Largest UBS Advisor in San Diego Becomes Independent RIA

Gupta Wealth Management, the largest UBS financial advisory team in San Diego County, has announced that it has moved into the RIA space.

Led by Ajay K. Gupta, the firm advises 119 families and has $540 million in assets under management; it will depart as a team of seven people.

“When people told me I was crazy for moving from Canada to San Diego 13 years ago, I trusted my instincts, and I did so again when leaving Merrill in 2008,” said Gupta in a statement. “And in both instances the decision and timing was correct for my clients.

"The RIA path is clearly the best option for us as it significantly expands the services we can provide to clients while saving them money in the process," he added. Gupta says he will custody primarily with Schwab Advisor Services, with additional assets custodied at Fidelity.   

The move gives the team access to new technology, broader client choice, the ability to offer full transparency, and a shift to independence as a fiduciary advisor, Gupta added in an interview. “As a result of our transition, we’ll be able to access more no-load funds within advisory clients, help clients invest in alternative assets, and not be captive to one custodian or one bank’s investment products,” he said.

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