James Karabas
Managing Director
While managing many aspects of the firm’s operations, including our technology initiatives, I also focus on portfolio construction. I work with clients to ensure that their investments are consistent with their goals and objectives. As the leader of our investment committee, I manage the various investment strategies we deliver to clients, and I oversee our compliance programs. I also monitor client portfolios for asset allocation and style drift.
I have been in wealth management since 1985. Prior to Joining EFG he spent 18 years as First Vice President of Investments at Merrill Lynch and 7 years at a mid sized dually registered Investment Advisory firm where he served as Managing Partner. I previously served as President of the Financial Planning Association of Illinois, and I hold a Juris Doctorate, plus CFP® and CIMA® designations.
I spend my free time with my family snowboarding, fly-fishing, and gourmet cooking.
Areas of expertise
Portfolio Construction
I help investors construct portfolios that match their unique investment and financial objectives. Each client has unique goals so each client receives tailored guidance. From the universe of investment choices, we construct an open ended portfolio with client goals at the forefront.
Technology
I manage our firm’s technology initiatives to make certain our Advisors and clients have the right tools that deliver an extraordinary experience. With the right technology, clients can stay abreast of financial planning goals, make adjustments when needed, and monitor their portfolios as often as they feel comfortable.
Compliance
I ensure that our firm upholds its compliance obligations with FINRA and the SEC. Compliance gets more complex every day, and I monitor new developments while managing our resources to meet the increasing compliance demands. All of this is done to keep the interests of clients in front of our own.