Walsh & Associates CEO Joseph Walsh Jr. was named among the 2020 Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisers in the country. Members must have more than 10 years of experience, at least $300 million in assets under management (AUM) and rank highly in six areas including: AUM, asset growth, compliance record, years of experience, industry certifications and online accessibility. This is Walsh’s second consecutive year on the list. He was ranked by his home office in Sarasota, Florida, but he is the only Sarasota or DeKalb, Illinois advisor on the list.

"It is flattering to be recognized by the Financial Times as one of the top 400 advisors, but it’s more important for our clients to think of us as a top advisor," says Walsh of the award. This is especially true amid these trying times of stay-at-home orders, a barrage of coronavirus news on TV and current market volatility. Having seen several economic downturns during his career, Walsh says, "What makes a great advisor might come out in these times more than other times. Good returns and comprehensive service is all well and good, but planning for the unexpected and reacting appropriately is far more important."

Walsh recommends having a plan in place before a crisis, but for those seeking advice on changes they can make right now, he suggests: "There are numerous differences in the taxes for 2020 due to the CARES Act. If you haven’t thought about revising your tax strategy, or your estate plans, do that now."

Walsh has an MBA in Finance and CFP^®, CFA^®, CTFA, AIFA^®, CRPC^®* and CPWA^® designations. He has been advising Walsh & Associates clients since 1986, and his sons Joe III, Michael and Tom have joined the family firm.

Disclosures

^*CRPC conferred by College for Financial Planning.

The Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisors is an independent listing produced annually by Ignites Research, a division of Money-Media, Inc., on behalf of the Financial Times (April 2020). The FT 400 is based on data gathered from advisors, broker-dealer home offices, regulatory disclosures, and the FT’s research. The listing reflects each advisor’s status in six primary areas: assets under management (AUM), asset growth, compliance record, experience, credentials and online accessibility. This award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and is not indicative of this advisor’s future performance. Neither the brokerages nor the advisors pay a fee to the Financial Times in exchange for inclusion in the FT 400.