Winner: The ICM Asset Management Award for Advisor of the Year – Alternative Investments

Chad Larson

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@blackfishfinance

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Why alternative investing demands a longer view and a different kind of advisor Chad Larson named Advisor of the Year at WP Awards for his disciplined, client-first approach to alternative investments For Chad Larson, alternative investments aren’t just a tactical overlay; they’re central to how he builds resilient portfolios in an increasingly uncertain market. Over years of portfolio reviews and client conversations, Chad saw the same patterns: high-net-worth investors looking for more stability than equities could offer, more yield than bonds were delivering, and more clarity than most alternative products provided. “I wasn’t going to just talk about private credit or real assets because they were trendy; I had to understand them well enough to explain them clearly, structure them responsibly, and stand behind them.” That mindset led to the launch of the Alterna Private Income Portfolio – a proprietary, open-market (OM) fund that provides diversified access to 14 alternative managers, spanning private credit, infrastructure, and niche real assets. Built in collaboration with Obsiido and monitored by US-based ACG Asset Consulting Group, Alterna reflects Chad’s core investment philosophy: rigorous diligence, accessible design, and a client-first mandate. Today, as Senior Portfolio Manager at MLD Wealth, a top-performing team within Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, Chad is recognized not only for delivering strong, risk-adjusted returns but also for making alternatives understandable. Whether through his educational podcast, Money Matters; regular conference keynotes; or his book Beyond Traditional, he’s become a trusted voice for investors and professionals navigating the complexities of the non-public markets. Chad was also recognized at the 2025 Wealth Professional Awards, where he was named Winner of the ICM Asset Management Award for Advisor of the Year – Alternative Investments. His approach begins with what many overlook – deep listening. From there, he builds portfolios aligned not just to return targets but also to liquidity needs, risk appetite, and personal values. Clients describe feeling “heard, not herded” – a sharp contrast in a space too often shaped by product overexposure and jargon. Chad has spent years developing a practice that prioritizes transparency, risk discipline, and investor education. “A key part of my work is simplifying complexity,” he says. “I take the time to walk clients through liquidity timelines, tax considerations, and performance drivers in plain language. That’s what allows them to make informed decisions and stay the course when things get noisy.” The result is high client retention, organic growth through referrals, and recognition as a leader in a space that still demands both caution and creativity. “We’re not chasing what’s new; the firm understands what’s different,” says Chad. “And guiding clients through that, with clarity, is where the real value lies.” As Chad emphasizes, alternatives require a higher level of trust and understanding. He points out they’re not short-term positions, so the client relationship needs to be built for the long haul. That means being accessible, being thorough, and never assuming understanding.

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MLD Wealth

@blackfishfinance