C2 Advisors, a prominent wealth management team within UBS Private Wealth Management’s Dallas office, distinguishes itself through its collaborative, client-centric approach and specialized expertise in navigating complex financial transitions. Comprised of nine professionals, including four senior partners – Cindy Brown, Daffan Nettle, Leslie Gunawan, and Jay Boynton – the majority-women team oversees $1.5 billion in assets for approximately 100 clients. Their clientele ranges from family offices and business owners to private equity firms and their partners, reflecting the team’s diverse capabilities and deep understanding of sophisticated financial needs. C2 Advisors’ unique value proposition lies in their holistic wealth management strategy, coupled with a genuine commitment to empowering clients, particularly women, to take control of their financial destinies. This commitment, along with their collaborative approach, allows them to effectively guide clients through significant life events, such as business sales, divorces, or inheritances, providing a steady hand and expert guidance during times of transition.
The team’s combined experience spans a wide spectrum of financial disciplines, forming a robust foundation for their comprehensive wealth management strategies. Daffan Nettle brings M&A expertise, providing valuable insights for clients navigating complex transactions. Leslie Gunawan’s background in fixed income trading and institutional consulting ensures clients receive sophisticated advice on managing their bond portfolios and navigating complex financial markets. Cindy Brown’s experience in institutional capital markets brings a deep understanding of investment strategies and market dynamics, while Jay Boynton’s expertise in portfolio management provides the necessary skills for constructing and managing diversified portfolios tailored to individual client needs. This collective expertise allows C2 Advisors to address a broad range of financial challenges, offering customized solutions based on each client’s unique circumstances and goals. Furthermore, the team’s emphasis on cost and tax efficiency underscores their commitment to maximizing client returns while minimizing unnecessary expenses.
C2 Advisors’ investment philosophy centers on a structured, three-bucket approach designed to address both short-term needs and long-term aspirations. The first bucket, dedicated to liquidity, ensures clients have readily available funds to meet their day-to-day expenses. The second bucket, the core portfolio, focuses on outpacing inflation through a blend of actively managed investments in individual stocks and tax-optimized passive exposure through ETFs. This approach aims to preserve and grow client capital in real terms, protecting purchasing power against the erosive effects of inflation. Finally, the legacy portfolio caters to long-term objectives, such as generational wealth transfer or philanthropic endeavors, allowing clients to plan for their future and leave a lasting impact. This tiered approach provides clients with a clear framework for managing their wealth across different time horizons and objectives.
Diversification is another cornerstone of C2 Advisors’ investment strategy, with a particular emphasis on alternative investments. Recognizing the limitations of traditional asset classes, the team strategically allocates a significant portion of client portfolios to private equity, private credit, and infrastructure. This focus on alternatives provides access to potentially higher returns, non-correlated assets, and diversification benefits that can enhance overall portfolio performance and resilience during market fluctuations. On the fixed income front, C2 Advisors prioritizes high-quality investments and strategically locks in yields to prepare clients for a potential environment of diminished cash returns. This proactive approach aims to secure stable income streams and protect client portfolios from the impact of rising interest rates.
With a keen eye on market dynamics, C2 Advisors recognizes the challenges posed by recent market performance and the potential for lower future equity returns. They actively communicate this outlook to their clients, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations and preparing them for potential market downturns. Despite this cautious outlook, the team remains constructive on U.S. equities, particularly within the technology sector, where they see transformative potential driven by innovations such as AI. However, they remain vigilant in their analysis and emphasize the importance of considering the bear case scenario, cautioning against overconfidence and promoting a balanced approach to investment decision-making.
C2 Advisors’ client-centric philosophy extends beyond investment management, encompassing a broader commitment to simplifying clients’ financial lives. Recognizing that complexity often leads to confusion and inefficiency, the team emphasizes the importance of keeping financial matters straightforward and manageable. This advice reflects their understanding that true wealth management involves more than just investment returns; it also encompasses the peace of mind that comes from having a clear and manageable financial plan. By promoting simplicity and transparency, C2 Advisors empowers clients to take control of their finances and focus on what truly matters. This holistic approach, combining sophisticated investment strategies with a commitment to client well-being, sets C2 Advisors apart as a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of wealth management.
