Category Archives: Private Wealth

Alternative Investments, Family Office, Investment Strategy, Private Wealth, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Wealth Management

The Value of Integrated Chief Investment Officer Services: A Hybrid Model for Personalized Portfolio Stewardship

Posted on by Sean McEvilly
17
Nov

 

As investment complexity grows and families seek more bespoke solutions, the traditional boundaries of investment management are evolving. The Chief Investment Officer (CIO) role—once confined to large institutions—is being redefined to meet the nuanced needs of private clients, family enterprises, and foundations.

Outsourced CIO (OCIO) services have long provided off-site portfolio management and access to institutional expertise. But today, a new model is emerging: Integrated Chief Investment Officer (Integrated CIO) Services. This approach blends the advantages of OCIO partnerships with the in-person engagement and hands-on stewardship that complex families and organizations increasingly require.

Continue reading →
Active Management, Alternative Investments, Investment Strategy, Market Commentary, Market Outlook, Private Equity, Private Wealth, Wealth Management

Passing the Baton: Why Your Financial Advisor’s Succession Plan Is the Key to Protecting Your Wealth

Posted on by Sean McEvilly
12
Nov

The Overlooked Risk in Wealth Management

Choosing a financial advisor today is about more than investment performance—it’s about securing the future stewardship of your family’s wealth. With a wave of advisor retirements ahead, families must consider who will manage their assets tomorrow, not just today. Up to 46% of U.S. financial advisors plan to retire by 2035, putting trillions of dollars at risk if succession planning isn’t handled properly. For clients, continuity can’t be taken for granted.​

Continue reading →
Active Management, Alternative Investments, Investment Strategy, Liquid Alternatives, Market Commentary, Market Outlook, Private Wealth, Wealth Management

The Rise of Private Lending: Growth, Structures, and Key Investor Considerations in 2025

Posted on by Matthew Rice
29
Oct

 

The private lending industry has transformed from a niche alternative into a global financial powerhouse, with assets under management surging from roughly $375 billion in 2008 to more than $2 trillion by 2023—and is projected to reach $3 trillion by 2025. This explosive growth is driven by two critical shifts:​

  • Post-2008 regulations forced banks to pull back on traditional lending, opening the door for private lenders to fill funding gaps.

  • Investors seeking stable yield turned to private debt during prolonged periods of low interest rates, including the pandemic and periods of rate volatility.

Continue reading →
Hedge Fund Strategies, Hedge Funds, Investment Strategy, Private Wealth, Tax-Loss Harvesting, Wealth Management

Turning Losses Into Opportunities: The Value of Year-Round Tax-Loss Harvesting

Posted on by Sean McEvilly
21
Oct

 

No investor enjoys seeing losses in their portfolio. Yet, how you manage losses often matters as much as how you generate gains. The most disciplined investors—and their advisors—know that losses can be powerful strategic tools when used wisely.

Tax-loss harvesting takes realized investment losses and uses them to offset taxable gains, lowering overall tax liability. Put simply, it transforms short-term setbacks into long-term advantage. As one of my mentors used to put it, a loss can be an economic asset—if managed properly.

Continue reading →
Active Management, Alternative Investments, Investment Strategy, Market Commentary, Market Outlook, Private Equity, Private Wealth, Wealth Management

Navigating Historic S&P 500 Valuations: Embracing Alternative Assets Amid Market Resilience and Uncertainty

Posted on by Sean McEvilly
11
Oct

 

Amid the historic surge in S&P 500 valuations, reaching new highs in October 2025, investors face a complex landscape marked by both optimism and heightened risk. At Vistamark Investments, the current environment underscores the value of blending opportunities in public market equities with strategic allocations to private equity and private credit. These alternative assets enhance portfolio diversification, offer higher expected risk-adjusted returns, and provide income stability essential for navigating ongoing volatility and economic shifts. With central banks adapting monetary policy and fiscal challenges ongoing, adopting a multi-asset, globally diversified approach anchored by rigorous risk management remains key to building resilient portfolios and securing enduring wealth.

Continue reading →
Alternative Investments, Chicago Area Investment Advisor, Chicago Area Private Wealth, Family Office, Fiduciary Advisor, Financial Planning, Hinsdale Investment Advisor, Private Wealth, Real Estate, Real Estate Sale, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Selling a Business, Wealth Management, Western Chicago Suburbs Investment Advisor

Unlocking Your Real Estate Windfall: Why an Investment Advisor is Your Essential Partner

Posted on by Bill Seyfarth
29
Sep

 

Selling a real estate asset – be it a strategic rental property or a bustling commercial building – is more than just a transaction. It’s often a transformative financial milestone, representing years of dedicated equity building, meticulous planning, and unwavering hard work. The substantial proceeds from such a sale are a testament to your efforts.

But here’s the critical question: What comes next? The decisions you make with this newfound capital are just as vital as the sale itself. Navigating the intricate landscape of taxes, identifying lucrative investment opportunities, and securing your long-term financial stability demands a level of expertise many of us don’t possess. This is precisely where the seasoned guidance of an experienced investment advisor becomes not just valuable, but essential.

Continue reading →
Alternative Investments, Chicago Area Investment Advisor, Family Office, Fiduciary Advisor, Hedge Fund Strategies, Hedge Funds, Private Equity, Private Wealth, Selecting a Family Office Investment Advisor, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Selling a Business, Wealth Management

Selling Your Small Business: A Roadmap to a Successful Exit

Posted on by Bill Seyfarth
12
Sep

 

Selling the business you’ve poured your heart and soul into is a monumental decision. It’s a moment that can redefine your financial future, secure your legacy, and open doors to new adventures. Yet, it’s also a complex journey, fraught with potential pitfalls if not navigated carefully.

Whether you’re dreaming of retirement, eyeing a new entrepreneurial challenge, or adapting to changing life circumstances, preparing your business for sale demands strategic thought, meticulous planning, and flawless execution. This guide is designed to walk you through the essential considerations every small business owner should weigh before putting their cherished venture on the market.

Continue reading →
Alternative Investments, Fiduciary Advisor, Private Equity, Private Wealth, Selecting a Family Office Investment Advisor, Selecting a Private Wealth Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Wealth Management

How RIAs and Bank Trust Departments Are Elevating Their Investment Game Through Outsourced CIO Solutions

Posted on by Matthew Rice
05
Sep

 

In today’s fast-changing financial services landscape, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms and Bank Trust Departments face a critical challenge: delivering sophisticated investment strategies and outstanding client service—often with fewer resources than large national competitors. To remain competitive and cultivate sustainable growth, many forward-thinking firms are partnering with an outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO). This solution provides institutional-quality investment management at a fraction of the cost—typically $180,000 to $230,000 annually, according to Cornerstone Research—compared to hiring an equally skilled in-house CIO and support team. For these agile firms, the shift isn’t just about keeping pace; it’s about strategically positioning themselves to outperform and compete well above their weight class.

 

Continue reading →
Chicago Area Investment Advisor, Chicago Area Private Wealth, Fiduciary Advisor, Hinsdale Investment Advisor, Low Interest Debt, Private Wealth, Selecting a Family Office Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Wealth Management, Western Chicago Suburbs Investment Advisor

Selecting a Chicago Area Financial Advisor

Posted on by Bill Seyfarth
29
Aug

 

Navigating today’s complex financial landscape in the Chicagoland area can feel overwhelming for many—whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, professional, retiree, or simply someone focused on building and protecting your family’s financial future. For professionals working at major corporations with a strong presence in downtown Chicago and the western suburbs, such as McDonald’s, United Airlines, Motorola Solutions, Kraft Heinz, or other Fortune 500 companies like Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Allstate, this can be especially true when navigating complex employee stock options, retirement benefits, and compensation plans. Regardless of your background or stage in life, having a personal financial strategy or wealth management plan that reflects your unique situation and goals is essential to enhancing, protecting, and perhaps even eventually passing on your wealth to children, grandchildren, or philanthropic priorities with confidence.

Continue reading →
Fiduciary Advisor, Low Interest Debt, Private Wealth, Selecting a Family Office Investment Advisor, Selecting an Investment Advisor, Wealth Management, Western Chicago Suburbs Investment Advisor

Selecting a Phoenix Area Financial Advisor

Posted on by Sean McEvilly
26
Aug

 

Navigating today’s complex financial landscape in Arizona can feel overwhelming for many—whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, professional, retiree, or simply someone focused on building and protecting your family’s financial future. For professionals in the Phoenix area working at leading companies like Axon Enterprise, Avnet, Freeport McMoRan, Insight Enterprises, Microchip Technology, and Onsemi, this can be especially true when navigating employee stock options and purchase plans (ESPPs). Regardless of your background or stage in life, having a personal financial strategy or wealth management plan that reflects your unique situation and goals is essential to enhancing, protecting, and perhaps even eventually passing on your wealth to children, grandchildren, or philanthropic priorities with confidence.

Continue reading →