Profile
“My age is actually a strength. I assure clients that I’ll be there for decades to come, guiding them through each stage of their financial journey”
Michael Lee,
Farther
A strong work ethic and a commitment to long-term goals have been the keys to success for Michael Lee, principal wealth advisor and focus team lead at Farther, who has gone from strength to strength in his journey in the wealth management industry.
Starting with an unpaid internship at a small boutique firm while still attending college in San Diego, Lee grasped onto new responsibilities after the firm saw significant turnover. Though this training was arduous, he emerged from the internship with a dogged work ethic and invaluable skills that helped catapult his career.
“I was fortunate to start young – while still in college – at a firm that gave me real responsibility early on. In smaller firms, you don’t need to wait for years or for someone to retire before you get opportunities,” he explains. “When unexpected turnover created openings, I was well-prepared because I had been diligently preparing all along. That combination of preparation and timing gave me a head start.”
Living by the phrase “it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Lee emphasizes the importance of patience in his career. This mindset produces tangible results for both clients and team members, who benefit from his long-term vision.
“For clients, it means prioritizing sustainable strategies that serve their futures,” he explains. “For my colleagues, it means investing in their development and celebrating incremental wins, knowing they add up over time.”
345 California Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94104
510 335 8808
michael.lee@farther.com
linkedin.com/in/michael-chun-lee
farther.com
Michael Lee
Principal Wealth Advisor, Focus Team Lead Farther
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Milestones
“Watching others succeed and knowing I played a role in their growth has been a bigger achievement for me than any personal milestone”
Michael Lee,
Farther
2014–2022
2022–Present
2023–Present
2023
2025
Registered Representative at Financial Services Corporation
2014–2022
2022–Present: Principal Wealth Advisor and Focus Team Lead at Farther
2024: Investment News Hot List
2025: Farther Founders’ Club
2025: Advisor Hub 250 Advisors to Watch
2022–Present
Founder and wealth advisor at Zion Capital
2023–Present
CEO of Myriad Advisor Solutions
CEO of The Year Finalist, Technology Association of Iowa
Large Business of the Year, Waukee Chamber of Commerce
Young Alumni Achievement Award, Drake University
Midsize Technology Company Finalist, Technology Association of Iowa
Forum Chair and President Elect, Entrepreneur Organization
2023
CEO of Meridian Financial Partners, where she manages a team of eight that delivers investment management and financial planning to over 450 households in 24 states
2025
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
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
With a focus on retirement planning, Lee is able to offer long-term planning solutions to clients nearing retirement.
“My age is actually a strength. Many advisors in the industry are close to retirement themselves, which can make clients nervous about starting a long-term relationship,” he notes.
“I assure clients that I’ll be there for decades to come, guiding them through each stage of their financial journey.”
To succeed in the leadership role he has undertaken at Farther, Lee was forced to learn management skills on the job, while remaining open to feedback from trusted peers around him.
Now with the chance to work as a mentor himself, he cherishes watching young advisors succeed. Leading Farther’s advisor boot camp, Lee highlights the accomplishments of two trainees who have gone on to be the top two producers at the firm.
“Watching others succeed and knowing I played a role in their growth has been a bigger achievement for me than any personal milestone,” he says.
The values learned in his first-generation immigrant household have deeply shaped Lee’s career. He often translated official documents for his family, a critical task that left no room for mistakes. Now, Lee approaches his clients with the same dedication and care.
“I approach every client and colleague with the care I would show my own family, and I think that genuine concern for their success has helped build trust and my reputation.”