Michael Buonassisi is proof that investing in young employees can yield high returns. He started at Purchase financial firm Altium Wealth Management five years ago as a summer intern. Today, he’s the firm’s top portfolio manager for total assets under management, as well as growth. He’s also the youngest employee in the company’s history to serve as vice-chair of the investment committee, which, he says, “is where the high-level portfolio decisions are made.” Since joining Altium, the company’s base portfolio has ballooned from $75 million to more than $450 million, and management says Buonassisi’s dedication has played a role in this rise. While robust mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills are essential to a career in portfolio management, colleagues say Buonassisi’s ability to respond quickly and build trusting relationships with clients is what helps him grow Altium’s footprint. According to Buonassisi, who manages a team of six, it’s all about passion: “You have to truly enjoy finance and [ensure] you are not entering the field solely for the paycheck. You have to be passionate about your work.”
Wunderfacts:
• Buonassisi works with close to 300 clients.
• The six employees he manages work across operation, trading and client service departments.The Bentley University graduate is currently studying for Level 2 of the CFA test in June. “During the six months that I am studying, my social life takes a back seat to working and preparing for the CFA exam,” admits Buonassisi.
• “Juggling my work and studies is a seven-day-a-week job.” However, he does make a conscious effort to schedule low-key social events, like weekly dinners with friends, to ensure some work/life balance.
