Meet Your Advisor

David Banks

I have always had a passion and talent for investing. And thanks to my unique background, I’ve been blessed with the freedom to serve my clients the way that’s truly best for them.

Earlier in my career, I held key positions at two leading biopharmaceutical firms in California. That success provided me with the financial freedom to build a wealth management firm on my terms: One where I would never have to compromise my core value of always doing what’s right for my clients.

While I hold a Master’s degree in financial analysis, it doesn’t take an advanced degree to understand that financial firms are not always on their clients’ side. Indeed, the most popular advisory model often pits advisors’ interests—specifically, earning as much compensation as possible—against the interests of their clients.

I firmly believe that a financial advisor can and should enjoy success by serving clients the right way. That’s why Phase Two is designed around the most client-centered business model available: We are an independent, fee-only Registered Investment Advisor (RIA).

As an RIA, I have a legal duty to put my clients’ interests first. As a fee-only advisor, I don’t earn sales commissions—meaning that I have no incentive to recommend any investment based on the financial outcome for me. And as an independent, I face zero pressure from any parent company to push a product that’s not exactly right for a client.

I pride myself on understanding my clients. On keeping their money safe and seeking to earn a nice return. On being their advocate and trusted advisor throughout all of life’s opportunities and challenges. When I founded Phase Two, it was because I wanted—rather than needed—the work. So it really had to matter. Today, I’m happy to say that my role is as satisfying as I had hoped. Nothing is more important to me than doing good things for my clients, and I’ve built a business that allows me to do just that.