Several of Apriem’s staff and principals were named in OCBJ’s 2022 Distinguished Leaders – Wealth Management list. This list shines the spotlight on individuals, and their firms, who can prepare the entire family for financial stability for generations to come. Read the profiles below:
Read the publication here.
Christopher Whitaker, CFP®, AIF®
Sr. Financial Planner & Sr. Wealth Manager
Landon Yoshida, CRPC®, AIF®
VP-Wealth Management & Principal
Benjamin Lau, CFA, AIF®
Chief Investment Officer & Principal
Christopher Whitaker, CFP®, AIF®, surpasses expectations for having been in the finance industry for less than a decade. Yet, he has already established a list of high-net-worth clients, leads the financial planning department, and is endorsed by Apriem’s founder to be groomed for management.
As senior financial planner and senior wealth manager, his hybrid role serves Apriem’s clients in all facets of their finances. An advocate for the NextGen and financial literacy, Whitaker is a lead resource for programs such as Apriem Generations and Foundational Asset Management. He directs Apriem’s internship, offering close mentorship and hands-on experience for college students, thus strengthening our partnerships with local universities. An excellent communicator and writer, Whitaker has been published in the Orange County Business Journal and Jay Shetty’s podcast.
Once the neighborhood kid who would help the block with their personal finances, Whitaker now shares his wisdom and talents through pro-bono advice to endowments through our Apriem Cares initiative. He regularly volunteers at charitable events benefiting Jessie Rees Foundation, Big Brothers and Sisters of OC, and World Vision. Lastly, he speaks at industry symposiums to share the best practices on millennial money management and retirement planning.
Landon Yoshida, CRPC®, AIF®, is Apriem’s VP – Wealth Management and principal. He is well-versed in the energy and aerospace industries, making him a valuable resource for blue-collar workers who want to maximize their tax savings and secure the best benefits as they prepare for retirement.
A believer in building strong client relationships, Yoshida has built an admirable rapport with many individuals who have come from ExxonMobil. He has become a household name for many families, providing tailored advice, valuable market insights, and meaningful conversation to meet the needs of industrial retirees.
Yoshida has partnered with universities to give back and provide opportunities for students who are interested in the finance industry. He serves on the advisory board for the California State University, Long Beach, Finance Department. Yoshida also works closely with Biola University providing resources to finance students. He has attended Meet the Wealth Manager events, providing insight on what it is like to work as a Wealth Manager, and has built case studies for Biola’s finance professors to use as part of their curriculum. He has been featured in Orange County Business Journal, discussing Apriem’s charitable endeavors and highlighting the importance of working together as a team to make a larger impact in the community.
Benjamin Lau, CFA, AIF®, is a true leader in the industry. He serves Apriem’s clients to the highest degree through his high attention to detail, expert knowledge of markets, and his ability to instill a sense of patience and perspective in clients. He leads Apriem’s investment management department, building and executing comprehensive investment plans and training Apriem’s CFA Level 1 Candidates.
As chief investment officer and principal, Lau’s expertise provides Apriem’s clients with informed investment decisions and consistent market updates. An advocate for mentoring college students and young professionals trying to enter the industry, Lau is involved with Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Capital Management (TCM.) This program gives aspiring finance professionals firsthand experience in making investment decisions by actively applying the concepts learned in the classroom. He is also a member of the CFA Society of Orange County, contributing to building a strong network of CFA Charter holders, providing industry knowledge to both seasoned professionals and CFA Candidates, and advocating for continuing education and professional conduct in Orange County.
Lau has been featured in multiple publications including Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, Investor’s Business Daily, and OCBJ, providing insight on market movement by breaking down complex topics and applying those topics to an investor’s everyday life. He regularly speaks at industry symposiums, providing his expertise on market trends and the macroeconomic environment.
Disclosure: Apriem Advisors and staff did not pay a fee to be included in the list. The profile was drawn from the nomination materials submitted. This list is not comprehensive. It includes only executives for whom nominations were submitted and accepted after an editorial review.