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Michael Adam Smith
Founder and Managing Partner Braeburn Family Office
Michael Adam Smith is the Founder and Managing Partner of Braeburn Family Office, a firm he established in April 2018.1 Based in the Greater Los Angeles Area, Braeburn Family Office LLC provides unique, highly personal financial, transitional, and philanthropic solutions to ultra-wealthy domestic and multi-national families.1
Professional Background
With 35 years of experience in capital markets and investment management, Smith brings extensive expertise to his role.1 His career history includes:
- Senior Vice President at Covington Capital Management (2012-2018)
- Senior Vice President at Reed Conner & Birdwell (2002-2012)
- Senior Vice President at California Bank & Trust (1998-2001)
Education and Location
Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Government from the University of California, Los Angeles.1 He is currently based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.1
Braeburn Family Office
Under Smith's leadership, Braeburn Family Office offers a comprehensive range of services:
- Asset allocation
- Business transition
- Tax and estate planning
- Philanthropic coordination
- Intergenerational and family-wealth governance
The firm's approach is characterized by an "organic strategy of interlocking solutions" designed to address the multifaceted needs of ultra-wealthy clients.1
Additional Roles
Smith has also held board positions, including:
- Member of the Board of Directors at MUSE/IQUE (2018-2021)
- Board Member at Los Angeles Youth Network (2012-2015)
These roles demonstrate his involvement in arts and youth-focused organizations, showcasing a commitment to community engagement beyond his primary business focus.1
Highlights
Two weeks ago I addressed the challenges and nuances of successful Asset Allocation dynamics for the Family Office. As noted, appropriate asset allocation is predicated on unvarnished inputs from the family and third-party resources. This includes human, legal, and capital assets/liabilities data points. The data MUST be complete and accurate to secure a successful allocation strategy. While common sense driven, much important information is often hiding in plain sight (legal actions, IP, collectibles, etc.).
This chart summarizes how the flow of information integrates to allow for successful asset allocation engineering and execution.
At the beginning, middle, and end of the day; a Family Office exists to ensure family legacy into perpetuity.
#familyoffices #strategy #investing #familydynamics
Central to the responsibilities of the Family Office is Asset Allocation. The Asset Allocation process is tied closely to family legacy objectives, governance, mission statement, and estate transition plans. The Asset Allocation strategy of the Family must be a purposefully created mosaic that addresses short and medium term objectives for distinctive family stakeholders as well as dynastic goals. Asset Allocation protocols must address dynamic circumstances within the family. #wealth #property #investing #tax #investment #realestate #estateplanning
