair taps former Raymond James executive to lead investment management business
William Blair taps former Raymond James executive to lead investment management business

Robert D. Kendall brings decades of experience, including roles at DWS Americas and a former investment unit within Morgan Stanley, as he steps into a global leadership position.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

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.