‘I’m committed to moving the needle, even if it’s just a little, for you and your family. Your journey is mine, and I’m here for it’: Veronica Karas, Principal and Senior Financial Advisor of CAPTRUST

Nestled in the vibrant city of Raleigh, North Carolina, CAPTRUST emerges as a powerhouse among independent retirement plan and investment advisory firms across the nation. Renowned for its specialized expertise, CAPTRUST delivers consultative advisory services tailored to a diverse clientele, including retirement plan sponsors, endowments, foundations, institutional investors, executives, and high-net-worth individuals.

Guided by CAPTRUST’s core values, the company’s collective heartbeat resonates through its commitment to clients, interactions with colleagues, collaborations with vendors and partners, and contributions to communities. It transcends mere financial expertise; it embodies a dedication to a higher standard of service, where the emphasis on serving clients takes center stage.

Veronica Karas, CFP^®, CDFA^®, Principal and Senior Financial Advisor of CAPTRUST, spoke exclusively to CIO Bulletin, unveiling how her company is not just crafting financial foundations but also instilling a sense of trust you can bet your bottom dollar on!

Inception of CAPTRUST: A 25-Year Odyssey of Financial Excellence

CAPTRUST was founded in 1997 and established CapFinancial Partners LLC as an independent registered investment advisor in 2003, finding its roots in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since 2006, the company has seamlessly integrated 71 firms into its network across the country.

“With over 25 years under our belt, CAPTRUST has hit major milestones and expanded into a nationally recognized company. From opening more than 85 locations to launching a community foundation, today, we are home to more than 1,500 employees and serve over 10,500 institutional and private clients,” remarks Veronica Karas.

In a strategic move in September 2023, CAPTRUST brought on the private equity firm Carlyle as a strategic investor, aligning forces with the existing PE partner GTCR. This strategic alliance reflects CAPTRUST’s commitment to continuous growth and innovation.

Comprehensive Financial Solutions Tailored to Diverse Needs

CAPTRUST offers investment management, financial planning, estate planning, and tax advisory and compliance services tailored for individuals and families. Additionally, for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, the firm provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to simplify financial lives, mitigate risks, and perpetuate legacies.

Furthermore, CAPTRUST extends its expertise to retirement plan sponsors, endowments, foundations, and religious entities, providing a range of services such as investment advisory services, fiduciary support, plan design, provider analysis, fee benchmarking, and employee advice programs.

CAPTRUST manages a staggering $832 billion in assets, encompassing just over $688 billion in nondiscretionary assets under advisement and slightly over $143 billion in discretionary managed account assets, as of June 30, 2023.

Guiding Financial Horizons with Expertise and Client-Centricity

“CAPTRUST continues to grow both organically and inorganically through acquisitions. We operate under a team approach, known as one unified practice. Advisor teams across the country support one another to build business and serve clients. CAPTRUST strategically adds firms across the U.S., reaching into almost all 35 major metro areas. Additionally, CAPTRUST is majority-employee owned and a Registered Investment Advisor,” says Veronica Karas.

When it comes to wealth advice, she further adds, “We work with clients from diverse backgrounds, delving into every facet of their finances—estate planning, taxes, insurance, Medicare, cash-flow planning, cash management, and more. As fiduciaries, we abstain from selling any products, enabling us to craft custom plans that align with the short and long-term objectives of each client. Whether it’s purchasing a home, funding education, transitioning into retirement, or even leasing a horse, CAPTRUST stands by our clients for every financial decision they make when it comes to their money.”

Redefining Financial Relationships and Embracing Emerging Trends

• Veronica is part of the Lake Success office and speaks fondly of her experience as part of the team. “Our journey began in 1981 when David H. Schwartz founded our practice here in Lake Success, NY. His visionary approach was simple yet profound: treat every client like family. In family, there’s an unwavering commitment to finding solutions and delivering on promises. This ethos, championed by Mr. Schwartz and continued today, has fostered beautiful multi-generational family relationships. We do not take it lightly when someone chooses to hire us – we know they are putting their financial futures in our hands and we truly value each and every client.”

Looking ahead, Ms. Karas highlights a future trend with enthusiasm, “The most significant trend on the horizon is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve problems. At CAPTRUST, we’re not just keeping pace; we’re ahead of the curve. Our internal AI, affectionately known as Cappy, is already in action, facilitating research for both our clients and advisors. We’re eager to witness its evolution and discover the multitude of applications it holds in the days to come. Exciting times lie ahead!”

Veronica’s Tribute to a Special Mentor

Veronica has tremendous gratitude for all the wonderful people who have helped her throughout her career. However, when it comes to leadership, she has one particular person that she asked to highlight. “The executive I’d like to highlight is Fred Sloan. Prior to our merger with CAPTRUST in 2018, he served as the CEO of our Lake Success, NY office and had previously held the position of CIO. Post-merger, Fred has headed up our office and is at the forefront of driving the firm’s ‘culture carrier’ initiative.”

“Fred exemplifies level-headedness and embodies competent, positive, and realistic leadership. He fearlessly tackles problems while dedicating most of his time to highlighting the positive contributions we make regularly. Diligent, pragmatic, and thoughtful in his approach, Fred is meticulous about every word and action.”

“On a personal level, Fred has transcended his role as a supervisor to become a true partner and an incredible friend. His deep care for his team, clients, and close circle is evident in everything he does. Fred, thank you for simply being yourself!”

Veronica Karas’ Message to Her Clients

“Hiring the right financial planner isn’t just a decision; it’s a legacy in the making. It’s about choices today echoing through the next 10, 20, and even 100 years. It’s the difference between a lifetime of money-related stress and having the assurance that someone has your back—someone who cares not just about your finances but about you and your family’s well-being.”

“A stellar advisor isn’t merely a fiduciary; they’re your financial ally, always prioritizing your needs. To my incredible existing clients, a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for the trust, the tough but necessary conversations, and the uplifting moments. Rest assured, I’m committed to moving the needle, even if it’s just a little, for you and your family. Your journey is mine, and I’m here for it. Much love and gratitude, always.” 

About | Veronica Karas

Veronica Karas serves as a Principal and Senior Financial Advisor of CAPTRUST. Since joining CAPTRUST in 2018, she has dedicated herself to assisting high-net-worth individuals and small businesses in various aspects of financial planning. Her comprehensive skills span estate planning, retirement planning, tax planning, education planning, and insurance.

Beyond the financial realm, Veronica finds fulfillment in various pursuits. When not in the office or engaged with clients, she channels her passion into transformational life coaching, volunteers at Rescue City, and cherishes moments with her husband and their three rescued pets. Veronica is not just a financial expert; she is a dedicated member of the CAPTRUST Community foundation board.

Adding to her impressive portfolio, Veronica is also an author, contributing valuable insights through her ‘Money Matters’ series of books. Titles include “Money Matters: Everything You Should Have Learned in School, but Didn’t,” “Money Matters: Merging Lives, Merging Finances,” and “Money Matters: Avoid Getting ‘Sandwiched’ out of Retirement.”

 “Hiring the right financial planner isn’t just a decision; it’s a legacy in the making. It’s about choices today echoing through the next 10, 20, and even 100 years. It’s the difference between a lifetime of money-related stress and having the assurance that someone has your back—someone who cares not just about your finances but about you and your family’s well-being.”