The Key Questions: Why Optas

Why are you leaving Wells Fargo Advisors?
Our decision to leave Wells Fargo Advisors was difficult and one we have contemplated for some time. We wholeheartedly believe our move is best for our clients and team. We worked at Wells Fargo Advisors for almost a decade, and although the firm is a strong solution for some, we found it increasingly challenging to deliver services the way we want to for our clients.

We believe that the longer a team like ours stays at a large firm, the more obstacles we face in addressing our clients’ needs, especially those who have achieved first-generation wealth. We see the world of private wealth and the needs of our clients changing at a rapid pace. We feel the future of advice will go beyond the standard of helping clients achieve their financial goals. It will advance to truly supporting them in achieving their life goals, because, in the end, financial goals are life goals. We believe a nimbler firm is far better positioned to support clients throughout life.

We trust that our new structure and independence as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) will allow us to be more relevant and responsive to our clients, helping them embrace, utilize, organize, protect and grow their wealth so that they have the confidence to enjoy it.

Why didn't you share this thought process and decision with me sooner?
We could not tell you sooner because we had to respect and abide by very specific rules in place and appropriately enforced within our industry. By telling you prior to our resignation, we would have jeopardized our ability to continue to serve you in a seamless way.

What does the name Optas mean?
Our name is from the Latin word optas meaning “to make a choice from a range of possibilities.” We work with you to pinpoint the best possibilities for balancing your financial goals with your life goals.

Why are you starting your own firm?
We founded Optas as an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) so we could more freely provide you with the direction and the reassurance you need to manage your wealth. We can now act as your financial counsel as well as your problem solver, your sounding board and your confidante to what matters most to you, which is everything, since money touches every part of your life.

What is going to be different at Optas versus Glasser Wealth Management?
We have spent a great deal of time thinking through how we would construct an ideal life management firm. Being independent of a bank allows us to focus even more strategically on the opportunities and services we believe are most important to our clients.

How much will change for me and my family?
While we recognize change is often hard, we see this change as a very positive one. Our relationship with you and the advice and solutions we provide will feel the same because they are. What will be different, which you’ll experience soon, will come from our ability to be more agile in our approach and expansive in our offerings. You’ll be experiencing new and enhanced ideas and solutions that we will now be able to apply to accommodate your needs.

Will your approach and investment philosophy change?
Our approach and investment philosophy will remain consistent with what we've delivered in the past – uncovering your goals and aligning solutions to achieve them. However, what will change is our ability to execute on our commitment to relevance and respect. We now have the freedom to drill down more deeply into the challenges and opportunities of first-time wealth, so we are able to address the ups and downs through an expanded solution set tailored to your needs.

Who is part of the Optas practice?
The team you already know is part of the Optas practice. We are excited to be working together to serve in your best interests as your fiduciary. We’re also excited because for the first time we have the opportunity to add people to our team in the way we choose, always with the same goal in mind – to deliver the support needed to give you the best client experience possible.

How do I remain your client and have my relationship transitioned to you at Optas?
We hope you accept our invitation to be part of the Optas family. We value our relationship with you. We recognize that moving your assets, learning some new processes and working in a new structure can create some work on your part. We have done our best within industry guidelines to simplify paperwork for you to make the transition to Optas. We recognize there will be bumps, and our team is at the ready to help.

Where will my assets be held? Are they safe?
We evaluated, re-evaluated, reference checked and weighed the pros and cons of various custodians and have selected Fidelity Institutional as our custodial partner. We are confident they will safeguard your assets, and protect against fraud and cybersecurity. They already do this for $2.9 trillion in client assets and over 9 million accounts. In addition, we as a firm have taken out an outsized error and omission insurance policy to further protect our clients’ interests.

Where will I be able to view my accounts?
Soon you will be able to access your accounts through the Client Login on optascapital.com. There you’ll be able to view all your accounts no matter the financial institution. With this new online functionality, we’ll be able to interact in a more integrated way, collaborating on most financial matters.

Where are your offices?
Our address is 235 Montgomery Street, Suite 1201, San Francisco, CA.