Industry: 2016
KAR: 2021
#3 Independent Advisor in 2024
(#1 in 2017-2020, 2022)
(#1 in 2017-2020, 2022)
Ranked #7 on
Forbes Top RIA List
(2024)
Forbes Top RIA List
(2024)
Thomas Pontius, CFP®
Senior Financial Planner
Start Date
Education
- MBA, Finance Concentration, UCLA Anderson School of Management
- B.B.A. Accounting, Finance Minor, Temple University, Fox School of Business
Prior Work Experience
- Vice President, Wealth Planner – Wells Fargo Private Bank
- Tax Senior – EY
- Tax Associate – Anderson
Certifications and Credentials
- Certified Financial Planner®
- Series 65
#3 Independent Advisor in 2024
(#1 in 2017-2020, 2022)
(#1 in 2017-2020, 2022)
Ranked #7 on
Forbes Top RIA List
(2024)
Forbes Top RIA List
(2024)
What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Job?
I really enjoy hearing about our clients’ lives, what’s important to them, and the values that drive their decisions. Being that I’m still early in my career, their insights provide a lot of perspective into what is important to different people. I feel that I learn just as much from our clients just as much as I hope our clients learn from me.
What Do You Enjoy Most About Working at KARWA?
To work with a great group of highly motivated individuals. There is a strong sense of community and pride within the organization and that makes it very easy to come to work every day. The collaborative nature of the group also supports that sense of community and helps better the work and advice we provide to clients.
How Does KARWA Approach Wealth Management Differently?
The advisor team at KAR has some of the best relationships I have seen between clients and their advisors. The attentiveness and care the team approaches their clients with is second to none. I believe the clients at KAR feel very close with their advisors and appreciate that relationship.
What Do You Hope to Achieve for Your Clients?
At a high level, I hope to provide them with financial peace of mind and be a professional they can trust to help them make complicated financial decisions.
I also hope to provide the advice that allows our clients to go forward and achieve their financial goals. Many of our clients are at a point in their lives where they have achieved their career goals. Now it’s time to understand what their other financial goals are and what it takes to achieve them.
What Are You Involved in Outside of Work?
I enjoy checking out everything Los Angeles has to offer. Whether it’s the beach, mountains, or desert, I enjoy them all. I also enjoy going to shows and concerts to see historic venues and theaters in the city. To stay active, I play squash, golf, ride my bike and I’m attempting to take up tennis.
If you have any questions regarding a particular professional’s credentials or for more information regarding each credential’s requirements and qualifications, please contact KAR to receive a copy of your professional’s Form ADV Part 2B.
Barron’s “Top 100 Independent Advisors”: The Barron’s “Top 100 Independent Advisors 2024” was given in September 2024 and covers the year 2024. KAR has not paid a fee to participate in the rankings but has paid fees for a license to reprint and distribute the results of the rankings.
Forbes “Top RIA Firms”: The Forbes Top RIA Firms 2024 ranking was issued in October 2024 and covers the year 2024. KAR has not paid a fee to participate in the rankings but has paid fees for a license to reprint and distribute the results of the rankings.
This information is being provided by KAR for illustrative purposes only. Information contained on this site is not intended by KAR to be interpreted as investment advice, a recommendation or solicitation to purchase securities, or a recommendation of a particular course of action and has not been updated since the date of the material, and KAR does not undertake to update the information presented should it change. This information is based on KAR’s opinions at the time of the publication of this material and are subject to change based on market activity. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass. KAR makes no warranty as to the accuracy or reliability of the information contained herein. The information provided here should not be considered to be insurance, legal, or tax advice and all investors should consult their insurance, legal, and tax professionals about the specifics of their own insurance, estate, and tax situations to determine any proper course of action for them. KAR does not provide insurance, legal, or tax advice, and information presented here may not be true or applicable for all investor situations. Additional information about KAR’s services and fees may be found in KAR’s Part 2A of Form ADV, which is available upon request or can be found at https://kayne.com/wp-content/uploads/ADV-Part-2A.pdf.