Banking CIO Outlook
show-menu

Bob Chitrathorn: A Prudent Financial Advisor facilitating Financial Independence to all people

Banking CIO Outlook | Tuesday, June 04, 2024

“Money, like emotions, is something you must control to keep your life on the right track.” - Natasha Munson

Making plans for the future is a necessary aspect of living. Although it's not everything, money is undoubtedly necessary. Maintaining control over your finances is just as vital as controlling your emotions. It clarifies your vision for the future and shows you how to succeed. This emphasizes how crucial wealth management is. This all-encompassing investing advice helps prepare you to protect your assets for generations to come, optimize wealth, and ensure financial stability.

Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.

Selecting the appropriate wealth advisor is a crucial choice that can significantly influence the pursuit of achieving your financial objectives. To put it another way, an advisor is someone you should feel at ease dealing with. They should share your interests and possess the depth, broadness, and time perspective that you need.

Introducing Bob Chitrathorn, a devoted financial advisor with a commitment to offering financial advice tailored for specific situations. Through his venture, Wealth Planning by Bob Chitrathorn, he assists individuals in formulating a strategy to enable them to pursue their financial goals.

Becoming an Valued Advisor

Bob Chitrathorn’s journey to becoming an experienced and valued financial professional is a fine example of education, hard work and positive mindset. A second-generation immigrant from Thailand, Bob completed his graduation from California State University with double majors in Finance and Real Estate. His strong academic acumen had an integral role in building his positive mindset for achieving financial success.

In 2004, he began his career as a financial advisor. This was an opportunity to make a good living while helping others make sound financial decisions. Eventually, Bob found a passion in personal finance, and his parents were his first clients! He discovered that his parents would listen to him more than their own counsel if he heard their objectives and explained the advantages and disadvantages of their choices. Their methodical and thoughtful approach assisted him in cultivating active listening abilities that later became his hallmark in the workplace. Over the next decade, Bob assisted many clients in pursuing their financial objectives. Bob Co-founded Simplified Wealth Management, with the goal of developing a new brand and influencing the next wave of financial advisors.

After nearly a quarter of a century of hard work and having emphasis on meticulous planning, Bob assists clients in taking measures to prepare for both the present financial environment and upcoming obstacles. He can comprehend each client's distinct goals and create solutions that are specifically tailored to meet their demands because of his proactive approach and personalized viewpoint.

A Jack-of-all-trades in Wealth Management

Wealth Management as a concept has significantly evolved in recent years. Technological advancements, shifting customer expectations, and regulatory changes have disrupted the wealth management space. With a focus on helping people build their wealth in changing scenarios, Bob Chitrathorn provides comprehensive financial planning and wealth management. He offers an array of services, including financial planning, building guided wealth portfolios, Free Risk Analysis, Investment Planning, Insurance Planning, College Planning, and Student Loan repayment assistance. He can also help with tax planning, Medicare planning, and real estate conservation.

Each of these services are tailored to individual client needs with a focus on investment planning, retirement income strategies, estate conservation, and risk management. His approach blends rigorous risk analysis with a vision for long-term financial security and growth. By being a catalyst for his clients, helping them define what really matters in their financial lives. In doing so, Bob taps into areas where various clients need help or where he feels people are not given the full picture. “We recently began to help people with medicare since we believe not everyone is geared to helping the end user,” says Bob. His background and education in finance and real estate, combined with his commitment to having tailored financial solutions, position him to offer valued insights and strategies to his clients.

A Notch above the others

Most people look for professionalism, competence, and trustworthiness in a financial advisor. However, a proficient advisor needs to have more than that. A financial advisor and their client might have a lifelong connection, so it's necessary to have one that shares a client’s vision. They ought to have a well-defined plan in place for handling people's money. They must adhere to a code of ethics and minimize any potential disputes when dealing with clients. Bob covers each of these attributes while keeping four things in mind. Try your hardest to help the individual you wish to help. Be genuine, truthful and open.  Have actual true concern and care for the individual you are helping, and make sure they know how you are compensated.

Bob is aware of and is appreciative of his clients' years of diligent work to save money. Whether they're saving for education, buying a home, accumulating wealth, safeguarding their family from unanticipated financial stress, planning for retirement, or living in retirement, he loves and enjoys teaching people about financial investments. He never stops learning, reading up on new subjects, and keeping abreast of changes in the sector. This allows him to treat each client holistically, even when they present with a variety of financial concerns.

Touching all pain points of financial planning

Although Bob favors a philosophical approach to investment and financial planning, he has a passion for technology. Although the investing process begins with becoming acquainted with the client personally, advanced software for planning is used throughout the process. Having solid footing on both corners allows him to be more cautious with the entire investing plan. Additionally, it enables him to emphasize risk management. “At the end of the day, risk management is another aspect of math, and I love math,” says Bob. While he ensures a customized plan for each client, he often adopts a very systematic approach to keep things manageable.

According to Bob, one aspect of risk management is the actual portfolio structure of a client. So, he uses four different buckets according to time horizons, risk tolerance, and income requirements. These fall into conservative, moderate, growth and income, and more aggressive growth. Since the entire portfolio must increase over time to fulfill inflation and income needs, buckets may eventually be exposed to more risk. Nevertheless, buckets farther off will continuously restock the clients' income requirements if the portfolio is built correctly throughout its phases. 

Envisioning years of success ahead

Bob's quest to assist people towards achieving their financial objectives is evidence of his enthusiasm for the industry. He takes great pleasure in offering his assistance to others. At a prior company, his love and enthusiasm for his work helped him advance to the position of Vice President of Investments. After a while, the company "seemed to care more about the bottom line as opposed to people." That didn't sit well with Bob. It was at that point that he began to consider starting a different kind of financial planning firm in order to focus on assisting and educating people rather than having to play the corporate game.

Today, his firm has helped a large clientele pursue their financial goals. While the financial space will keep changing, erupting new challenges, Bob is on a mission to help people build their wealth in the pursuit of financial independence.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

Bob Chitrathorn is a registered representative with, and Securities and Retirement Plan Consulting Program advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. Other advisory services offered through Mariner Independent Advisor Network. Mariner Independent Advisor Network, Wealth Planning by Bob Chitrathorn, and Simplified Wealth Management are separate entities from LPL Financial.

More in News

Artificial intelligence-driven technologies are redefining banking by improving efficiency, security, compliance, and customer experiences, allowing institutions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital and financial market.  Technological advancements, changing consumer expectations, and evolving regulatory landscapes are profoundly transforming the banking industry. Digital banking, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and fintech innovations are reshaping traditional banking models and making services more efficient, accessible, and secure. In this environment, the future of banking hinges on agility, innovation, and the ability to balance technological progress with trust and compliance Centralised Operating Models for Generative AI Banks increasingly shifting towards centralised operating models for managing generative AI (GenAI). This transition addresses critical challenges such as ensuring accuracy, minimising security risks, and maintaining transparency. A centralised structure enables standardised processes, better resource allocation, and stronger oversight. It also facilitates scalable deployment, fosters collaboration, and enhances the governance of AI systems. Establishing a core team to oversee AI implementation ensures quality assurance, bias monitoring, and security compliance, positioning banks for an AI-driven future. Cloud-First Architecture The demand for scalable AI applications is driving banks to adopt cloud-first architectures. AI workloads require substantial computing power, making cloud-based solutions more practical than on-premises systems. This shift enhances operational efficiency, facilitates AI integration, and supports seamless scalability. A cloudfirst strategy enables banks to modernise their infrastructure while managing data and applications across hybrid environments flexibly. Advanced Security and Anomaly Detection AI-powered security solutions are becoming essential in identifying and mitigating risks in banking. Traditional security measures often struggle to detect evolving cyber threats and fraudulent activities. AI-driven anomaly detection systems analyse historical data, adapt to new attack patterns, and provide realtime alerts. These systems improve threat identification, automate responses to potential breaches, and enhance overall cybersecurity resilience. Large Language Models in Banking Adopting large language models (LLMs) transforms customer interactions in banking. These AI models enable realtime data analysis and intelligent responses, enhancing customer engagement. LLMs are crucial in personalising digital banking experiences, streamlining communication, and optimising service delivery. As digital banking grows, AI-powered conversational tools are becoming integral to financial institutions’ customer service strategies. AI-Driven Chatbots and Virtual Assistants AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are reshaping banking services by improving customer support and operational efficiency. These tools enable users to manage transactions, access account information, and receive real-time assistance. Virtual assistants handle routine inquiries while directing complex issues to human representatives, ensuring seamless service. The integration of AI-driven conversational agents enhances customer experience and streamlines banking operations. Algorithmic Trading AI in trading has transformed market transactions by automating decision-making processes. Algorithmic trading systems leverage AI to analyse data, optimise trading strategies, and execute orders efficiently. These systems enhance trading performance and risk management by identifying market trends and patterns. AI-driven trading models continue to evolve, contributing to more sophisticated and adaptive financial strategies. AI in Regulatory Compliance AI is increasingly vital in ensuring regulatory compliance within the banking sector. Automated compliance solutions enhance risk assessment, streamline monitoring processes, and help financial institutions adhere to evolving regulations. AI-driven systems assist in fraud detection, transaction monitoring, and customer verification, reducing compliance risks and improving accuracy. Banks can navigate complex regulatory landscapes more effectively by integrating AI into compliance frameworks. AI in Pricing Strategies AI is transforming pricing banking pricing strategies to data-driven decision-making. Traditional static pricing models are replacing with dynamic, personalised pricing approaches that leverage AI and data analytics. This shift enhances profitability, improves customer retention, and supports competitive pricing structures. Integrating AI into pricing strategies allows banks to optimise revenue generation while maintaining a customer-centric approach. Leveraging AI for regulatory compliance, pricing strategies, and personalised experiences can enhance efficiency, mitigate risks, and drive sustainable growth for banks. As AI continues to reshape banking, institutions that adopt agile, forward-thinking approaches will remain competitive in an increasingly digital and dynamic financial landscape. ...Read more
The cross-border payment landscape drives technological advancements, evolving customer expectations, and regulatory changes. As businesses and individuals increasingly operate in a global economy, the need for fast, secure, and cost-effective cross-border payment solutions has never been greater. Blockchain offers a decentralized, transparent, and safe way to facilitate cross-border transactions, reducing the reliance on intermediaries like banks. Using cryptocurrency for cross-border payments eliminates the need for currency conversions and enables faster, cheaper cross-border transactions. Major financial institutions are now exploring or adopting blockchain-based solutions for international payments. The demand for real-time payments is growing, and this trend is transforming cross-border transactions. International payments have taken days to settle, often involving several intermediaries and hefty fees. Real-time payment systems are becoming more prevalent, offering near-instantaneous funds transfer across borders. Financial institutions and fintech companies are developing platforms that allow instant cross-border payments, reduce delays, and make global commerce more efficient. Open banking enables consumers and businesses to access competitive foreign exchange rates, reduce transaction costs, and streamline payment. It empowers fintechs to develop innovative payment solutions that integrate directly with banks, providing users with more options for international transactions. Open banking allows small businesses to connect their accounting software directly with payment platforms, automating the reconciliation of cross-border payments and reducing administrative work. The rise of fintech companies has significantly disrupted the traditional cross-border payment ecosystem. The platforms often provide better foreign exchange rates, making them attractive to businesses and individuals. Companies are leading the charge by offering transparent, low-cost, fast cross-border payment solutions. Fintechs are particularly strong in servicing the gig economy, freelancers, and SMEs that need to send or receive payments across borders without the high fees charged by banks. It facilitates transfers using local bank accounts in different countries, which allows users to send money internationally at a fraction of the cost charged by traditional banks. As cross-border payments grow, ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions becomes increasingly complex. The need to meet anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regulations while preventing fraud has driven demand for advanced compliance solutions. Fintechs and traditional financial institutions incorporate advanced technologies such as AI, ML, and biometric authentication to streamline compliance and reduce risks. Digital identity solutions are also crucial in enhancing security and compliance. Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements are being met more efficiently through digital identity verification platforms, which can authenticate users quickly and reduce fraud. Regional payment hubs and collaborations between countries are becoming more common to enhance cross-border payment efficiency. These hubs act as centralized platforms for processing payments between multiple countries, reducing the need for intermediary banks and lowering transaction costs. Such collaborations allow for more efficient currency exchange, lower fees, and greater regulatory alignment between nations, further simplifying cross-border transactions. Creating a more interconnected and efficient payment system for businesses and consumers is essential. ...Read more
Artificial intelligence (AI) in education refers to computer systems that perform activities that require human intelligence. This technology improves learning outcomes, streamlines administrative procedures, and helps educators. AI technologies such as machine learning and robotics help to personalize learning by adapting content and pace to specific student needs. This tailored approach accommodates diverse learning styles and speeds, ensuring that students receive the attention and resources they need to succeed.  In addition to tailored learning, AI can help instructors automate administrative tasks. Teachers who spend less time on these repetitive tasks can devote more time to education and student engagement. AI-powered technologies can also provide insights into student performance and growth, enabling early intervention for those who struggle while also recognizing those who thrive. This data-driven approach enables better-informed decision-making and personalized support for students. AI in education can enable creative teaching approaches and interactive learning environments. As AI advances, its ability to transform education by making it more accessible, efficient, and personalized becomes more apparent. Key advantages of AI in education: Personalized learning: AI provides individualized learning by adapting instructional information to each student's specific needs. AI using adaptive learning technology may assess a student's strengths, weaknesses, learning pace, and preferences. This data enables AI systems to provide individualized lesson plans and resources, ensuring that students receive instruction tailored to their own learning styles. As a result, students can learn at their own pace, which improves understanding and retention of material. Enhanced student involvement and motivation: AI-powered immersive learning experiences can improve student engagement and motivation by making learning more interactive and individualized. Gamified learning platforms powered by AI utilize game elements like rewards, challenges, and leaderboards to make learning more enjoyable and competitive. Furthermore, AI may provide immediate feedback and guidance, helping students to remain motivated and focused on their learning objectives. By targeting individual needs and providing real-time assistance, AI helps to keep students interested and active participants. Cost-effective learning: AI can reduce costs in education by automating administrative processes and delivering scalable learning solutions. For example, AI can perform routine tasks such as grading assignments, scheduling, and managing student records, enabling instructors to focus on teaching. Furthermore, AI-powered educational platforms can reach a huge number of students for minimal additional cost, making high-quality education available to a wider audience. This scalability helps minimize overall educational costs while ensuring more students have access to high-quality learning experiences. ...Read more
When financial products and services are integrated into non-financial platforms, embedded finance transforms the financial services sector.  This smooth integration improves consumer satisfaction, creates new revenue streams, and stimulates innovation in various industries.  Thanks to integrated finance, which offers financial services right within the platforms they already use, customers no longer have to navigate between applications or websites to make financial transactions.  The convenience can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty, as users appreciate the ease and efficiency of accessing financial services when and where they need them. By offering services such as instant credit at checkout, insurance options within e-commerce sites, or integrated payment solutions in enterprise software, businesses can provide a more convenient and streamlined experience. For businesses, embedded finance opens up new revenue opportunities. Companies can tap into additional income sources beyond their primary products or services by offering financial services directly to customers. An e-commerce platform that offers point-of-sale financing can earn revenue from interest or transaction fees on loans provided to its customers. Subscription services, marketplaces, and SaaS companies can benefit from embedded financial products by incorporating features like embedded payments, lending, and investment services. These integrated financial offerings enhance the core product and create diversified revenue streams that can significantly boost profitability. Embedded finance can reach individuals who may not have access to traditional banking services. Mobile payment solutions and digital wallets are prime examples of how embedded finance can provide banking capabilities to unbanked or underbanked individuals, particularly in developing regions. Small businesses and startups can benefit from embedded finance by accessing credit and other financial services through platforms they already use for business operations. It can help bridge the financing gap for businesses that might otherwise need help to secure loans from traditional financial institutions. Embedded finance allows businesses to gather valuable data on customer transactions and financial behaviors. By analyzing this information, companies can develop targeted marketing strategies, personalize product offerings, and improve customer engagement. An online retailer with integrated financial services can track customer purchase behavior and use this data to offer personalized financing options or loyalty programs. The data-driven insights enable businesses to create more relevant and appealing financial products that resonate with customers. Integrating financial services within business platforms can also enhance operational efficiency. By streamlining financial transactions and automating payment processes, embedded finance reduces administrative burdens and minimizes the risk of errors. The efficiency allows businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring that financial transactions are handled smoothly and securely. B2B platforms incorporating embedded payment solutions can automate invoicing and payment collection, reducing the time and effort required for financial reconciliation. The rise of embedded finance is driving innovation in both the financial sector and across various industries. Fintech companies and traditional financial institutions are developing new technologies and solutions to seamlessly integrate financial services into non-financial platforms. The innovation fosters a more dynamic and competitive market, creating better, more efficient financial products. Businesses that embrace embedded finance can differentiate themselves by offering innovative and unique financial solutions that enhance their value proposition. ...Read more

Weekly Brief