Wedbush Securities Inc., a diversified independent financial services provider, has appointed Chris Ellis as Vice President of Investments based in its office in Pasadena. Ellis, a Certified Financial Planner, is transitioning from CUSO Financial Services, aiming to broaden Wedbush's influence in Southern California.

Ellis's background as a men’s college basketball manager at Pepperdine University and a women’s college basketball assistant coach at the University of California, Irvine, uniquely shapes his financial career.

With experience at CUSO Financial Services, LAPD Financial Credit Union, and Independent Financial Group, Ellis brings a wealth of expertise and client-focused dedication, the company noted in a statement issued today (Friday).

Bridging Coaching and Financial Acumen

Chris Mone, the EVP and Head of Wealth Management at Wedbush, emphasized Ellis's blend of coaching and financial acumen. Mone underscored the firm's dedication to assembling top-tier talent, ensuring personalized financial services tailored to clients' needs.

Mone mentioned: “Chris’s arrival at Wedbush underscores our commitment to assembling a team of top-tier talent dedicated to delivering unparalleled wealth management solutions. His unique blend of coaching and financial expertise and his designation as a CFP aligns seamlessly with our approach and reinforces our mission to provide innovative and personalized financial services.”

Ellis' Educational Background

Ellis earned a BA in Political Science from Pepperdine University and a MA in Education from Loyola Marymount University. Established in 1955, Wedbush Securities provides clients a wide range of brokerage, wealth management, and investment banking services.

Last year, the company unveiled its strategic expansion into the foreign exchange prime brokerage industry, marking a significant departure from its traditional offerings in securities brokerage, wealth management, and investment banking.

Wedbush announced the plans to commence the new services in May 2022, expanding its existing multi-asset clearing services. The move signified the firm's commitment to diversification and growth in response to evolving market demands.

Wedbush onboarded a cadre of seasoned executives from Jefferies, led by industry veteran Michael Stone, to spearhead its FX prime brokerage venture. Boasting over three decades of financial services expertise, Stone assumed the role of Senior Vice President in Wedbush's fixed income, currencies, commodities, and securities finance divisions.