Top Financial Advisors of 2018: Insights into Leading Experts Managing Wealth
Discover the top financial advisors of 2018 who managed billions in assets and provided expert guidance in wealth management, estate planning, and investment strategies. Learn about the key professionals, their specialties, and how they helped clients achieve their financial goals, setting industry standards for excellence and strategic insight.

Top Financial Advisors of 2018: Insights into Leading Experts Managing Wealth
Financial advisors are highly skilled professionals who specialize in guiding individuals and institutions through complex financial landscapes. These experts possess extensive industry knowledge, allowing them to craft personalized strategies that help clients build and preserve wealth over time. Their expertise spans various domains, including investment management, estate planning, tax optimization, and retirement strategies. Each advisor's approach is tailored to the unique needs of their clients, considering factors such as risk appetite, financial goals, and market conditions. They play a crucial role in navigating fluctuating markets to maximize returns, mitigate risks, and ensure long-term financial stability.
In 2018, the landscape was dominated by a handful of distinguished financial professionals renowned for their exceptional management skills and impressive client portfolios. These top-tier advisors are trusted by high-net-worth individuals and institutions, managing billions of dollars in assets and delivering strategic investment solutions to help clients achieve their financial ambitions.
Below is a comprehensive profile of the top 10 financial experts of 2018, highlighting their credentials, areas of specialization, and the assets under their management. Their collective experience, strategic foresight, and client-first approach set standards in the industry and continue to inspire aspiring financial advisors worldwide.
Jeff Erdmann
Jeff Erdmann, affiliated with Merrill Lynch, is recognized as one of the leading financial advisors of 2018. He manages an individual account worth $36.7 million, overseeing total assets amounting to an impressive $6.2 billion. His expertise lies in high-net-worth individual investment strategies, estate planning, and portfolio diversification. Jeff's success stems from his personalized approach, deep market research, and strategic timing, enabling him to maximize his clients' wealth growth and protect their assets effectively.
Christopher Errico
Christopher Errico is an esteemed financial advisor with UBS Private Wealth Management. He manages a diverse portfolio ranging from $5 million to $1 billion, with a total of $2 billion assets under his management. His expertise encompasses multi-generational wealth planning, investment strategies, and tax-efficient solutions tailored to ultra-high-net-worth clients. Christopher's focus on personalized service and meticulous risk assessment contributes greatly to his clients' financial success.
Brian Pfeifler
Brian Pfeifler manages assets for Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, overseeing approximately $4 billion in client wealth. His primary focus is on complex investment strategies, estate planning, and risk mitigation for high-net-worth individuals. With an account size averaging around $50 million, Brian's strategic insights and market timing have garnered him a reputation as a top-tier advisor in the industry.
Andy Chase
Also with Morgan Stanley, Andy Chase handles client accounts totaling $25 million and manages an overall wealth portfolio of $10.1 billion. His expertise lies in customized investment planning, philanthropic strategies, and multi-generational wealth transfer. Andy's client-centric approach, combined with his extensive market knowledge, ensures optimal portfolio performance and long-term financial security for his clients.
Patrick Dwyer
Patrick Dwyer, associated with Merrill Lynch, manages individual accounts of around $20 million and oversees an aggregate of $3.1 billion in assets. His focus areas include investment management, estate planning, and tax strategies designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking sustainable growth and wealth preservation.
Mark Curtis
Mark Curtis works at Graystone Consulting, managing an account of $10 million within an extensive portfolio totaling $20 billion. His expertise involves institutional investing, strategic asset allocation, and financial planning for corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals alike.
Rod Westmoreland
Rod Westmoreland, a key figure in Merrill Lynch Private Banking, oversees accounts worth between $10 million and $75 million, with total managed assets of approximately $4.5 billion. His specialties include customized banking solutions, private wealth management, and legacy planning, assisting clients in maintaining and growing their wealth across generations.
Charles Zhang
Charles Zhang is the founder of Zhang Financial, overseeing accounts ranging between $1 million and $5 million, with total assets under management of approximately $2.6 billion. His focus areas include investment advisory, estate planning, and comprehensive financial planning tailored to middle-market high-net-worth clients.
Greg Vaughan
Greg Vaughan serves Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Investment, managing assets up to $75 million. He handles a sizable portfolio worth a total of $15.4 billion, specializing in complex investment strategies, risk management, and personalized financial planning.
Robert Skinner
Robert Skinner, affiliated with First Republic Investment Management, manages a prominent $100 million account, overseeing a total of $12.4 billion in assets. His expertise encompasses wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth clients, investment advisory, and estate strategies designed for preservation and growth.
These distinguished professionals are renowned for their comprehensive financial management capabilities, strategic investment insights, and exceptional client service. Their persistent market research, disciplined approach, and timely decision-making enable them to maximize profits and safeguard client wealth effectively. For individuals seeking to grow and preserve their wealth, engaging with experienced financial advisors can make a significant difference. Their expertise ensures meticulous planning and optimal management of diverse investment portfolios, ultimately helping clients realize their financial aspirations with confidence and security.