Meet Ivan Illán | Author, Founder, & Chief Investment Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivan Illán and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After a decade distributing the investment offerings of larger institutions to financial advisors, I noticed there was less “advising” and lot more selling going on. I decided to launch my own investment advisory firm to address what I saw as a gap in the marketplace. A solution for retail investors to be able to access actual advice and accountability to that advice.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our firm is different in that we have an actual track record of performance. Being in a heavily regulated industry (our regulator is the SEC), most retail advisory firms opt out of performance marketing. It’s very resource intensive and expensive to administer, as well as independently verify annually. But, my belief has been that clients want to make good financial decisions, and hiring a firm with a real performance history is a sensible way to begin that journey. Our clients appreciate our transparency and accountability to results.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Cha Cha Matcha for anti-coffee options. Nagi Ramen for the best ramen in LA (that’s a weekly lunch spot for me). Dinners at The Polo Lounge, Cecconi’s, CUT, and San Vicente Bungalows (my husband’s a member, maybe he’d invite us) are a must. Great museums including the Academy Museum (Wednesday night film series is best), The Broad (Pop art perfection), and MOCA (for more high brow). Of course, a visit to Zuma Beach (Malibu) is always a good idea.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, John Rikley — my husband — has been the single greatest contributor to my success. This year marks our 18th year together, I started my business 19 years ago. We met when I was just starting out. I had nothing more than a big idea. Not only was he supportive, his counsel was crucial as the years advanced and the business grew. He’s got way more business savvy than anyone could imagine.

Website: https://alignewealth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanillan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanillan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivan_m_illan

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@awaim_cio