Belpointe Asset Management: Wealth & Investment Firm
The Belpointe Story: A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
Belpointe Asset Management was founded in 2007 by Gregory Skidmore and Brandon Lacoff with a vision to create a new kind of financial advisory firm – one that combines the personalized service of a boutique firm with the global reach and resources of a large institution. Headquartered in the financial hub of Greenwich, Connecticut, Belpointe has expanded its footprint across the nation, establishing a strong presence with offices from coast to coast.
The firm’s growth trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. From its inception, Belpointe has diversified its service offerings, evolving into a multi-faceted financial services company with over 13 lines of business. This expansion is a testament to the firm’s entrepreneurial spirit and its ability to identify and adapt to the changing needs of its clients. Today, Belpointe boasts a team of over 200 dedicated professionals, each contributing to the firm’s collective expertise and success.
Unlocking Financial Potential: Belpointe's Comprehensive Services
At the core of Belpointe’s success is its comprehensive suite of services, designed to address the diverse financial needs of its clients. The firm’s offerings can be broadly categorized into investment management, wealth planning, and a unique “Looking Beyond” approach that encompasses a wide range of specialized financial services.
Investment Management: A Global Perspective
Belpointe’s investment management philosophy is rooted in a global perspective, offering clients access to a wide array of investment opportunities across different markets and asset classes. The firm’s investment strategies are not confined to a single approach; instead, they are tailored to meet the specific goals and risk tolerance of each client. These strategies include:
Global Strategies: For investors seeking to diversify their portfolios across international markets, Belpointe offers global investment strategies that capitalize on opportunities around the world.
Domestic Strategies: With a deep understanding of the U.S. market, Belpointe provides domestic investment strategies that focus on identifying promising opportunities within the country’s economic landscape.
International and Emerging Market Strategies: Recognizing the growth potential of international and emerging markets, Belpointe offers specialized strategies that allow investors to participate in the economic expansion of these regions.
To illustrate their investment approach, a look at Belpointe’s top holdings reveals a diversified portfolio that includes a mix of ETFs and individual stocks. Some of their significant holdings include the iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (SGOV), Apple Inc. (AAPL), the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), and NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA). This blend of assets reflects a strategic approach that balances stability with growth potential.
Wealth Planning: A Holistic Approach
Belpointe’s wealth planning services are designed to provide clients with a holistic and integrated approach to managing their financial lives. The firm’s wealth advisors work closely with clients to develop a comprehensive financial plan that encompasses all aspects of their financial well-being. This includes:
Investment Management: As discussed above, this forms the foundation of a client’s wealth plan.
Tax Planning: Belpointe’s experts help clients navigate the complexities of the tax code, identifying strategies to minimize their tax liabilities and maximize their after-tax returns.
Estate Preservation: The firm assists clients in developing estate plans that ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes while minimizing estate taxes and other potential hurdles.
Cash Flow Management: Belpointe helps clients manage their income and expenses effectively, ensuring they have the necessary liquidity to meet their short-term and long-term financial goals.
Risk Management: The firm identifies and assesses potential financial risks, developing strategies to mitigate their impact and protect clients’ assets.
Retirement Planning: Belpointe works with clients to create a roadmap for a secure and comfortable retirement, helping them accumulate the necessary assets and create a sustainable income stream in their post-working years.
"Looking Beyond": The Belpointe Ecosystem
What truly sets Belpointe apart is its “Looking Beyond” approach, which extends its services beyond traditional investment management and wealth planning. Through its expansive ecosystem and collaborative partners, Belpointe offers a range of specialized services, including:
Insurance Solutions: The firm provides a variety of insurance solutions for individuals and corporations, helping them protect against unforeseen events.
Small Business Retirement Plans: Belpointe assists small business owners in setting up and managing retirement plans for their employees, such as 401(k)s.
Family Office Services: For high-net-worth families, Belpointe offers comprehensive family office services, providing a centralized platform for managing their complex financial affairs.
Fund Startup and Administration: The firm provides support for the creation and administration of public and private funds, leveraging its expertise in this specialized area.
Investing in the Future: A Look at Belpointe's Funds
Belpointe’s innovative spirit is perhaps best exemplified by its investment funds, which provide unique opportunities for investors to participate in promising sectors of the economy. One of the firm’s flagship funds is Belpointe OZ, a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) that has garnered significant attention for its tax advantages and investment strategy.
Belpointe OZ: A Tax-Advantaged Investment Opportunity
Belpointe OZ is a real estate investment fund that focuses on developing properties in designated Opportunity Zones. These are economically distressed communities where new investments, under certain conditions, are eligible for preferential tax treatment. By investing in Belpointe OZ, investors can potentially enjoy a number of significant tax benefits:
Tax Deferral: Investors can defer paying capital gains taxes on the sale of an asset if they reinvest the gains into a QOF within 180 days.
Tax Reduction: If the investment in the QOF is held for at least five years, the basis of the original investment is increased by 10%, effectively reducing the amount of deferred capital gains that will eventually be taxed.
Tax Elimination: If the investment is held for at least ten years, any capital gains from the appreciation of the QOF investment itself are completely tax-free.
Beyond the tax advantages, Belpointe OZ offers a compelling investment proposition. The fund has a portfolio of luxury apartment buildings and other properties in high-growth areas such as Sarasota and St. Petersburg, Florida. By focusing on assets that are already in the lease-up phase or well into their construction, Belpointe OZ mitigates some of the risks associated with real estate development, offering investors the potential for near-term revenue generation.
A Titan in the Industry: Belpointe's Financial Strength
Belpointe’s growth and success are reflected in its impressive financial metrics. The firm has established itself as a major player in the asset management industry, with a substantial amount of assets under management and a diverse revenue stream.
Assets Under Management (AUM)
Belpointe Asset Management has over $5 billion in assets under management (AUM), a figure that places it among the top registered investment advisory (RIA) firms in the country. This substantial AUM is a testament to the trust and confidence that clients have placed in the firm. A significant portion of these assets comes from employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, and individual investors, highlighting Belpointe’s expertise in serving a wide range of clients.
The Power of Collaboration: Belpointe's Strategic Partnerships
Belpointe’s success is not solely a result of its internal expertise; it is also a product of its collaborative approach and strategic partnerships. The firm has cultivated a “Craft Community” where advisors can support and learn from one another, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and collective success.
One notable example of Belpointe’s collaborative approach is its affiliation with Reshape Wealth, an independent advisory firm that utilizes Belpointe’s compliance and back-office services. This partnership allows Reshape Wealth to leverage Belpointe’s infrastructure and resources, enabling them to focus on what they do best: serving their clients. By providing a platform for independent advisors to thrive, Belpointe has created a network of professionals who share its commitment to excellence and client service.
A Commitment to Excellence: Awards and Recognition
Belpointe’s dedication to its clients and its innovative approach to wealth management have not gone unnoticed. The firm has received numerous awards and accolades from prestigious organizations, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the financial services industry. Some of its recent recognitions include:
Forbes’ “America’s Top RIA Firms” (2024): This prestigious ranking recognizes the top registered investment advisory firms in the country based on a rigorous methodology that includes in-depth interviews and evaluations of client service, leadership, and best practices.
USA Today and Statista’s “Best Financial Advisory Firms” (2024): This award, based on recommendations from financial advisors, clients, and industry experts, as well as a firm’s AUM development, further validates Belpointe’s standing as a top-tier financial advisory firm.
Nomination for “Responsible Investment Fund of the Year” (2024): Belpointe’s Bell Global Sustainable Fund was nominated for this award at the 36th Annual Fund Manager of the Year Awards, highlighting the firm’s commitment to responsible and sustainable investing.
These awards are a testament to Belpointe’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its ability to deliver superior results for its clients.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Transparency and Compliance
In a heavily regulated industry like financial services, transparency and compliance are paramount. Belpointe Asset Management is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an investment adviser, and it adheres to the strict regulatory requirements set forth by the SEC. The firm’s Form ADV, which is publicly available, provides a detailed overview of its business practices, fees, and any potential conflicts of interest, ensuring that clients have access to the information they need to make informed decisions.
Furthermore, Belpointe is committed to protecting its clients from fraud and other financial crimes. The firm has implemented robust fraud prevention measures and provides guidance to its clients on how to identify and avoid common scams. This commitment to client security underscores Belpointe’s dedication to building long-term relationships based on trust and integrity.
A Partner for the Future
In a world of increasing financial complexity, Belpointe Asset Management has emerged as a beacon of stability, innovation, and client-centric service. From its humble beginnings in 2007, the firm has grown into a wealth management powerhouse, with a nationwide presence, a diverse range of services, and a team of seasoned professionals.
Belpointe’s success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to its core values: integrity, collaboration, and a relentless focus on helping clients achieve their financial goals. By combining the personalized attention of a boutique firm with the global resources of a large institution, Belpointe has created a unique and compelling proposition for investors.
As the financial landscape continues to evolve, Belpointe is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With its innovative investment strategies, its comprehensive wealth planning services, and its unwavering commitment to its clients, Belpointe Asset Management is not just a financial advisory firm; it is a trusted partner for the future.
Belpointe Asset Management Leadership & Teams
Belena Vincetti – Chief Compliance Officer
David Nelson – Chief Strategist
Scott Mullen – Senior Managing Director Investment
Don Kisselbach – Senior Portfolio Manager
Jarrett M. – Senior Portfolio Manager
Elizabeth Carpinella – Senior Vice President of Finance
Joel Schmitz – VP of Compliance
Headquarters: 500 Damonte Ranch Parkway, Building 700, Unit 700 Reno, NV 89521, USA
Phone: 203-629-3300
Number of employees: 51-200
Website: www.belpointeasset.com