More About Mel

For over twenty years, Mel has held key posts with both established asset managers such as Russell Investments and fast-growth startup firms like United Capital (acquired 2019 by Goldman Sachs).  Since 2019, Mel has focused almost exclusively on private equity and the employee stock option financing space.  He also founded the personal finance and wellness app, MoneyComb, in 2014. Seed funded by Duke University and incubated under leading behavioral economist Dan Ariely, MoneyComb quickly gained a reputation for innovative thinking about money and happiness: MoneyComb in WSJ.

Having served as the CEO of three different FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealers, Mel has established himself as an expert in the operation of financial firms with an emphasis on broker-dealer formation, private placements, compliance, and scaling of digital operations.

Mel holds an MBA with concentrations in investment and corporate finance from Duke University.  He received his BA from Loyola University Chicago where he majored in philosophy, minored in English, and helped establish the school’s nascent men’s rugby program. Mel is also a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional and holds the CFP® designation.