Profile
“Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
Robert Westley, CPA/PFS, CFP, is senior vice president and regional wealth advisor at Northern Trust Corporation.
Beginning his career at a Big Four accounting firm, he assumed a role providing tax compliance for wealthy clients. After finding the ecosystem fascinating, he chose to follow a multidisciplinary approach and advanced his knowledge in financial planning, investment planning, income tax planning, estate and wealth transfer planning, business succession planning, family office structuring, and charitable giving.
This pushed him to make a career change, which saw him join top-tier wealth management firm, Northern Trust.
Westley’s success is down to his ability to navigate ever-changing tax laws and the broad complexity of clients’ financial situations, which often involve equity compensation, nuanced tax situations, estate planning, and a diverse array of global public and private investment.
“I have adopted the mindset of being a lifelong learner,” he says. “I always strive to stay up to date on cutting edge estate and tax planning techniques, as well as regularly reviewing legislative updates. Potential changes to estate tax exemptions or income tax brackets can significantly impact planning strategies.”
Westley maintains his product knowledge with continuous studying and remaining abreast of developments in capital markets, financial products, investment trends, and tax law.
“I’m always reading industry publications and frequently attending conferences to deepen my expertise and stay current. I also remain very client-centric and by understanding client needs and goals, I can align various market products and solutions.”
Stewardship is at the center of everything Westley does, as he manages and safeguards clients’ wealth with the utmost care and professionalism by combining:
390 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022
212 339 7293
raw8@ntrs.com
linkedin.com/in/robertwestleycpa
northerntrust.com/united-states/home
Robert Westley, CPA/PFS, CFP
Regional Wealth Advisor
Northern Trust
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Milestones
“The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
2012
2015
2020
2022
2019-2020
Started career in tax in public accounting, most recently at Deloitte
2012
Transitioned to wealth management at Northern Trust as an associate financial planner
2015
2019 and 2020: Recognized in the “40 Under 40” list by CPA Practice Advisor and the NYSSCPA
2020: Promoted to wealth advisor and senior wealth advisor with increasing client responsibility
2020: Received the AICPA’s Standing Ovation Award and named to the 2020 class of InvestmentNews’ 40 Under 40
2020
Promoted to regional wealth advisor working with ultra-high-net-worth families and key prospects and clients across the East Coast
2022
2019 and 2020: Recognized in the “40 Under 40” list by CPA Practice Advisor and the NYSSCPA
2020: Received the AICPA’s Standing Ovation Award and named to the 2020 class of InvestmentNews’ 40 Under 40
2020
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Kuhn says, “I would say my career has been one of more of chance and opportunities than a set plan. And it’s interesting how one decision has a ripple effect on putting you on a different path than maybe where you thought you would be.”
He highlights his spell at Endurance as his biggest professional achievement to date.
“It took some time, but we took them from really being viewed as a reinsurance company to being viewed as a global insurance company.”
It’s this type of innovative attitude that is powering Westfield Specialty forward so successfully.
Kuhn explains, “Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio.”
Part of this has seen the firm acquire the existing Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 in February 2023. It is also Kuhn’s ingenuity that has allowed Westfield Specialty to outperform expectations in challenging market conditions.
“I would say it’s been the understanding that there is a limited window of time. We're in this unique market, we need to be fast and decisive to take advantage of market opportunities before the market begins to move away,” he comments. “Additionally, I'd like to say we move with a lot of speed, but we do it in a thoughtful and methodical approach, not just to be the first.”
However, it has been an intricate process to ensure his team are onboard with his vision. Kuhn places importance of explaining his targets and the blueprint to achieve them.
He adds, “The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns. This way, everything gets thoroughly discussed and resolved.”
With almost four decades in the industry, Kuhn has developed methods that have consistently delivered. It is why he has been tasked with so many leadership roles and he intends to maintain his focus on creating more success at Westfield Specialty.
“I think I am and have always tried to be methodical. I look at the big picture yet stay focused on executing the different opportunities or plans that I have in front of me. I don’t get emotional or make emotional decisions.”
ethical integrity
technical expertise
personalized service
“In serving wealthy families, the focus needs to be on building long-term multigenerational relationships,” explains Westley. “Therefore, it’s critical to have a combination of technical expertise in areas like tax planning, estate planning, and investment management, but it’s also just as important to have situational awareness and the ability to build trust through consistency, transparency, and confidentiality.”
Partnering with other professionals is another service Westley offers, as clients benefit from his collaborative relationship with accountants, lawyers, insurance advisors, and other professionals.
This dovetails with Westley’s long-term view of helping clients reach their goals through various life events, by delivering tailored attention and proactive communication.
He says, “My technical and analytical skills are always key in successfully advising clients and developing endearing relationships.”
Recognized by InvestmentNews as a 5-Star Financial Planner 2025, Westley remains ambitious and future focused.
He plans to concentrate on key areas that impact corporate executives and private equity principals, who are a large portion of his client base. Both demographics have unique planning opportunities and considerations around compensation, income tax, estate and wealth transfer, risk management, and concentrated positions.
“I intend to grow my client portfolio both organically and through new client acquisition,” he adds. “When I’m not serving clients, I will continue to contribute thought leadership content to industry publications and the financial media.”
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