Born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, Luis Felipe Jarrin moved to the United States in 2016. His journey to the wealth management industry began “humbly,” as he says, with a job as a cashier at Dick’s Sporting Goods, which allowed him to support himself while he was a full-time college student. Today, he’s a senior wealth strategy associate at UBS Financial Services Inc., serving affluent families in Latin America as well as driving wealth preservation and growth.
Recently, Jarrin was awarded the 2024–2025 Columbia University Wealth Management Advancing Diversity Fellowship for demonstrating his commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the wealth management industry. Through this fellowship, he’ll earn a Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management at the Columbia School of Professional Studies.
Jarrin’s career journey spans from participating in the NASA CCP Business Start-up fellowship program to working as a personal banker at U.S. Bank, a licensed analyst at Goldman Sachs, and now a senior wealth strategy associate at UBS Financial Services Inc.. He’s put his bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, to good use and is eager to do the same with his M.P.S. in Wealth Management.
“Ultimately, my objective is to transition into the role of an international financial advisor, with a particular focus on serving clients in South America,” says Jarrin. “Columbia’s School of Professional Studies offers the ideal platform for me to achieve this.”
Jarrin recently spoke to us about why he has decided to pursue a degree in Wealth Management at Columbia, how he hopes to help a diverse range of clients, and how he believes listening is the key to success in this field.
What excites you most about working in the field of wealth management?
What excites me most about wealth management is being an advocate for financial well-being, capital preservation, and growth. This field feels personal to me because I believe knowledge is key—the more I learn, the better I can serve my clients. Helping a diverse range of clients, from low-income individuals to ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients, is fascinating. It’s not just about handling the challenges and complexities but also about gaining insights into how different people think about their finances on a personal level. Having a job that focuses on helping people gives me a deep sense of purpose, and serving as a resource in finance is incredibly fulfilling.
What initially attracted you to Columbia’s Wealth Management program?
Its focus on bridging the gap between technology and wealth management. In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, advancements in artificial intelligence and other technologies are transforming investment advising. While technology has the potential to enhance certain areas, I strongly believe it cannot replace the nuanced understanding and human intuition required for effective wealth management. Columbia’s program offers the perfect platform to develop both the technical skills and the deep insights necessary to navigate this balance.
Additionally, the program presents a unique opportunity for me to advance my professional growth while contributing to a broader mission of making financial services more equitable and accessible. The program fosters collaboration and innovation, offering a chance to work with industry leaders and the Columbia community. This aligns with my goal of not only furthering my own career but also helping to create a financial landscape that better serves underrepresented communities.
As the financial industry grows increasingly competitive because of regulatory changes and technological advancements, Columbia’s curriculum stands out for its blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. The program’s emphasis on wealth management, behavioral finance, and relationship management will equip me with the tools to remain competitive and meet evolving client expectations. This alignment with my long-term goals makes Columbia’s Wealth Management program the ideal fit for my career aspirations.
What does the Wealth Management Advancing Diversity Fellowship mean to you?
The fellowship is an invaluable opportunity to propel my professional goals while contributing to diversity and inclusion within the financial sector.
A key aspect of this fellowship is the chance to connect with individuals who share similar backgrounds and experiences, allowing us to discuss the challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry. Engaging with peers who have faced obstacles will provide me with fresh perspectives and insights, enriching my understanding of the financial landscape.
Additionally, the financial support provided by the fellowship relieves the burden of debt, freeing up resources and allowing me to focus more intently on my entrepreneurial goals and building a more inclusive financial future.
You’ve shared that you hope to harness the collective expertise of Columbia to help create “a more equitable and accessible financial landscape for the Latino community.” Can you explain why this mission is personally meaningful to you?
Throughout my career at various banks and large wirehouses, I have consistently observed a significant underrepresentation of minority groups, including Hispanics, African Americans, and women. This is not a secret to anybody. This lack of representation spans different net-worth segments—from mass-affluent to UHNW clients. Advisors who share the cultural values and understand the unique desires of these communities are scarce, leaving a gap in how well these clients are served. It is essential for minority groups to have financial advisors who not only look like them but also understand their culture and values.
Moreover, there is a prevailing stereotype that top-performing financial advisors are typically white Americans, which limits opportunities for exceptionally talented advisors from minority backgrounds. I have witnessed highly knowledgeable minority advisors, often outperforming their peers, face barriers to advancement. There seems to be an invisible ceiling that prevents them from reaching their full potential. My goal is to break that ceiling and bring with me more top-performing advisors from diverse cultural backgrounds into leadership roles, particularly those from Hispanic and Latin American communities.
What part of the program are you most looking forward to? What do you hope to gain from your time at Columbia SPS?
I am pursuing this master’s program to fully engage in a comprehensive curriculum that will equip me with both theoretical and practical expertise in wealth management. I recognize the importance of not only building technical knowledge but also gaining proficiency in areas like behavioral finance and relationship management. These are critical components for success in the field, and I believe this program is strategically aligned with my long-term career goals.
Additionally, I am eager to immediately apply the knowledge gained in real-world settings while also preparing for the CFP® exam—a milestone that aligns seamlessly with my career aspirations. Ultimately, my objective is to transition into the role of an international financial advisor, with a particular focus on serving clients in South America. Columbia SPS offers the ideal platform for me to achieve this.
What’s one piece of advice you would tell someone interested in entering the wealth management industry?
Focus on the emotional aspect of interpersonal dynamics. Again, in this field, you’re not just working with numbers—you’re working with people, each carrying their own emotions, life experiences, and personal goals. Financial decisions often tie closely to significant life events like retirement, buying a home, or funding a child’s education. These are emotionally charged moments, and the ability to handle these conversations with empathy and care is critical.
By truly listening and connecting on an emotional level, you create a foundation of trust. This goes beyond just building rapport; it helps you understand the deeper reasons behind a client’s financial decisions, like their anxieties, dreams, and values. Understanding these emotions is just as important as, if not more so than, knowing financial strategies, because it shapes how well you can guide clients through life-changing decisions.
Developing this emotional intelligence alongside your technical skills will set you apart in this industry. As you continue growing in wealth management, your ability to balance both the personal and the financial aspects will play a key role in your success and in the long-term relationships you build with clients.
About the Program
A 16-month online program with asynchronous instruction, specially designed to accommodate working professionals, Columbia University’s Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management program is taught by distinguished faculty with deep applied experience in their respective fields. Additionally, it is a CFP Board Registered Program designed to help students meet the educational requirements for CFP® certification.
