Investment Banking and Big Four Accounting Veterans Launch GenFi, an Investment Advisory & Consulting Firm

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GenFi Family & Fiduciary Services (www.genfiffs.com), an independent investment advisory and consulting firm, today announced the opening of their Chicago office and launch of their new website. Led by Julie Zakarias, a Big Four accounting firm and investment banking industry veteran, GenFi will offer investment management, 401(k)/pension consulting, financial planning, and family office administration services.

GenFi launches just two days after the former head of Bank of America's global wealth management business, Sallie Krawcheck, presented a keynote speech at the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Conference about the lack of female investment advisors in the industry. According to a Catalyst study, women account for less than 3 percent of wealth management chief executives.

“In an industry increasingly plagued by conflicts of interest and mistrust of leaders, conditions for investors are compounded by extreme market volatility and high anxiety,” said Julie Zakarias, GenFi Founder and Chief Executive. “GenFi’s mission is to serve as a role model of transparency and fiduciary responsibility across generations and gender. The firm will never accept compensation contingent upon the purchase or sale of a financial product. We will provide the same sound investment advice to clients that we provide to our own families.”

As part of GenFi’s commitment to educating families and institutions about investing and wealth planning, the firm will frequently make significant data available to the general public. GenFi’s launch event will feature guest speaker Dennis Chookaszian, former CEO of CNA Insurance and current Chairman of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Board. GenFi will also present a report about emerging markets, highlighting the top Chicago firms expected to profit from China and India in 2012.

The four firms included in the report:

• McDonald’s – With 25% of their restaurants operating in emerging market countries and presence in 117 nations, McDonald’s remains well-positioned to benefit from the consumerism trend prevalent in emerging market countries.
• Caterpillar – With increased infrastructure spending in emerging market countries, Caterpillar has seen a 39% increase in sales in China in 2011 and a 56% increase in Latin America.
• Abbott – As a result of their recent spinoff, Abbott will heighten its focus on emerging market growth. Abbott is poised for leadership in India with generics through recent acquisitions.
• Stericycle – Stericycle will benefit long term from emerging market infrastructure spending and expected increases in emerging market country environmental controls. The firm currently has a presence in Latin America, and is just beginning to achieve emerging market penetration.

“With growth rates in the U.S. facing significant headwinds through 2014, many investors are looking to increased exposure in Emerging Markets as a tactical portfolio shift,” said Ms. Zakarias. “There are several ways for investors to gain exposure including emerging market exchange traded funds (ETFs), actively managed mutual funds/separate accounts, large U.S. multi-national exporting companies, and lastly private equity offerings.”

The GenFi Generation to Generation™ planning process reduces risk and volatility for clients where emerging market allocations are an appropriate consideration by limiting overall exposure and adding country level diversification and correlation considerations. Beyond emerging market strategy, each and every GenFi client relationship begins with the GenFi Generation to Generation Blueprint™ -- a collaborative investment planning process and plan tailored to fit a client’s unique financial goals and needs.

“GenFi Family and Fiduciary Services will bring much needed integrity, expertise and independent frame of thought as an alternative to existing advisor options in the family office, investment consulting and executive planning arenas,” added Monica Francois, an executive with CDW.

About GenFi Family & Fiduciary Services

GenFi Family & Fiduciary Services is a Chicago-based independent investment advisory and consulting firm that helps families and institutions prioritize complex investment goals and sustain multi-generational wealth. The firm’s mission is to serve as a role model of fiduciary responsibility, promote financial literacy through generations, and be a knowledgeable, objective advisor and advocate for its clients. For more information, visit: www.genfiffs.com.

GenFi Family & Fiduciary ServicesJulie Zakarias, 872-213-1113
[email protected]

Source: GenFi Family & Fiduciary Services