Headquarters:
6451 N. Federal Highway, Suite #1201, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Year founded:
1997
Number of employees:
78
Phone:
800 711 4078
Email:
info@inscipher.com
Website:
kovackfinancial.com
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/kovack-securities
“Having four insurance designations, and the wealth of knowledge that comes with it, enables me to better counsel customers regarding the importance of having the appropriate insurance coverage”
Saray Uribe,
CharSan Insurance & Consulting
Brian J. Kovack, Esq.
CEO and President
Carlo Bidone
Executive VP and Director of Branch Development
Isabelle Shick
Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer
Leadership
Brian Kovack oversees KSI’s strategic vision and growth for its affiliated financial advisors nationwide. With extensive industry experience, he served on the FINRA Board of Governors from 2016 to 2021 and completed a three-year term on the FINRA District 7 Committee. He has been a FINRA Dispute Resolution arbitrator since 2003 and has served as an Enforcement Hearing Officer for FINRA disciplinary hearings.
Kovack holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida, where he played varsity football. He earned a Master of Accounting and Juris Doctorate (JD) from Nova Southeastern University and has been a member of the Florida Bar and the American Bar Association since 2000.
In 2004, Kovack graduated from the FINRA Institute at Wharton Program at the University of Pennsylvania, earning the CRCP designation.
CEO and President
Brian J. Kovack, Esq.
Carlo joined Kovack in July 2002, focusing on primarily expanding the Advisor force by recruiting high-quality Representatives. With 33 years in the financial industry, he brings extensive knowledge to his role. Carlo fosters relationships with Advisors, Custodians, Strategic Partners, and Sponsors. His experience spans 5 years in personal production, 8 years on equity and fixed income trading desks, 2 years in Offshore Banking, and 3 years in compliance and operations. Previously at Investacorp, Carlo honed his skills in the independent financial sector. He studied at the University of Miami and Florida International University, holding Series 7, 24, and 63 licenses.
Executive VP and Director of Branch Development
Carlo Bidone
Isabelle Shick joined Kovack in June 2005 and is responsible for preparing financial statements for KSI, Kovack Advisors Inc., and Kovack Financial LLC. She also oversees the firm’s accounts payable, conducts net capital computations, and prepares FOCUS reports.
Shick holds a BS in Economics and Finance from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and an MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from Nova Southeastern University. She possesses Series 7, 24, 27, 66, 79, and 99 licenses, as well as a Life Health and Variable Annuity (2-15) license.
Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer
Isabelle Shick
“Having four insurance designations, and the wealth of knowledge that comes with it, enables me to better counsel customers regarding the importance of having the appropriate insurance coverage”
Saray Uribe,
CharSan Insurance & Consulting
Leadership
“A true leader can see potential in different employees, regardless of their position. Listening and recognizing the value of each individual not only inspires them but also makes them grow professionally”
Saray Uribe,
CharSan Insurance & Consulting
Leadership
Melinda Wolfe
Executive VP and Chief Compliance Officer
Melinda Wolfe joined Kovack in 2006 and assumed the role of chief compliance officer in 2010. She oversees all compliance and regulatory matters for KSI. With approximately 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, she has been appointed by FINRA to the District 7 Committee, served two terms on the FINRA District Committee, and acts as a FINRA arbitrator.
She graduated from Florida International University with a BBA, major in Accounting. She holds Series 6, 7, 24, 27, 79, and 99 licenses.
Executive VP and Chief Compliance Officer
Melinda Wolfe
Harold Soria
Senior VP, Advisor Relations
Harold Soria joined Kovack in March 2014 as cashiering team lead, became vice president of advisor relations in September 2016, and was promoted to senior vice president in November 2020. He acts as a liaison for various branch offices and departments.
Soria has been in the securities industry since 2006, starting his career as Brokerage department manager at a broker-dealer in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BS in Business Administration and holds Series 7, 24, and 66 licenses.
Senior VP, Advisor Relations
Harold Soria
Kovack Securities, Inc. (KSI) is a strong partner for entrepreneurial financial advisors looking to build their own successful businesses. Since its founding, its main focus has been to help financial representatives and advisors create competitive, independent practices.
KSI’s independent financial advisors share its vision of delivering the high-quality financial advice that every client deserves, which has contributed to the firm’s growth as one of the nation’s largest independent broker-dealers.
KSI and Kovack Advisors are dedicated to equipping advisors with the necessary services, tools, resources, and training to effectively manage their practices. This support enables the advisors to concentrate on their clients’ needs, goals, and objectives rather than office logistics.
Its open product architecture, innovative fee-based programs, and partnerships with multiple clearing firms, such as Fidelity and Pershing, offer advisors the flexibility to develop the most suitable investment strategies for their clients.
Winnaa Wright
Senior VP, Operations
Meg Saraswat
Broker
Moushumi Kumar
Broker
Simon Williams
Chief Strategy & Distribution Officer, Arch Insurance International
and Active Underwriter, Syndicate 1955
Winnaa Wright joined Kovack in September 2009 as a compliance officer and moved to Operations in 2013 as the VP of Operations. In November 2020, she was promoted to Sr. VP of Operations. She oversees the New Accounts, Account Services and Cashiering departments. Prior to Kovack, Winnaa worked at an independent broker-dealer in Boca Raton, FL, progressing from operations analyst to accounts operations supervisor. She also worked as a mortgage processor. Winnaa studied Business Studies at the University of Westminster in London and earned her BA in Finance from Florida International University. She holds Series 4, 7, 24, 66, 79, and 99 licenses.
Senior VP, Operations
Winnaa Wright
Meg Saraswat is an accomplished professional with over seven years of expertise in the banking and financial sector. Her journey began at Genpact (GE Money), where she kicked off her career while concurrently pursuing her accounting and finance degree. Throughout this time, she discovered her passion for mortgage brokering.
Setting Saraswat apart from her peers is her genuine dedication to her clients’ financial prosperity. She takes great pride in guiding them towards financial freedom through strategic investments and bespoke mortgage solutions. Equipped with a master’s degree in accounting, her extensive knowledge further enhances her ability to provide exceptional service to her clients.
From assisting first-time homebuyers to aiding in portfolio expansion, negotiating favourable terms for reduced interest rates and fees, or unlocking equity for future wealth creation, Saraswat is steadfast in meeting all her clients’ mortgage needs. Her professional satisfaction lies in closing deals that demand intricate negotiations and meticulous attention to detail. Her methodical approach ensures a seamless and efficient process, delivering a superior experience to her clients every step of the way.
Broker
Meg Saraswat
Moushumi Kumar stands out as a leading commercial broker at Rethink Financing, recognised with the Elite Broker Award Rising Star by outsource Financial in 2023. With an extensive background exceeding 15 years in commercial banking, including being named the country’s top business banker in her tenure, she brings unparalleled expertise to her role.
Her tenure at NAB as a credit consultant saw her entrusted with a delegated lending authority of $30 million, reflecting her exceptional acumen in assessing credit and facilitating substantial lending transactions. Her specialisation in commercial lending and her status as an SMSF lending expert further solidify her reputation as a go-to adviser in the field.
Within Rethink Financing, Kumar is valued as an integral team member, contributing her vast knowledge and strategic insights to drive the company’s success and elevate client satisfaction to new heights.
Broker
Moushumi Kumar
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
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Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Brokers’ Pick – Professional liability
Small business
Medal
Overall service level
Broker communication, training and development
BDM support
Turnaround time – claims
Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance
Brokers’ Pick – Professional liability
Small business
“A true leader can see potential in different employees, regardless of their position. Listening and recognizing the value of each individual not only inspires them but also makes them grow professionally”
Saray Uribe,
CharSan Insurance & Consulting
“Having four insurance designations, and the wealth of knowledge that comes with it, enables me to better counsel customers regarding the importance of having the appropriate insurance coverage”
Saray Uribe,
CharSan Insurance & Consulting
“A true leader can see potential in different employees, regardless of their position. Listening and recognizing the value of each individual not only inspires them but also makes them grow professionally”
Saray Uribe,
CharSan Insurance & Consulting
employee benefits
regional retail P&C
specialty P&C
underwriting
direct-to-consumer programs
“Alliant has achieved growth in each of these categories via a potent combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions with plans to continue on this forward trajectory,” explains executive vice president and director, M&A development, Stephen Farr. “Our goal is to achieve strong organic growth, over 10%, augmented by selective and strategic M&A activity.”
Breaking down the specific drivers of growth, Farr adds, “Alliant’s P&C verticals have achieved the highest level of growth in the brokerage space, and the company’s generalist producers have also been a beneficiary by virtue of producing more complex, industry-specific accounts via partnerships with Alliant specialty brokers. Our direct-to-consumer business has been growing at a rapid rate via acquisitions and alignment with other Alliant divisions on cross-selling opportunities.”
The firm enables its team to work effectively with a synergy-creating structure.
Zimmer says, “The Alliant experience is defined by best-in-class teams, service, innovation, and a dynamic and collaborative environment where we work together to achieve powerful, long-term results for our clients and partners. We proactively eliminate walls and silos within our organization, allowing our team members to be both responsive and innovative in their approach to serving clients.”
The firm’s profile was boosted with the launch of Alliant Consumer Group, a dedicated unit housing Alliant’s growing portfolio of consumer-facing operations.
There was also the creation of the Alliant Insurance Foundation in 2023, a charitable, non-profit organization focused on promoting justice and equality by expanding access to opportunities for career growth and advancement for individuals with diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
Alliant also has an active philanthropy program. Across 2023, Alliant professionals collectively raised/contributed:
more than $1 million in funds
over $2.3 million in combined monetary and in-kind donations through an annual World Food Derby initiative
2,320 volunteer hours to numerous deserving organizations, making a significant community impact
Alliant’s progress is set to continue, as underlined by Zimmer, who has confidence in the firm’s people to deliver continued excellence.
“We believe in our business plan, and it has proven successful. We don’t feel the need to change that. Our core business plan will continue to drive the company forward, complemented by new opportunities that may arise in the future.”
Turnaround time – claims
Turnaround time – new business
Overall
